Advent 2020 (day 23 of 26)

December 21, 2020 (Monday)

 

Advent 2020, day 23 of 26

 

The story of Jesus’ birth required the cooperation of many brave people. Between now and Christmas, I want to look at those brave people, what was required of them, and how they responded.

 

Yesterday we watched Mary with here audacious obedience to her role in God’s plan and her amazing praise in face of probable shame, persecution, and possibly death. Today we are going to see the story from Joseph’s point of view.

 

Matthew frames the story, “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 1:18 ESV] Joseph and Mary are “betrothed.” This is distinct from being married. However, the arrangement was legally binding because there was a monetary exchange (such as a dowry). It took a formal divorce to dissolve relationship.

 

Before Joseph claimed his bride, it was discovered she was pregnant. This fact would have placed Mary in danger of religious zealots demanding her death. This fact would have been a gigantic humiliation for Joseph. This fact would have made the baby unacceptable in polite society.

 

Joseph’s initial reaction is rational. “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” [Matthew 1:19 ESV] I think it is important to understand Joseph’s character as part of the Christmas story. He was considered “just.” In other words, he was righteous. Despite the pain this caused, Joseph was unwilling to humiliate Mary. He made up his mind end the relationship quietly.

 

As he was considering the details, God intervened. “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.” [Matthew 1:20 ESV] God’s plan will not be foiled. Matthew continues to demonstrate this was all in God’s plan as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14.

 

We have seen Joseph’s character as “just” but two more character traits should be noted. “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife.” [Matthew 1:24 ESV] Joseph fearlessly obeyed. This condemned him to a life of humiliation. Many people avoid or turn from God due to social pressure.

 

The third character trait is found in the next verse, “but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” [Matthew 1:25 ESV] This is both self-control but it also shows a careful attention to God’s plan. In some senses, Joseph was taking responsibility for Mary’s pregnancy. To some extent this would have taken the pressure off Mary, since it was Joseph’s legal right to “know” is wife.

 

It is important for us to understand, according to the witness of Matthew, that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary. He takes Mary into his protective care, shields her from legal prosecution, and preserves her purity. All because he is faithfully commendable, courageous, and conscientious.