GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW: The Birth of Jesus
The origins of Jesus: Matthew 1,18-25
"The origins of Jesus were as follows": we have seen that verse 18 needs to be read together with verse 1. In both verses, it makes good sense to translate "genesis" as "origins". This is perhaps especially the case with verse 18. What follows is more about Jesus' conception than his birth.
These eight verses have been described as an extended footnote to verse 16. Is this a fair comment?
How is Joseph described in verse 19? Look at translations other than the Jerusalem Bible. Have a look at 5,20.
The Patriarch Joseph was a notable dreamer. Have a look at Genesis 37,5-11. What differences are there with this Joseph?
What is twice stated in these verses about the origins of Jesus?
Look up the original of the quotation in verse 23 - is there a difference between the quotation and what your OT says?
What is the significance of Joseph naming Jesus in verse 25?
What in summary have we learnt about Jesus in the first chapter of the Gospel?
Now have a look at my response
We have read this chapter as an exploration of Jesus' orgins, human and divine. It is not a common reading; it depends as we have seen on translating "genesis" in both verse 1 and verse 18 as "origins". It also arises because there is no mention of time or place in the second part of the chapter. My conclusion is that seeing Jesus' origins as the topic of this first chapter makes for a good introduction to the Gospel.
The next stage of our reading will be chapter 2 where the story becomes more specific. This will then prepare us for the opening of the main story in chapter 3.