Birth of Jesus (pt 2)
Mathew 1:18-25
(18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (20) 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. (21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Last week we focused on Mary getting visited by an Angel with the news she would be carrying God’s Son. It seems now people know Mary is pregnant. Today we see that Joseph also gets visited from and angel in a dream. Joseph after finding his wife pregnant, not by him, was going to do what anyone would have done at the time. Being he was a just man, he did not want to make a scene, was going to divorce her in private. Please not that in that time when they were to be espoused, we can only equivalent that to be they were very much engaged or probably more than engaged. It would almost be as they were legally married. So it takes another visit from an angel to make sure God’s plan stay on course.
When we look at these events taking place, We have to start looking at the whole picture of what God is doing. The great thing about Joseph, he was a very kind and understanding person and did not want to make a scene of the situation, which of at the time was a very serious "you do not do”. Its people like this God finds favor with and trusts that His will can be carried out in. With the event of His son coming as flesh, it is no wonder he chose the people he did.
Matthew 5:8 says "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Both Joseph and Mary were definitely pure in their heart. God recognized this and were chosen to carry out the greatest event the Earth has ever seen.
Next week: Jesus is Born
