Matthew 1:18-19   The birth of Christ begins with a scandal. Mary is found pregnant though she’s betrothed. Joseph decides to divorce her quietly. The law was clear about this situation (Deut 22:13-14, 20-21; 22:23-24).

Matthew 1:20-21   In Hebrew, “Jesus” sounds like the word “salvation.” Jesus will save his people from their sins. Just like the Joseph in the book of Genesis, this Joseph is a dreamer.

Matthew 1:22-23   In Isaiah’s time, the kingdom of Judah faced an alliance between the kings of Israel and Syria. God provided a sign child to indicated He was with His people and would deliver them (Isaiah 7:14-16). Jesus likewise was a sign child.

Matthew 1:24-25   Joseph believes in the dream and acts accordingly. Even though there would be scandal, he chose to obey God.

Matthew 2:1-2   The wise men (magi) came from the east, probably from Arabia. They came to pay homage to the king of the Jews.

Matthew 2:3-8   Herod was a shrewd politician with a good deal of paranoia, especially in his old age. He carefully weaves a net to catch this so-called king.

Matthew 2:9-12   How encouraging it must have been to Joseph and Mary to have these visitors come! Their gifts would fund their escape and sojourn in Egypt.

Matthew 2:13-18   Another dream instructs Joseph to flee. He does not take his time but gets up and goes. In the meanwhile, Herod slaughters innocent children in Bethlehem. It’s telling that God didn’t exempt His son from difficulty throughout his life. Jesus understood human suffering.