ADVENT PT 3 – FAITH IN UNCERTAINTY – JOSEPH
Matthew 19:18-24
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
THE DILEMMA
Matthew 1:19 tells us:
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
This highlights Joseph’s character; a deep commitment to God’s law,but also gentle of heart.
In the Hebrew culture marriage was a deeply sacred institution, rooted in religious law and communal honor.
Betrothal was not merely an engagement, it was a binding covenant that carried profound
spiritual and societal implications.
Jewish marriage consisted of two stages:
betrothal (kiddushin) and wedding (nisuin).
The covenant of marriage mirrored God’s covenant with His people.
Unfaithfulness during betrothal would not only shame the couple, but also bring dishonor to their families.
Protecting one’s reputation was paramount in this collective society.
Joseph’s decision to protect Mary from shame, even when he believed she had wronged him, reflected his sense of righteousness and mercy.
A.W. Tozer once said,
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is one of the most important things about us.”
Joseph’s understanding of God, His mercy, faithfulness, and justice, profoundly influenced how Joseph responded to this crisis.
Even in heartbreak, Joseph reflected God’s love by seeking to protect Mary from shame.
THE DREAM
Human wisdom often falls short of God’s greater plan.
Joepsh’s plan to divorce Mary quietly made perfect sense given the information he had.
Joseph’s understanding was limited to human reasoning, but God had a greater plan, one that required Joseph to trust beyond what he could see or comprehend.
Joseph’s story invites us to pause and seek God’s wisdom before acting, trusting that His ways are always higher and better.
At just the right moment God intervened through a dream, offering Joseph the clarity and direction he desperately needed.
This divine timing reminds us that even when we can’t see it God is actively at work in our lives, aligning circumstances for His purpose.
Romans 8:28 assures us:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Matthew 1:20–21 recounts the angel’s words:
“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. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give
him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
This wasn’t just about Joseph’s personal crisis, it was about the salvation of the world.
God was inviting Joseph into a story far greater than he could have imagined.
THE DECISION
Joseph’s response to the angel’s message is a remarkable example of trust in action and faith in uncertainty.
Faith isn’t passive, it’s a choice to trust God and take steps of obedience, even when the future feels uncertain.
James 2:17 reminds us:
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Faith requires courage. Joseph prioritized God’s approval over public opinion.
Joesph’s decision to obey God was not easy, but it was essential.
His faith and trust in God allowed him to play a pivotal role in God’s redemptive plan.
His story reminds us that our obedience—no matter how small or challenging—can have
far-reaching effects for God’s kingdom.
TABLE TIME:
Have you ever faced a situation where your plans fell apart unexpectedly?
How did you respond emotionally and spiritually?
Matthew 1:19 highlights Joseph’s character as both righteous and merciful.
Why do you think it’s important to balance justice with compassion, especially in challenging
situations?
A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
How does your view of God shape the way you respond to personal challenges or betrayals?
Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for good.
Can you share a time in your life when a difficult situation ultimately led to something good or revealed God’s purpose in a way you didn’t expect?
How does Joseph’s story encourage you to trust God in moments of doubt or uncertainty?
Matthew 1:24 shows Joseph’s immediate response to God’s command.
What does this teach us about trusting God, even when we don’t have all the answers?
How can we develop a posture of obedience like Joseph’s in our daily lives?
Joseph’s obedience brought cultural shame and life disruption.
Have you ever faced criticism or challenges for following God’s will?
How did you handle it?
Joseph’s decision to obey God didn’t just affect him; it impacted Mary, Jesus, and all of humanity.
How has your obedience to God’s call impacted those in your life?
THIS WEEK:
What areas of your life currently require you to trust God’s plan over your own understanding?
Is there a step of faith God is calling you to take, even if it feels uncertain?
How can you take that step this week?
How can Joseph’s story inspire you to encourage others who might be struggling to trust God in difficult situations?
Prayer:
Pray for the courage to trust God’s plan, even in moments of uncertainty.
Ask God for the strength to obey His call, no matter the cost.
Thank God for His sovereignty and the assurance that He is working all things for good.