The Gospels make it clear that the virgin birth is not a detail to overlook but a central truth that explains who Jesus is. Matthew tells us that before Joseph and Mary came together:
“She was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18)
Joseph, ready to put her away quietly, was visited by an angel who explained:
“That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20–21)
Matthew then ties this directly to prophecy, quoting Isaiah:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.” (Matthew 1:23)
Matthew reveals the virgin birth proves both that Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture and that He is truly “God with us.” Luke records the same truth from Mary’s perspective. When she asked how she could conceive as a virgin:
“The angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’” (Luke 1:35)
The virgin birth set Him apart as holy from the very beginning and showed that His life was not of human origin but from God. Mark does not include a birth narrative, but he begins his account with a strong declaration:
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)
Mark assumes His divine Sonship from the start, which rests on the truth that He came into the world in a way unlike any other. John takes us further back, beyond Bethlehem, showing why the virgin birth was necessary:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.” (John 1:14)
John reveals that the eternal Word entered human flesh while remaining fully God, and this mystery is guarded by the virgin birth.
Together, the Gospels show that the virgin birth was essential for Jesus to be both truly man and truly God. It fulfilled prophecy, preserved His holiness, and declared Him to be the Savior who could save His people from their sins.
