Joseph, the Obedient
Last week we discovered how righteous of a man Joseph was. He decided that he would quietly put Mary away privately.
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream
However, God had a different plan he was about to reveal to Joseph.
In Matthew 1:20 “ But when he thought on these things, behold, an 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 Spirit.”
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. If you remember the story of Mary, an angel appeared to Mary telling her “thou are greatly favored” and “the holy spirit will come upon thee.”
The angel told Joseph not to be afraid
The angel went on to tell Joseph to have no fear, to take Mary for his wife, and the child she conceived was of the Holy Spirit.
Our commentary says, “Have no fear as to Mary’s virtue and purity. Fear no disgrace in taking her. Joseph feared as a son of David that this marriage would sully his genealogy. But it was that which gave point and purpose to an otherwise barren and uninteresting record. He feared as a man lest he should share Mary’s apparent disgrace; but he had infinitely more reason to fear his unworthiness to share with her the exalted responsibilities of parentage to our Lord.” {The Fourfold Gospel}
Can you imagine how Joseph’s head must be spinning? The mix of emotions he may have
Joseph honored the marriage agreement but did not know Mary until after the child was born
felt.
But, one thing was clear. Joseph was to continue the marriage agreement with Mary. He would be the legal father of Jesus.
21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.
Joseph is told in the dream that Mary will have a son and they are to call him Jesus. Again, the angel proclaims this child will come to save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.”
Joseph took Mary to be his wife
The angel tells Joseph that all of this is to come to pass to fulfill the prophecy the Lord gave the prophet and which is found in the book of Isaiah. This was a time period when the people had few books and were studious readers. Joseph would have known this prophecy came from Isaiah.
23 And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; 25 and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name Jesus.
Joseph woke up from his sleep but can you imagine all that must have gone through his mind.
However, he did just what the angel commanded. He took Mary for his wife. However, we are told that he did not know her as a husband knows a wife until she gave birth to a son.
They called the child’s name Jesus.
Would you have been as obedient as Joseph?
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