Session 6 - (Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-3) Jesus’ birth story per Matthew. Was Mary really a Perpetual Virgin?

Jesus’ birth story per Matthew....Was Mary really a Perpetual Virgin?”

Key Points:

• Joseph is the “hero” of Matthews account. (Vs Mary the “hero” in Luke’s account.)  This is not a contradiction, just a difference of emphasis.
  
  
• Joseph a great example for us: He chose to forego his legal rights to follow God’s will and act for the benefit of others.
  
  
• The word “until” in verse 25 does not mean that Mary was not a perpetual virgin. (Two other examples of “until” in scripture.)
  
  
• The Magi were non-Jews; Jesus came for all of us!
  
  
• No Magi in Luke, no shepherds in Matthew; just different emphases.
  
  
• Luke emphasizes women, poor. Matthew emphasizes fulfillment of OT prophecy.