Anchor My Faith

God Directs Joseph

Scripture: Matthew 1:19-20

In the previous lesson we looked at the situation of Mary returning to Joseph, from her three-month visit with Elizabeth, pregnant. We were challenged to think about how you would feel if you were Mary and faced possible death for your supposed evil. We were also challenged to think about Joseph’s feelings and thoughts in relationship his pregnant bride.

We will begin this lesson by looking at Joseph’s initial thoughts concerning Mary: “And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19 ESV). In verse 18, we learned that Mary was betrothed to Joseph and coming up in verse 20, we learn that they are not yet married, so why is Joseph referred to as her husband? In that culture, to be betrothed to someone is done with a binding legal contract like our marriage license.

During the betrothed period, the couple is referred to as husband and wife. It was also a period of time when sexual relationships were considered to be immoral. It is for this reason that Joseph, under the Mosaic law, has the right to have her put to death by stoning. To Joseph, Mary appeared to be an adulteress, but yet he desired in some way to show compassion toward her. For sure, Mary would have told Joseph about her encounter with Gabriel and God causing her to become pregnant, but that probably meant about as much to him as Jesus telling Nicodemus that he must be born again. Yet deep in his heart, Joseph may have sensed something.

“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). As Joseph considered what Mary probably told him and his right under the law, Matthew inserts the word “behold”. This is Matthew’s way of emphasizing what is to follow is important and that the reader is pay special attention. It may be something new or unusual that is being introduced.

That which John wanted to emphasize was the appearance of an angel to Joseph with a message. A question that begs to be answered is, “What is the name of the angel?” The name is nowhere given so it is somewhat speculative to guess, but it was Gabriel who appeared to Zachariah and to Mary so some conclude that it would make sense that it would be Gabriel finishing up his assignment. One piece of information that came to mind that helps here is that in Luke 1:11, Gabriel is referred to as an angel of the Lord. We learn from Matthew 1:20 that it was an angel of the Lord that appeared to Joseph. It is very possible, even probable, that it was Gabriel, but care must be taken when drawing conclusions like this. The angel, whatever his name, informed Joseph that Mary was telling the truth and that she did not become pregnant by adultery with another man, but by an act of God. That declaration is very important because it implies virgin birth. The command given to Joseph is to take Mary as his wife at the appointed time.

As we close this lesson, stop and think about what this means to Joseph. Consider the negative impact on his life to be betrothed to Mary who at this point is already three months pregnant. It appears that Joseph has a new question to answer. The question is not about putting Mary away, but when to marry her since she is pregnant. No matter the timing of the marriage, people will figure out that Mary became pregnant before their marriage.

Prayer

Father, you sure put two people into a difficult situation. From this point on their lives will not be comfortable and safe. This began with Mary’s willingness to obey and become pregnant by an act of God and now by Joseph in being willing to obey and take Mary as his wife. Look at this and think about Christians who live under persecution and are obedient to the command of Jesus to go and witness and make disciples even if it results in suffering and possibly death. How obedient are we in the western church to know the commands of Scripture and obey them, or does our desire of comfort and safety prohibit us from obedience?