Neville Goddard on Matthew 1:18-23 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Matthew 1 in context

Scripture Focus

18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 1:18-23

Biblical Context

Mary's pregnancy by the Holy Spirit announces a divine birth, and Joseph's doubt yields to a dream that reveals a sacred purpose. Emmanuel, God with us, is the presence of that divine birth within your own consciousness.

Neville's Inner Vision

Consider the birth narrative as a moment in your own consciousness. Mary is the receptive imagination espoused to Joseph's practical mind; before outward action, a child arises by the Holy Ghost—a living idea, the I AM breathing as you. Joseph, the prudent mind, would dismiss it, but the dream speaks: fear not to take Mary as thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. The child, Jesus, is the state of consciousness that saves you from sin—the belief in separation dissolves when you know God with you. Behold, Emmanuel—God with us—urges you to know that your inner state is not separate from the Father; it is God at home in you. The virgin birth signifies a pure, undisturbed readiness of mind to receive the divine idea without the contamination of old doubts. Say I AM, and let the birth become your present reality, not a distant event, but the living Christ arising within.