Meaning of Matthew 1:21

This verse, spoken by an angel to Joseph in a dream, reveals the divine purpose behind the birth of Jesus. It is not merely a historical event but a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, highlighting Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and the salvific nature of his mission. The name "Jesus" itself is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh saves," directly foreshadowing his primary role in liberating humanity from sin. This declaration establishes Jesus not as a political liberator or a prophet in the conventional sense, but as the one through whom ultimate salvation would be achieved.

Context and Background

The angel's message to Joseph occurs within the lineage of Jesus, as meticulously traced in Matthew's genealogy. Joseph, a righteous man, was deeply troubled by Mary's pregnancy, knowing he was not the father. The angelic visitation serves to confirm Mary's miraculous conception through the Holy Spirit and to instruct Joseph on his crucial role as earthly father and guardian of the Messiah. This dream reassures Joseph, validates Mary's status, and underscores the divine orchestration of events leading to the birth of Jesus.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Intervention and Fulfillment: The birth of Jesus is presented as a direct act of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The angel's words are not a suggestion but a divine decree, emphasizing God's active involvement in human history.
• The Name and Its Meaning: The instruction to name the child Jesus is profoundly significant. It is not a common name but a name laden with theological meaning, explicitly stating the reason for his coming: salvation.
• Salvation from Sin: The core message is Jesus' mission to save his "people" from their "sins." This points to a spiritual redemption, a liberation from the bondage and consequences of sin, which is a central theme throughout the Bible.
• The Identity of Jesus: This verse unequivocally declares Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior, whose purpose is to redeem God's chosen people.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, Matthew 1:21 is a foundational declaration of faith. It affirms that Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth specifically to address the universal problem of sin. His salvation is not earned but freely offered, requiring faith and repentance. The application lies in recognizing our own need for salvation and accepting Jesus as our personal Savior, trusting in his atoning sacrifice for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It calls us to understand that true deliverance is not merely from external oppression but from the internal corruption of sin.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a pivotal point in the overarching narrative of redemption that spans from Genesis to Revelation. It is the culmination of promises made to Abraham, the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Davidic king, and the inauguration of the new covenant. The concept of salvation from sin, introduced with the fall of humanity in Genesis, finds its ultimate solution in Jesus. His birth and mission are the hinge upon which the Old Testament's anticipation meets the New Testament's realization.

Analogies

• A Physician for the Sick: Imagine a world afflicted by a terminal illness (sin). Jesus arrives not to treat symptoms superficially, but to provide the ultimate cure, a complete eradication of the disease and its effects.
• A Liberator from Captivity: Consider a people held captive by a tyrannical force (sin and its consequences). Jesus is the promised liberator who breaks the chains of bondage, offering freedom and a new life.
• A Bridge Over a Chasm: Humanity is separated from God by the chasm of sin. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection form the bridge that allows for reconciliation and communion.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." While Matthew 1:21 focuses on the name Jesus and his salvific role, Isaiah 7:14 prophesies the virgin birth and the name Immanuel ("God with us"), both highlighting the divine nature and purpose of the Messiah.
• Luke 1:31: "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and are to call him Jesus." This verse from Luke mirrors the angelic instruction to Mary, emphasizing the divine origin and appointed name of the child.
• Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." This New Testament declaration powerfully echoes the salvific purpose stated in Matthew 1:21, reinforcing that Jesus is the exclusive means of salvation.
• 1 Timothy 1:15: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." This verse directly affirms the core message of Matthew 1:21, underscoring Jesus' mission to save sinners.