In Matthew 1:18–24, we learn how Mary was going to have a baby named Jesus. Mary was engaged to Joseph when she was found to be expecting before they lived together. Joseph planned to quietly end the engagement because he didn’t want to embarrass Mary. But an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. The angel explained that the baby was from God and that Joseph should name him Jesus, because he would save his people. The angel also said this would happen to fulfill what the prophet had said: a child called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” After the dream, Joseph obeyed and took Mary as his wife.

Main Points

●  Mary was pregnant before she and Joseph lived together.

●  Joseph first thought of quietly ending the engagement to protect Mary’s reputation.

●  An angel spoke to Joseph in a dream and explained the baby’s special origin.

●  The angel told Joseph to name the baby Jesus.

●  The event fulfilled an old prophecy about a child called Immanuel: “God with us.”

●  Joseph trusted the angel and followed the instructions.

Reflection Questions 

1. Why do you think Joseph wanted to end the engagement quietly at first?

2. What does the name “Jesus” and the title “Immanuel” tell us about who this child would be?

3. How does Joseph’s decision to obey the angel show care and courage?