A Few Minutes in Matthew

Matthew 1:24–25

“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

Explanation of the Text

Matthew concludes Chapter 1 not with words spoken, but with actions taken. Joseph wakes up, and he obeys. There is no recorded speech from Joseph anywhere in Matthew’s Gospel. His faith is shown entirely in what he does. This silence is not accidental. Joseph’s role is not to explain God’s work, but to trust it and carry it forward.

 

Joseph takes Mary as his wife, publicly identifying with her and accepting whatever misunderstanding or shame might come with that decision. At the same time, Matthew is careful to note that Joseph “knew her not” until after Jesus’ birth. This preserves the truth that Jesus’ conception is entirely God’s work, not Joseph’s. Obedience does not blur the miracle; it serves it.

Finally, Joseph names the child Jesus. This is the climactic act of obedience. By naming Him, Joseph legally claims Jesus as his son, bringing Him fully into the line of David. God’s promise moves forward not through spectacle, but through quiet faithfulness, through a man who trusts God’s word more than his own understanding.

 

What This Teaches Me About God

God advances His saving work through ordinary obedience. He does not require perfect understanding, only trust in His Word. His purposes move forward even through quiet, unseen faithfulness.

What This Teaches Me About Myself

Faith often looks less like bold speech and more like simple obedience. I may not always understand what God is doing, but I am called to trust His Word and walk in His ways.

Prayer

Loving Father, grant me a trusting heart like Joseph’s. Help me obey Your Word and rest in Your promises, even when I do not fully understand. Amen.