Matthew 1:18-25 THE UNSUNG HERO OF CHRISTMAS
1. JOSEPH'S CHARACTER V. 18-19 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 a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
A. He Was A Consecrated Man - The Bible tells us that Joseph was A "just" man. This means that he was a man who lived for God.
B. He Was A Compassionate Man - not willing to make her a publick example
II. JOSEPH'S CALL V. 20-23 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.
A.The Revelation Of A Person - V. 20 for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
B. The Revelation Of A Purpose -V. 21 and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
C. The Revelation Of A Plan - V. 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.
III. JOSEPH'S CONDUCT V. 24-25 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.
A. He Was Submissive - Joseph did what the Lord told him to do!
1. His Humility - According to history, there were three theories surrounding Mary's pregnancy. They are:
A. The baby was Joseph's.
B. The baby belonged to Mary's secret lover.
C. Mary had been raped by a Roman soldier.
1 Pet. 5:6; Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
James 4:6. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2. His Obedience - v.24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
1 Samuel 15:22-23. "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.",
B. He Was Surrendered - V.25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
There are times when doing His will is not the most convenient thing to do. However, doing His will is always the RIGHT thing to do!
C. He Was Successful
