How should Matthew 1:25 influence our understanding of Jesus' divine nature? Matthew 1:25—word by word “ But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” What the verse states outright • Joseph exercised restraint: “no union … until.” • Mary’s virginity remained intact up to Jesus’ birth. • Joseph obeyed the angel’s command by naming the Child “Jesus.” Virgin birth—cornerstone of divine nature • Isaiah 7:14 foresaw “the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son,” fulfilled here with literal precision. • Luke 1:34-35 shows the Holy Spirit—not a human father—overshadowing Mary. • Because conception was supernatural, the Child’s nature is supernatural: fully God while taking on full humanity (John 1:1-14). Legal son of David, eternal Son of God • Joseph’s role was legal, not biological: by naming Jesus, he conferred Davidic lineage (Matthew 1:1-17). • Biologically, Jesus is “Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32), free from Adam’s fallen line (Romans 5:12,18-19). • Thus Matthew 1:25 guards both truths: Jesus is David’s heir and God’s incarnate Son. Name “Jesus”—deity wrapped in mission • “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves” (Matthew 1:21). • God alone saves (Isaiah 43:11); the Child bearing that saving Name signals He shares God’s identity. • Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory,” perfectly matching the name He carries. Why the single verse matters • It secures the literal virgin birth, shielding the doctrine of the incarnation from dilution. • It proves prophecy can be trusted word-for-word; therefore all Scripture stands firm. • It joins humanity and deity in one person, qualifying Jesus to mediate (1 Timothy 2:5) and atone (Philippians 2:6-8). • It invites worship: the newborn in Matthew 1:25 is the eternal Creator taking flesh for our salvation (Colossians 1:16-20). Takeaway truths • Jesus’ divine nature is not a later church invention; it is embedded in the circumstances of His birth. • Matthew’s precise language affirms that God’s promises come to pass exactly as spoken. • Confidence in the literal virgin birth strengthens confidence in every promise God makes. |
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