I think Joseph is the least cared out about person in the entire Nativity Story.
Matthew 1:18 ESV
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18b NIV
…His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph…
A year long betrothal was more than an engagement to be wed, it was similar to an actual marriage contract.
Matthew 1:19 ESV
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
He chose to be humiliated without retribution because he wanted what was best for her.
Choosing to let go doesn’t mean someone else is without wrong, it just means that you choose not to carry their wrong anymore.
Matthew 1:20-23 ESV
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
No matter what anyone else thinks or says about them, Joseph was the go-between for Mary.
A godly couple stands with each other.
Ephesians 5:33 ESV
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Matthew 1:24-25 ESV
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Are you willing to have your life become more chaotic, dangerous, or complicated because of Jesus?
Matthew 16:24-26 ESV
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Following Jesus means sacrifice. But it’s worth it.
Sermon Based Questions
- What was encouraging, difficult, or confusing about the talk on Sunday?
- What stood out to you about the difference/similarities between Mary and Joseph’s betrothal versus how we do it today?
- Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes when he finds out Mary is pregnant. What would you feel? What would you do? What do you think drove him to his choice?
- Do you think Mary and Joseph felt while knowing the truth when nobody else would believe them? Have you ever felt alientaed like that?
- Are there any risks that God is asking you to take right now?