Matthew 1:18–25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:3 for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The divine conception and its purpose
The incarnation of Jesus Christ stands as one of the greatest miracles in Scripture. Matthew records, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” The conception of Jesus was not the result of human intimacy but the sovereign act of God’s Spirit fulfilling prophecy and inaugurating the redemption of mankind.
Mary was chosen by the Lord not for her status or prominence, but because she was a vessel willing to submit to God’s will. Her response to the angel Gabriel—“Be it unto me according to thy word”—reveals profound faith and surrender. This miraculous conception fulfilled Isaiah 7:14, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
The birth of Christ depended entirely on divine initiative. The purity of Mary’s conception is crucial to Christian doctrine because the Messiah had to be born without the sin nature inherited from Adam. The Holy Ghost overshadowed her, forming in her womb the sinless Son of God. This was not merely a miracle of biology but a miracle of salvation.
Joseph’s righteous response
Joseph’s role is often understated, yet Scripture reveals a man of deep integrity and obedience. As Mary’s espoused husband, Joseph learned that she was with child before they were united. Naturally, he did not yet understand the divine origin of the pregnancy. Matthew writes that he was “a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example,” meaning he would not expose her to shame or potential punishment. Instead, he intended to put her away privately.
However, God intervened. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and confirmed the truth Mary already accepted: “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Joseph’s obedience was immediate and complete. He took Mary as his wife but “knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son.” This preserved both Mary’s purity and the divine nature of Christ’s birth.
Joseph’s faith mirrors Mary’s. Both submitted to the will of God despite misunderstanding, cultural pressure, and the weight of divine responsibility. Together they demonstrate the harmony of obedience in a God-ordained union.
The sanctity of their marriage
Mary and Joseph’s relationship stands as an example of purity, trust, and devotion to God. Their marriage was marked not by human passion first, but by spiritual calling. Their union was entrusted with the holy task of raising the Son of God. They endured misunderstanding in their community, traveled in hardship to Bethlehem, and protected Christ from Herod’s murderous decree.
Though Scripture affirms their marriage was genuine and normal after Jesus’ birth—Mary later bore other children (Matthew 13:55–56)—it also maintains that Joseph honored God’s plan by abstaining until Christ was born. Their relationship was grounded in righteousness and mutual submission to God’s revealed purpose.
The prophetic significance
The virgin birth is not a side detail of Scripture; it is a foundational doctrine. If Jesus had been conceived by natural means, He would not be the spotless Lamb able to take away the sins of the world. Through Mary, Christ took on true humanity; through the Holy Ghost, He remained fully God.
Joseph’s acceptance of Mary preserved the Davidic lineage required for the Messiah, fulfilling God’s covenant promises. Their union reveals how God weaves prophecy, purity, and obedience together to bring forth His plan of redemption.
Conclusion
Mary’s divine conception and her relationship with Joseph present a picture of humble obedience and divine purpose. Mary yielded her body to God; Joseph yielded his reputation and plans. God entrusted them with the greatest responsibility in human history—the earthly care of the incarnate Son.
Their story teaches the believer that when God calls, He equips; when God ordains, He sustains; and when God works, He fulfills prophecy with perfect precision. The birth of Christ is both a miracle of grace and a model of surrendered lives walking in harmony with God’s will.