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Intermediate Sunday School Lesson 5 : The Birth Narrative of the Lord Jesus Christ

Text: Matthew 1:18-25
30 January 2022

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 30 January 2022
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Subject: Following the Lord Jesus as His Disciples
Focus: The Birth Narrative of the Lord Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION

1. The significance of the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ -Matthew 1:1-17

a) Demonstrates the power of God
b) The Lord Jesus was indeed:
i) The Son of David -Matthew 1:1
ii) The Son of Abraham -Matthew 1:1
iii) The Christ (Messiah) -Matthew 1:16, 17, 18

2. The birth narrative of the Lord Jesus

a) This is an important text to read and appreciate -Matthew 1:18-25
b) The birth narrative is wonderful to note!

THE BETROTHAL OF MARY TO JOSEPH

1. The word “betrothal”

“Mary was betrothed to Joseph” Matthew 1:18a
a) Modern equivalent: “Engaged to be married”
b) This was very formal
c) To break a betrothal was seen as “a divorce”

2. Mary “was found with child” Matthew 1:18b

a) In earthly terms
i) Mary would have been deemed to be unfaithful to Joseph
ii) If Joseph had kept away from Mary (before marriage; quite usual)
b) Joseph, though only betrothed
He was called “her husband” Matthew 1:19a

3. Joseph’s Character

a) He was a just man Matthew 1:19b
b) The word “just” means “righteous”
c) He did not want to bring shame and dishonour to Mary by making this matter public
d) He wanted to end his betrothal by “divorcing” her -Matthew 1:19c
e) This divorce would be done “secretly” (discreetly) -Matthew 1:19d
f) He thought much about this -Matthew 1:20a

AN ANGELIC VISIT

1. An Angel of the Lord visited him -Matthew 1:20b

a) This could be done physically
b) It could be done through a special dream
“an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream” Matthew 1:20c

2. This was a very serious matter

a) God’s plan may be affected
b) God sent an angel to deal with the problem
i) Potential Divorce
ii) Consequences would be dire

3. The task of the Angel of the Lord

a) Addressing Joseph
“Joseph, son of David” Matthew 1:20d
b) Dealing with the problem of fear
“do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife” Matthew 1:20e
i) Fear from what people may say
ii) Fear that comes from dark doubts about Mary’s character
e) The Child of Mary
“for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 1:20f
i) Mary’s pregnancy was not caused by a man
ii) This was a special work of the Holy Spirit
f) Explanation of the Child of Mary
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
i) She will bring forth a Son -Matthew 1:21a
(Recall Matthew 1:1 “the Son of David, the Son of Abraham”)
ii) Name to be given
“you shall call His name JESUS (Saviour)” Matthew 1:21b
iii) His task
“He will save His people from their sins” Matthew 1:21c

4. Joseph’s Part

a) He will have to Understand
b) He will have to Believe
c) He will have to Follow Through
i) He must not divorce Mary
ii) He must marry her
d) To provide for Mary
e) To provide for Baby Jesus the legal right to be “Son of David”

WHY WAS THIS SO IMPORTANT?

1. To fulfil a prophecy of the Lord Matthew 1:22a

2. This prophecy was made by Isaiah the prophet Matthew 1:22b

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14
a) Mary
She was “the virgin” Matthew 1:23a
b) A virgin birth
“shall be with child” Matthew 1:23b
c) The Son
“they shall call His name Immanuel” Matthew 1:23c
i) God with us
ii) This was prophetic
iii) The Lord Jesus fulfilled this perfectly in His life

THE RESPONSE OF JOSEPH

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. Matthew 1:24-25

1. His response

a) Noble
b) Appropriate
c) Responsible
d) Obedient
e) Faithful
f) Wise

2. He obeyed the commandment of the Angel of the Lord Matthew 1:24

a) He did not divorce Mary
b) He married her

3. Great respect for Mary

He did not have sexual relationship with Mary till after she had given birth

4. The name of their Son

The Baby was called “Jesus”
a) In obedience to the angel
b) It was a good and appropriate name
c) He would indeed become the Saviour of the world

CONCLUSION

1. There are 2 essential parts to consider

a) God’s Part
i) Plan
ii) Promise
iii) Prophecy
b) Man’s Part
i) To know
ii) To understand
iii) To find faith

2. These two things are clearly seen

a) Angel of God
b) Joseph

3. Our Challenge

a) To know God’s Word
b) To respond appropriately