Sermon Central
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Miraculous Conception Series
Contributed by Shine Thomas on Dec 1, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: The miraculous conception was a result of God taking the initiative to send his son Jesus into this world to save us from our sins; however, this also involved the obedience of Joseph and Mary.
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INTRODUCTION
The miraculous conception was a result of God taking the initiative to send his son Jesus into this world to save us from our sins; however, this also involved the obedience of Joseph and Mary.
Read this amazing story of how Jesus calms every storm of our life.
Well, this morning I want to have a closer look at this text, and we will derive some application for our life based on the miraculous conception.
BACKGROUND
Now, Matthew is writing his gospel with an apologetic aim. In Matthew 1, the author is giving defense for the slander that Jesus is an illegitimate son of Mary. Remember, the Pharisees asked the question in Matthew 22:42 What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” Matthew answers the question: Whose son is Jesus. The author here is giving us an apologetic gospel to prove whose Son is Jesus.
Matthew 1:1-17 shows us that Jesus is the son of David.
Matthew 1:18-25 shows us that Jesus is the son of God.
Joseph’s obedience enabled Jesus to be adopted as the son of David. Mary’s role enabled Jesus to be bon as the Son of God. Both of those are essential to an understanding of the incarnation. Jesus is God in a human body. So, Matthew splits his chapter into two parts, dealing with the human and then the divine.
Let us look at the Miraculous Conception of Jesus Christ.
1. mIRACULOUS CONCEPTION CONFIRMED
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
Mary
We have very little information about Mary in the scripture. Mary is Jesus’ mother. Mary had a sister, the wife of Cleophas, who also was named Mary.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas…
Luke in his gospel states that Mary’s father as Heli. Mary had a cousin, Elizabeth. Luke 3:24, 1:36
Now we don’t know much about Mary other than that. Her early life was spent in Nazareth. Mary was no doubt a very righteous lady. If you want a good character study of Mary, you can see her in Luke 1 where you have a parallel account of the annunciation or the miraculous conception.
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
We can find Mary’s character in her response to the angel.
I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
A) MARY SUBMITTED TO GOD’S WORD
Mary obeyed God’s word. The Miraculous Conception is a result of Mary obey God’s word.
Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!
B) MARY WAS A WOMAN OF FAITH
Now listen, ladies, if an angel came and told you that, would you just say this? Most women would have said, “Joseph, I had this weird dream. I need to go see a counsellor.” She believed. Great lady of faith.
C) MARY KNEW THE SCRIPTURES
See the Magnificat. In this you will see the OT scripture quoted. I have placed it after each verse.
46And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. 50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Mary was plugged into God’s word.
The word “Mary” in Greek is Miriam. Miriam means sea of bitterness or sea of sorrow, or some say rebellious. Poor lady, badly named. She wasn’t rebellious, she was obedient to God.
Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph.
Now what does this mean? The Old Testament and the rabbinical writings distinguished two stages in a Hebrew marriage. First the engagement and then the wedding ceremony.
