Matthew 1:18-21 and Luke 1:26-38

As we approach Advent, I believe it is important for us to return to the Scripture that this season was founded on. Amidst the Thanksgiving cooking, the Christmas shopping, and the New Year’s resolutions, the story of Christ’s arrival can get lost. For the next four weeks we will examine both Gospel birth narratives, found in Matthew 1:1-2:12 and Luke 1:26-2:21, in order to get the fullest picture of Christ’s birth. Today, we will look at Matthew 1:18-21 and Luke 1:26-38, which recounts both Mary and Joseph’s supernatural revelations from God. For a deeper study into this passage, open your copy of Take Every Passage to Prayer, Volume 2- The Gospels by Charles Wagner to pages 36-43. 

Firstly, Mary’s account is given in Luke 1:26-38, where the author gives us some background. Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, is pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. She is a virgin and God has chosen her to miraculously conceive the Son of Man. An angel named Gabriel, who was used by God in Daniel to deliver a message, appears in front of Mary to tell her the news. He greets her by calling her “highly-favored” and telling her to not be afraid, as the text mentions that Mary was troubled by his appearance. He continues by informing her that she will conceive a baby boy named Jesus, that He will sit on the throne of David, and that His kingdom will be eternal. Mary questions him, replying that she is a virgin and would not be able to conceive. Gabriel says that won’t be a problem, as the Holy Spirit will overcome that barrier, just as He did with Mary’s relative Elizabeth. Mary accepts her mission and submits as a servant of the Lord.

Secondly, Joseph’s account is given in Matthew 1:18-21. It is implied that Mary tells Joseph about this divine intervention, because the text mentions that he remains faithful to her throughout the early steps of her pregnancy. Here, it is important to highlight two things. First, Joseph has not had a divine intervention yet. He is relying on trust, in both his soon-to-be wife and in God. Second, Wagner points out on page 42 that Joseph’s decision to remain with a pregnant Mary out of wedlock was social suicide. Mary would have had to confess to adultery, which carries a punishment of stoning, or claim she was raped, which carries a legal trial and social shame. Stepping into Joseph’s shoes, this point in the story must feel pretty bitter, as he considers divorcing Mary quietly. Suddenly, an unnamed angel appears to him in a dream, assuring him that what Mary is claiming is the truth. The baby that Mary is carrying will be named Jesus, and He is the Savior of the world. Joseph accepts his mission and submits as a servant of the Lord.

Wagner discusses on pages 37 and 42 how both Mary and Joseph were conflicted in this process. They both had divine assurance, yet experienced social stigma, physical pain, and disorienting doubts. Even though they knew God’s plan intimately, the text still leaves a space for their discomfort. Why? This couple should be the MOST confident! Heck, Mary had a whole conversation with a real-life angel! Yet, the text connotes that Mary and Joseph endured a lot of suffering. I think both of their stories center around a concept laid out in Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Mary is referred to as “blessed” and “highly-favored” by heavenly hosts, and both Mary and Joseph were divinely called and appointed for God’s purpose. Being called to God’s purpose does not mean that His purpose is an easy one. Frankly, most women might say childbirth is one of the most painful experiences one can endure. However, sin and human suffering are no match for God’s divine purpose for us. The birth of Jesus overcame Mary and Joseph’s struggles, and the blessings reaped from the Christ event wiped those struggles from the face of the universe. Let us ask God to model our souls after Mary and Joseph.

Father, we come before your throne before the season of advent to glorify you, your Son, and the Holy Spirit. We thank you for the divine calling you bestowed on Mary and Joseph, and the authors of the Gospel for narrating these events. Please give us a heart like Mary and Joseph; a heart that is willing to submit to earthly hardship in order to carry out your divine calling for us. Please protect us during this busy holiday season, and fix our wandering eyes upon you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.