December 13, 2024

Matthew 1:18-25 (HCSB)
The Nativity of the Messiah
18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.

Mark Stephens
What about Joseph? How does this situation look from his perspective? The woman he was engaged to was with child, and it wasn't his. I imagine he had to be devastated. Thinking that his betrothed was unfaithful had to be tearing him apart. Today's verses show that he would break the engagement off secretly because he was a righteous man. Being that way, he did not want to humiliate her in public. Maybe this further speaks to Mary's character as well. Given the timeframe, public humiliation would be terrible for Mary. Seeing this shows that God knows what He is doing. Both parents chosen for Jesus were of great character. In verse 20, we see God's character coming through when He sends an angel to bring him into the fold of the plan. Joseph showed obedience by doing as he was directed. To wrap it all up. How may we look to Mary as an example? Well-versed in God's word, steadfast and obedient. Be blessed my friends. Hope to see you Sunday. Y’all be good neighbors out there.