The First Christmas Dream

Matthew 1:18-25

THEME: Mary the virgin miraculously conceives, and her fiancé, Joseph, receives a visit from an angel. Mary and Joseph are married, and the baby Jesus is born.

RELEVANCE: To assure everyone that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of David and the promises to Abraham are fulfilled in Him. Christ is the Savior and Messiah King. The question is, is he your Savior? Have you believed on Him for the forgiveness of sin? In addition, God guides His people into the details of His grand will. The question is, can He direct and/or redirect you? Will you abandon your will to embrace His? Before Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream, Jehovah God had one and it includes you and me. 

INTRODUCTION:

Joseph did not divorce his fiancé Mary when he discovered her pregnancy because the Lord revealed the truth to him. Through an incredibly important dream, God showed Joseph the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy and the fascinating divine nature of her baby. All of this is a fulfillment of a 700-year-old prophecy concerning Israel’s promised Messiah’s birth in Isaiah 7:14, which says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.”

Jesus is the virgin-born Son of God; in Christ God dwells with humanity! Truly, the conception of Jesus Christ is a supernatural and absolutely unique event beyond human logic or reasoning. There is nothing else like it in all of human history. Because of this, God sent angels to help certain people understand the significance of what is unfolding (see Matt. 2:13, 19; Luke 1:11, 26; 2:9). In this case, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. Some dreams function in the Bible as a means to convey God’s message to people. The first Christmas dream tells us of the nature of our Messiah King and the wonder of his conception. It presents us an opportunity to ponder deeply God's grand dream for each of us....

LESSON:

Joseph's Dream Confirms Christ’s Divine Heritage and Virgin Birth (1:20-25)

While this gentle and deliberate man was mapping his strategy to protect Mary, “the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream.” As Joseph began to move forward on his decided course of action, God intervened to prevent a major mistake.

THE MESSAGE IN THE CHRISTMAS DREAM (Matt. 1:20-23): GOD REVEALS THE MESSIAH’S COMING

Angels are spiritual beings, created by God, who help carry out his work on earth. They brought God’s messages to people (Luke 1:26), protected God’s people (Dan 6:22), offered encouragement (Gen 16:7), and gave guidance (Ex 14:19). The angel who appeared to Joseph was one of God’s messengers, sent to correct and guide Joseph in his dealings with Mary. So, what was the message in the dream about? (Wiersbe)

It Confirms the Purity of Mary (Matt. 1:20):

Joseph is reassured that Mary’s pregnancy is caused by the Holy Spirit. Notice how God conveys this reality to Joseph.

The Specific Address.

This greeting, “Joseph, thou son of David,” was clearly designed to stir up the consciousness of his royal pedigree and to prepare him for the unusual advent of Israel’s Messiah-King. (MacDonald)

This signified that Joseph had a special role in a special event. The angel explained that Joseph was to take Mary as his wife, for the child was to be in the royal line of David. Joseph, as "son of David," would establish that royal lineage. God has an incredibly significant role for each of us as we partner with him in service and life-purpose.

The Specific Counsel.  “fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife”

Joseph was not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife; no matter what the social repercussions might be. Of course, she was already his wife because they were pledged, but the angel told Joseph that instead of divorcing Mary, he should complete the marriage process and take her home as his wife. Mary had committed no sin. He should have no misgivings about marrying Mary.

The Specific Reason. (1:20) “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost”

Any suspicions concerning her purity is groundless. Her pregnancy was a miracle of the Holy Spirit. God himself, with her consent, caused this pregnancy, and the child would be very special -- God's Son. Yes, Mary was a pregnant virgin and the baby is God the Son entering the world as the Son of Man. He would also be the fulfillment of prophecy, as described in the next verse.

When facing big decisions, some people freeze with fright. What if I decide wrong? What if I miss God's will? What if . . .? To make good decisions, first take all these worries and put them under God's promise: God cares for you, watches over you, and guides your steps. Joseph came to the best decision he could, but God had other plans and communicated them clearly. Most of our decisions will not be overruled by angels, but that's no reason for lack of confidence. To make good decisions, examine the Word on the subject, pray, evaluate all the options, talk with trusted Christian friends, then act in faith. God is with you, every step.

It Confesses the Person within Mary (Matt. 1:21):

The Angel of the Lord tells Joseph that Mary will deliver a son and his name will be Jesus. In fact, the angel proceeds to reveal the unborn Child’s sex, name, and mission. (MacDonald)

The Gender of this Unique Person.

Mary would bear a Son.  Isaiah 9:6-7, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Name of this Unique Person.

He was to be named JESUS, (which means “Jehovah is salvation” or “Jehovah, the Savior”). The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name, Joshua. There were many Jewish boys with the name Joshua (or, in the Greek, Jesus); but Mary’s Boy was called “Jesus the Christ.”  The word Christ means “anointed”; it is the Greek equivalent of Messiah. He is “Jesus the Messiah.” Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title! Beloved, there is a SAVIOR! (MacDonald)

The Mission of this Unique Person. (1:21)

True to His Name, He would “save His people from their sins.” This Child of destiny was Jehovah Himself, visiting earth to save lost humanity from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin, and eventually from the very presence of sin. From the very start, Matthew explains, to a Jewish audience, that Jesus would not save the people from Rome or from tyranny, nor would he set up an earthly kingdom immediately. Instead, Jesus would save people from sin.  How would Jesus save them from their sins? The answers to these questions will be found in the unfolding story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. (MacDonald)

  

Jesus came to earth to save us because we cannot save ourselves from sin and its devastating and eternal consequences. No matter how good we are, we cannot eliminate our alienation from God. Only Jesus, the Messiah Savior, can do that. Jesus did not come to help people save themselves; he, and he alone, came to be our Savior from the power and penalty of sin. Hell is extremely real, and God’s grace is abundant—Jesus is the only Savior. Why not trust him? This is God's grand dream for you.

This Christmas it would be good to thank the Lord Jesus for his death on the cross for your sin, and then ask him to take control of your life. Believe that he died in your place and for your sin. Trust the truth that he was buried and rose again the third day as he promised. Know that he did all of this to save you. Your new life begins at that moment. Beloved, Jesus came on a mission of mercy to rescue lost and dying sinners from hell and bring us into a righteous relationship with God.

It Concerns the Prophecy about Messiah (Matt. 1:22-23):

This Son, conceived without the aid of a human father, is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s ancient prophecy. Again, in Isaiah 7:14, the great prophet says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This Prophecy was Fulfilled. (1:22)

As Matthew recorded these events, he realized that a new era had dawned in the history of God’s dealings with the human race. The words of a messianic prophecy, long dormant, had now sprung to life. Isaiah’s cryptic prophecy was now fulfilled in Mary’s Child! (Luke 1:69-70) (MacDonald)

The Prophecy Was Inspired.  (1:22)

You see, all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was “spoken of the Lord by the prophet.” Matthew claims divine inspiration for the words of Isaiah—the Lord had spoken by the prophet at least 700 years before Christ. This was God’s ancient prediction coming to fruition.

The Prophecy Was Miraculous.  (1:23)

The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 includes the foretelling of a unique birth (“Behold, a virgin shall conceive”! In addition, think about the name assigned to God’s Son. “Emmanuel” describes who He is— “God with us.” Jesus Christ is God! We find this name “Immanuel” in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8. The King, then, was a Jewish male who is also the divine Son of God. Immanuel might also be a designation for Christ which will be used primarily in His Second Advent. Note the thoughtfully crafted statement of this truth by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:16, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” God does the miraculous to save sinners like you and me. Hallelujah! What an excellent Savior! Amen! God is with us.

THE MARRIAGE FOLLOWING THE CHRISTMAS DREAM (Matt. 1:24-25): JOSEPH TAKES MARY TO BE HIS WIFE AND CHRIST IS BORN.

Joseph facing a difficult choice after discovering that Mary is pregnant, takes her as his wife. Though this may have been humiliating, Joseph chooses to obey the angel’s command to marry her.

Joseph Abandons His Plans. (Matt. 1:24) “did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him”

As a result of the angel’s intervention, Joseph abandons his plan to divorce Mary. He continues to recognize their betrothal until Jesus’ birth! Never fear leaving your designs for your future as you embrace God’s plan.

Joseph Adopts God’s Plans. (Matt. 1:25) “and took unto him his wife”

When Joseph awakes from this dream, he obeys the Lord’s guidance. He violates many national customs by immediately taking Mary into his home rather than waiting till the one-year time period of betrothal to pass. Thinking of what would be best for Mary in her condition, he brought her home and began to care and provide for her. (Walvoord)

We can appreciate God’s miraculous working in both Joseph and Mary. Although God’s actions were beyond their comprehension, and although they may have faced misunderstanding and questioning looks from those around them, Mary and Joseph willingly followed God’s guidance. How willing are we to do what God wants, no matter what? Can we follow God’s guidance without question?

Upon awaking, Joseph did not hesitate. The decision was no longer difficult, because he simply does what he knows God wants him to do. His actions revealed four commendable qualities: (1) righteousness (1:19), (2) discretion and sensitivity (1:19), (3) responsiveness to God (1:24), and (4) self-discipline (1:25). Does this accurately describe you and me? Are we cultivating these excellent characteristics? (Wiersbe)

 

Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because of what others might think. Like Joseph and Mary, we must choose to obey God rather than seek the approval of others.

Joseph Adjusts to God’s Plan. (Matt. 1:25) “he knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son:”

To squelch any doubts about the conception and birth of Jesus while Mary was still a virgin, Matthew explained that Joseph had no sexual relationship with Mary until after the birth of this Child, Jesus. Luke (Col. 4:14), records several details surrounding the birth (Luke 2:1-7). (Walvoord)

The statement in verse 25, also refutes the notion that Mary lived her whole life as a virgin; after Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary consummated their marriage, and Jesus had several half-brothers (Matt. 12:46). Two of Jesus’ half-brothers were prominent figured in the Jerusalem Church -- James, became the leader, and Jude, wrote the book that bears his name.

Other references which indicate that Mary had children by Joseph are Matthew 12:46; 13:55, 56; Mark 6:3; John 7:3, 5; Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5; and Galatians 1:19. Joseph was not the inflexible person that is hard to work with because they must do everything one way. He was agile, nibble, flexible and capable of growing through sound God-given guidance. Are you willingly adjusting to God’s plan for you?  

Joseph Adopts God’s Son. (Matt. 1:25) “and he [Joseph] called his name JESUS”

In taking Mary as his wife, Joseph also took her Child as his adopted Son. This is how Jesus became legal heir to the throne of David. In obedience to the angelic visitor, he called the Baby’s name Jesus. Joseph did everything that God had told him! Thus, Jesus is the indisputable King of Israel and Savior of the world. As Joseph accepted the Lord, why don’t we do the same? After all this is God's dream for you and me. 

CONCLUSION: 

Thus, the Messiah-King was born. The Eternal One entered time. The Omnipotent became a tiny Infant. The Lord of glory veiled that glory in a human body, and “in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9). GOD IS WITH US! God is still speaking to His people through the written Word of God. Read, study, meditate upon the Bible’s teachings to hear His great Voice. You do not need a dream necessarily to be certain you have heard from God, you can trust the Scriptures implicitly. As God guides respond in faith and obedience as Joseph did. Wonderful dreams, God's dreams, become reality when we live in concert with His plans.