John MacArthur’s lesson on the birth of Jesus turns the familiar Christmas story into a theological investigation. He asks whether the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin is the key to understanding who He is and why He came.

Why Does the Birth of Jesus Matter?

MacArthur opens by contrasting the common view of Jesus as a “good man” with the biblical claim that He is God. He points out that the incarnation—God taking human flesh—requires a miraculous birth, and asks whether God could be born into the world without a virgin birth.

What Does Scripture Say?

He draws on the New Testament accounts of Matthew 1:18‑25 and Luke 1:26‑33, where the angel declares Jesus “born of a virgin.” He also references the Old Testament, noting how Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14, and Jeremiah 31:22 have been interpreted as pointing to a child born without a human father.

The Trinity and the Miracle

MacArthur connects the virgin birth to the doctrine of the Trinity. He explains that if God is one yet exists in three persons, the incarnation can only occur if God Himself is the father of the child. He argues that this logic preserves Jesus’ full deity and full humanity.

What Happens If We Deny It?

Throughout the lesson, MacArthur warns that rejecting the virgin birth undermines the biblical narrative. He asks listeners to consider the consequences: does denying the birth mean denying the truth of Scripture, the nature of God, or the possibility of salvation? He leaves the answer open, inviting listeners to explore the implications themselves.

Why Listen to the Full Lesson?

MacArthur’s discussion opens many doors—questions about the nature of God, the meaning of the incarnation, and the significance of the Christmas story. To hear how he ties these threads together and what he ultimately concludes, tune in to the full audio of Grace to You with John MacArthur.