Text: Matthew 1:18-21

Matthew clearly states that the child conceived in Mary was of the Holy Spirit. It is this revealed fact which propels the whole narrative forward.

Mary was betrothed to Joseph. She was already pregnant. This situation could have led to her death as the law prescribed that where evidence of a young woman¹s virginity was not found she would be stoned to death (Deut. 22:20-21).

Joseph was now in a perplexing situation. No doubt Mary had related to him the angelic visit in which she was told she would bear a son and he was to be named Jesus (Luke 1:31). What was Joseph to do with his pregnant betrothed wife? He was troubled and thought about these things. Being a righteous man, he decided the best course of action was to protect Mary from public humiliation. Thus he resolved to quietly divorce her. It was then that the Lord, through his angel, spoke to Joseph. The Lord did two things. First, he reassured Joseph. Then he enlightened him. For people who are perplexed by the virgin birth of Jesus, take comfort, the Spirit of God will assure you and enlighten you.

Consider first how the Lord reassured Joseph. Keep in mind that the Lord had earlier revealed to Mary things relating to the virgin birth. Now he reveals things to Joseph. He tells Joseph not to be afraid, exactly what he had earlier told Mary (Luke 1:30). He tells Joseph that the child conceived in Mary is of the Holy Spirit, exactly what he had earlier told Mary (Luke 1:34,35). He tells Joseph the child is to be called Jesus, again, exactly what he had said to Mary earlier on (Luke 1:31). Thus we see that the Lord came to Mary and Joseph and reassured them that all was well and that he was doing a new and marvellous thing, namely, the Christ was about to enter the world.

Next, we should note that the Lord, not only reassures Joseph but he enlightens him. He reveals to him something of the Christ. The child is to be called Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins.

There is a vital connection between the virgin birth of Jesus and his role as the Saviour of his people. Jesus had to be without sin in order to save sinners. A sinner cannot save a sinner. A drowning man cannot save a drowning man. Hence Jesus, to be the Saviour of his people must needs be without sin himself. The virgin birth is absolutely essential in the scheme of salvation. If Jesus was a sinner, and he was not, then what assurance have I that his sins are forgiven? But thanks be to God that the One who is my Saviour is without sin and is able to represent me before the heavenly throne.

After the fall, Adam¹s offspring were born in his likeness and image (Gen.5:3) which means all his offspring were born tainted with sin. But Jesus was not born after the likeness and image of Adam. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. He inherited no sin in his nature. He is qualified to be the Saviour of his people.

Imagine a man suffers from hay fever. He hears that a certain doctor has a permanent cure for hay fever and so he consults him. The man holds the doctor¹s prescription in his hand, the prescription which will permanently cure him of hay fever. But he has a problem. He notices that the doctor himself is suffering from hay fever. How can a doctor who has hay fever permanently cure another hay fever sufferer? How can a sinner save a sinner? It is not possible. Thus in the wisdom and power of God Jesus was born of a virgin. He is truly the Saviour of sinners being without sin himself.

A great need in New Zealand today is for people to be made aware of their sinfulness. We have lost all conviction of sin. There can be no awakening unless people are convicted of their sinfulness. Then Jesus will be recognised as the Saviour of sinners. Without conviction of sin there is no salvation.

Imagine a court case where a criminal is proven beyond doubt to have committed a notorious crime. The judge in passing sentence comments, ³You are ready for prison.² God passes the same sentence upon us. We are all imperfect before God. We have all sinned. Unless we repent the Lord can justly say to us, ³You are ready for hell.² But this can be changed if we receive Jesus as our Saviour. Then we shall be ready for heaven.

A final word to believers. Rejoice that the Lord has reassured you of Jesus¹ virgin birth and also for his enlightening you that Jesus has saved you from your sins. You are very blessed.

A final word to unbelievers. Are you ready for heaven? Be assured that sinners will not enter heaven. Therefore, has Jesus saved you from your sins? Receive him today as your Lord and Saviour and leave this place an assured and enlightened person.

(Summary of Sermon by David Yan)