Scripture: “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” – Matthew 1:20
Observation: At the end of this chapter, we find Joseph deciding to end his betrothal to Mary. However, during the night, God sends a message to Joseph in a dream. An angel reminds Joseph of the prophecies that he had heard all his life, and explains that the time for the Messiah to come is here. Joseph is told that Mary has been true to him, and that she has been chosen by God to be the mother of the promised Messiah, and he has been chosen to be the earthly father.
Application: Not much is written about Joseph, but he plays a pivotal role in the birth and life of Jesus. First, he had a huge hurdle to overcome. Imagine how you might feel if the one to whom you were engaged was found to be unfaithful. That is what Joseph was facing, but the Bible tells us that Joseph was “a just man”. Matthew 1:19 states, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.” Due to his great love for Mary, he had decided to not publicly accuse her, which could result in her death, but would end their betrothal privately. His heart surely must have been breaking.
Secondly, we know that Joseph was a godly man. No doubt, he had been raised hearing of the prophecies of the Messiah all of his life, and now God had chosen him to be the earthly father of His beloved Son. As Joseph dreamed, God laid out His incredible plan to this young man, and Joseph believed! When he woke, he was confident that his dream was from God, and he chose to obey the Lord.
Lastly, from that moment on, Joseph pledged to protect Mary and her unborn child. He would assist Mary in the delivery, protect his family by fleeing to Egypt, and follow God faithfully. He would teach Jesus the trade of carpentry and raise Him according to the laws of God. God chose Joseph just as He had chosen Mary. And like Mary, Joseph did not doubt once God had spoken.
Christmas is a time when God often speaks to our hearts in unique ways: the silence of the night, the warmth of a crackling fire, the shining of a distant star, a baby’s soft cry. No matter how you hear His voice this season, be like Joseph. Believe!
Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, what a glorious time of year to remember the sweet couple that You chose to bring Your beloved Son into the world. How their faith encourages me! They had only each other as they set out in obedience to You, following the path You had prepared for them. Their devotion to You and Your Son is an example of how I should be. Please help me to obey You without hesitation, trusting You in all things for all outcomes. You are so faithful! In Your precious Son’s holy name, I pray. Amen.
How could it be, this baby in my arms, Sleeping now, so peacefully,
The Son of God, the angel said, How could it be?
Lord, I know He's not my own, not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be the son of my love
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord, for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a King? How can I raise a King?
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries, the sun just seems to disappear
And when He laughs, it shines again, How could it be?
(from “Joseph’s Song” by Michael Card)
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“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:”- Matthew 1:24
Thank You for this insight of Joseph; we don’t think much about him. But everyone in the story has a prophetic fulfillment.