Characters of the Nativity-Joseph - Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph. The husband of Mary. The mother of Jesus. Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was born to Mary. At a time when she was engaged to Joseph. Before they came together. Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27, 35
Joseph was a carpenter. Matthew 13:55 And was known as a “just” man. Matthew 1:19 When he learned that Mary was bearing a child. He was understandably disturbed. But when he learned that she was to become the mother of Israel’s Messiah. He put his faith in the Lord’s plan. Which brought him. With Mary to Bethlehem. Where the child Jesus was born..
Through circumstances beyond his control. Joseph was given his place in history.
1 Joseph is a man of profound conviction and compassion. He knew of two realities. First, Mary, to whom he was engaged, was expecting a child. He also knows he was not the father. Our text tells us “Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” v.18.
“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” v.19.
Here we see Joseph’s dilemma. Whose reputation? Should be tarnished? Mary’s or his own? Joseph felt betrayed. He loved Mary. Yet he didn’t want to “expose her to public disgrace.”
If he were to continue in the relationship. Most people would simply conclude - That after they were engaged but before they were married - she was expecting their first child. That happens. There would be some embarrassment. It would be awkward. But hopefully. In time. The gossip would subside. But could he trust her? What guarantee would he have? That she would disappoint him again?
If unfaithfulness was a part of her character. What would be the consequences in the future? If word got out that he had married her. Knowing full well that the child was not his. What sort of aspersions and accusations would be cast in his direction?
What he planned to do. Was to use the most private form of a legal divorce. Handing a letter to Mary. In the presence of only two witnesses. To whom he needed not give his reasons.
When we must choose. – Choose wisely. Often. We are forced to make decisions. In which the outcome will not necessarily be pleasant. When we must choose “the lesser of two evils,” as did Joseph. We need to wrestle and pray. Actions do have consequences. Joseph did not act rashly. Decisions reached hastily. Are often ill advised. Patience is needed. When the situation is serious.
2 Joseph also learned that when we are placed in these challenging circumstances the LORD does His best work. Divine intervention was necessary in Joseph’s situation. “But after he had considered this an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:20
The angel reminded Joseph of the greatness of his ancestry. To assure him that his resolution was right. As far as Joseph knew the circumstances. Joseph knew of only outward circumstances. The Lord sees beyond these things. It is His responsibility to act.
It was Joseph who would name this child. He would be given the name “Jesus” which means - ‘God saves!’ - For this Jesus is the Christ.
And He will save His people from their sins. The salvation from sin through this child Jesus is what Joseph and his family had hoped for so many generations. The LORD was about to act. And Joseph would see it. Not only would this child be called ‘Jesus.’ But also “Emmanuel.” – ‘God who is with us’ – The God who is in our midst. Remember the Savior’s last five words. “I am with you always!” Matthew 28:20
3 Joseph is a man of profound faith. Joseph obeyed. “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matthew 1:24
Joseph came to know a profound truth. The LORD is always with us. So often. We may live our lives with little awareness of how close the LORD really is to us. Yet God is always with us. It took a life - changing moment in Joseph’s life to come to this conclusion.
Today the LORD is saying to you. - In all of life’s circumstances. And in all of life’s decisions “I am with you.” This Jesus. Whose birth we celebrate this season. Is ‘Emmanuel’ – “the God who is with us” –He is ‘Jesus’ - “the God who saves.”
No comments:
Post a Comment