Matthew 1:18-25: The Immanuel Fulfillment

When we connect Matthew 1:16 with 18, it becomes clear that the birth of Jesus Christ is distinct from all other births in human history. Matthew chooses his words carefully in 1:16 when he refers to Joseph as the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. This is a break from the genealogical history recorded in 1:1-17, which notes biological fathers. With this approach, Matthew is preparing his readers for the reality of the virgin birth. The virgin birth is necessary for a sinless Son (cf. Luke 1:35). If Jesus had received both Joseph’s and Mary’s nature, He would not be able to save.

In 1:23, Matthew references Isaiah 7:14 with these words: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel. As we have noted in prior weeks, the name Immanuel means God with us. As we continue to explore the subject of Immanuel, note how Matthew begins and ends his gospel with this truth. In 28:20, Jesus said And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. We praise God that Christ came to be with us and die for us.