“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 1:18
As women, we often carry dreams, plans, and expectations for our lives. We map out our futures with care, much like Mary likely did as a young woman pledged to Joseph. But Matthew 1 shows us a God who interrupts our plans with His divine purpose, inviting us to trust Him in the unexpected.
Mary’s Surrendered Heart
When the angel announced that Mary would bear the Son of God, her life took an unimaginable turn. A virgin, pregnant by the Holy Spirit? This was not part of her plan. Yet, her response in faith—“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, cross-referenced for context)—reveals a heart fully surrendered to God. Mary’s story reminds us that God’s calling often comes with challenges, but it also carries His promise to be with us.
As women, we may face moments when God’s direction feels disruptive—whether it’s a career change, a family challenge, or an unexpected opportunity. Like Mary, we’re invited to release our grip on our own plans and trust that God’s purpose is greater. What “impossible” thing is God asking us to embrace today? Can we say, like Mary, “I am Yours”?
Joseph’s Quiet Obedience
Joseph, too, offers a powerful example. When he learned of Mary’s pregnancy, his initial plan was to divorce her quietly, protecting her from shame. But when God spoke through a dream, confirming His divine plan (Matthew 1:20-21), Joseph obeyed without hesitation. He took Mary as his wife, stepping into a role he never could have foreseen.
Joseph’s quiet obedience challenges us to accept God’s will, even if it contradicts our instincts. As women, we often juggle many roles—daughter, wife, mother, friend, professional—and it’s easy to rely on our own understanding. Joseph reminds us to pause, seek God’s will, and move forward in faith, even when the path feels uncertain.
The Genealogy of Grace
Matthew 1 begins with a genealogy, tracing Jesus’ lineage through generations. Among the names, we find women like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—each with stories marked by struggle, scandal, or outsider status. Yet God wove them into the lineage of the Messiah. This is a stunning reminder of God’s grace: He doesn’t require perfection, only willingness.
As women, we may feel disqualified by our past mistakes, societal labels, or insecurities. But the women in Jesus’ genealogy show us that God delights in redeeming and using those who trust Him. Our life, no matter how broken it feels, is one God can use for His glory.
A Savior for All
At the heart of Matthew 1 is the promise of Jesus, “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23). This name assures us that no matter what we face—uncertainty, fear, or the weight of obedience—God is near.
Application:
- What plans or expectations are we holding tightly? How can we surrender them to God like Mary did?
- Where do we need to better when it comes to listening and obeying, like Joseph, when it’s hard?
- How does the truth of “Immanuel—God with us” comfort or challenge us?Blessings, Gai