#1410. Matthew 1:18-21 - Call Him Jesus, (17/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

From Matthew 1:18-21, let’s be inspired that Jesus has come to free us from sin. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married

Matthew now gives us Joseph’s perspective on the angel’s message. Matthew emphasises two essential truths: Mary was pledged to Joseph, and the child within her was conceived ‘through the Holy Spirit.’

To be ‘pledged’ or betrothed in Jewish culture was far more serious than our idea of engagement. Betrothal involved witnesses, a legally binding contract, and could only be broken by divorce. Although the couple were considered husband and wife in a legal sense, the marriage was not yet complete, and they were not to have sexual relations during this period.

This is why Mary’s pregnancy would naturally appear to Joseph - and to the watching community - as evidence of adultery. Matthew wants us to see clearly that something entirely unique is happening: this child has no human father, and Jesus is conceived by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.

2. Joseph planned to divorce her quietly

Matthew highlights Joseph’s integrity for an important reason: he wants us to grasp the credibility of the virgin birth. A man of Joseph’s character would certainly have ended the betrothal if he believed Mary had sinned. The fact that he ultimately takes her as his wife shows that he became utterly convinced that her child was indeed conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph’s response becomes a testimony to the truth of Jesus’ miraculous origin.

3. Joseph is told to give Him the name Jesus

As Joseph wrestles with what to do, God intervenes with clarity and reassurance. The angel addresses him as “Joseph son of David,” reminding him that he stands in the royal line through which the Messiah was promised. Joseph must not fear taking Mary as his wife, for the child she carries is not the result of sin but of the Holy Spirit’s miraculous work.

Joseph is commanded to name the child Jesus - a name meaning ‘Yahweh saves.’ But the angel goes further, revealing the heart of Jesus’ mission: “because He will save His people from their sins.”

In Joseph’s day, many longed for a political saviour - a Messiah who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel’s national glory. But the angel makes it unmistakably clear: Jesus has come for a far deeper rescue. His salvation is not merely from earthly enemies but from the greatest enemy of all - human sin and its devastating consequences. He has come to break the power of sin, to reconcile sinners to God, and ultimately to conquer death itself.

This is the salvation Christmas celebrates: not merely deliverance from circumstances, but deliverance from sin, judgment, and death.

Response

• Joseph was prepared to obey God by taking Mary as his wife and believing in the nature of Jesus. Are we prepared to do what is right and obey God even when it’s costly?

• Do we know that Jesus has come to forgive and free us from sin? Are we rejoicing in forgiveness whilst also repenting of sin in our lives? This Christmas, let’s remember that Jesus is ‘Yahweh saves’ and that: 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we continue in our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 1:76–80, was Prepare the Way.

In Zechariah’s prophecy regarding his unborn son, we see that John was born to prepare the way for Jesus, and the church continues to prepare the way for Jesus. 

Please read Luke 1:76-80 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• From this text, what do we learn about John’s ministry? And how does this inform the church's mission?

• What do we learn about our message?

• How was John prepared by God, and how is God preparing you right now?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.