Question 1

What does it mean that Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost?

Accepted Answer

The phrase means Mary became pregnant in a completely unique way. There was no human father involved. God’s Spirit brought about this pregnancy, so Jesus was truly human, born of a woman, and yet His life began by God’s direct action, not by normal conception. This shows His purity and sets Him apart from every other person. It also fits His role as Savior, since the one who would save people from their sins is not just another sinner, but the Son sent from God, conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Question 2

Why was Joseph planning to put Mary away privately?

Accepted Answer

Joseph thought Mary had been unfaithful because she was pregnant before they lived together. As a just man, he could not simply ignore what seemed like sin. Yet he also loved her and did not want to shame or harm her. So he chose a quiet divorce instead of making her a public example. This shows a heart that cares about both what is right and about mercy. He paused to think carefully instead of acting in anger, and God met him while he was wrestling with this.

Question 3

Why did the angel call Joseph “son of David”?

Accepted Answer

The angel called Joseph “son of David” to remind him of his royal family line. God had promised long before that the Savior would come from David’s house. By addressing Joseph this way, the angel was showing that Joseph’s role mattered in God’s plan. Even though Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Joseph would take Him as his legal son. Through Joseph, Jesus stands in David’s line, and this ties the baby in Mary’s womb to the old promises about the coming King and Savior.

Question 4

What does the name Jesus mean when it says he shall save his people from their sins?

Accepted Answer

The name Jesus comes from a word that means “the Lord saves” or “Savior.” The angel explains the name by saying, “for he shall save his people from their sins.” This tells us what Jesus came to do. He did not just come to fix outward troubles or give a better life on earth. He came to deal with sin itself, its guilt and power. “His people” are all those who belong to Him by faith. For them, He brings forgiveness, rescue from sin’s hold, and a restored relationship with God.

Question 5

What is the meaning of Emmanuel, God with us, in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Emmanuel is a name that means “God with us.” Matthew points to an old prophecy about a virgin bearing a son and says it is fulfilled in Jesus. Calling Him Emmanuel shows that in Jesus, God has come near in a way never seen before. He is not distant or only speaking through others, but present among His people in a real human life. This name tells us that Jesus is more than a good teacher. He is God come to live with us, to walk among us, and to bring salvation.

Question 6

Why did Joseph wait to know Mary until after Jesus was born?

Accepted Answer

The passage says Joseph “knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son.” This means he did not have marital relations with Mary during her pregnancy. This protected the truth of the virgin birth and made it clear that Jesus’ conception was by the Holy Spirit alone. The word “till” here marks the time up to Jesus’ birth, and faithful readers have read the rest in more than one way. But all agree the point is to show that His birth was truly from a virgin, just as God had promised.

Question 7

How does this passage show the fulfillment of prophecy about a virgin and a son?

Accepted Answer

Matthew explains that these events happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through a prophet about a virgin who would conceive and bear a son called Emmanuel. In Mary, a virgin engaged but not yet living with her husband, this promise comes true. Her child is from the Holy Spirit, not from a man. The old words are not treated as a vague picture but as something God really meant to do. This birth shows God keeps His word, even when it goes beyond normal human expectation.

Question 8

What does this story teach about God’s character and care in hard situations?

Accepted Answer

This story shows that God is at work even when people feel confused and troubled. Joseph faced shame, broken trust, and a hard choice. God did not leave him guessing. At the right time, God sent an angel with clear words that calmed his fear and showed him what to do. It also shows that God watches over the weak and those who could be shamed, like Mary. He protects her through Joseph’s mercy and through His own guidance. God’s care is quiet but sure, and He uses ordinary people in His saving plan.

Question 9

How can believers today learn from Joseph’s response in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Joseph did not act in haste. He thought things over, tried to be fair and kind, and was ready to obey when God showed him the truth. When the angel spoke, he believed and did exactly what he was told, even though others might not understand. Believers today can learn to combine justice with mercy, to pause and pray when confused, and to obey God’s word even when it is costly. Joseph’s quiet obedience and trust show a simple, steady faith that takes God at His word.

Matthew 1:18

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 Birth of Jesus

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Matthew 1:18

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.

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The Birth of Jesus

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