Event 4: Joseph’s Dream

Event 4 – Joseph’s Dream and Obedience Matthew 1:18-25

After Mary spent three months with her cousin, Elizabeth, she returned home. There is one more story in the Bible that we will not cover because it is about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57–80). After Mary returned home to Nazareth, the next story is about Joseph’s response to this shocking circumstance. Here is a summary of today’s text.

SUMMARY:
Mary, betrothed to Joseph, is found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, a righteous man, intends to secretly break off their engagement but has a dream visit from an angel. The angel explains that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and will save people from their sins. Joseph obeys and takes Mary as his wife, naming the child Jesus.


Three Insights

  1. Joseph’s Righteousness: (Matthew 1:18-19)
    When Mary showed up pregnant, Joseph had two choices. (1) Divorce her privately or (2) charge her publicly.
    For Joseph to divorce Mary privately demonstrates his compassion and justice while shielding her from shame in public. The whole village knew she was betrothed to Joseph, so if he hadn’t accused her of being unfaithful, many would have concluded the child was his and thought Joseph had abandoned his future bride.
    If he charges her publicly, he appears righteous, but Mary is made to look like an immoral woman.
    With the choice he finally makes, Joseph is more concerned about Mary than he is about his own reputation.
  2. Role of Faith and Obedience: (Matthew 1:24) Joseph’s acceptance of the angel’s message and his decision to marry Mary anyway, despite societal norms, highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God’s guidance. Joseph didn’t just believe Mary and the angel. He acted on that belief. He did the right thing. We can measure a person’s faith by what they do and not by what they say.
  3. The Humble Beginnings of Jesus: Jesus was born to a common workman and a teenage girl. They are not rich or famous, yet God picked them. Certainly, this ought to remind us that God cares more about character than he does about wealth.

Lonnie Davis