Matthew 1:16-25

 

Connected to the Lineage of David vv.16-17

2 Samuel 7:12 “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.”

Concerned About Mary’s Wellbeing vv.18-19

Being with child before marriage in the Jewish community was considered adultery under the Mosaic law.  It carried with it the penalty of stoning.  A quiet divorce would have saved Mary’s life.

Convinced in the Work of God v. 20

The stages of confidence are: investigation, being convinced, and commitment.

 Committed to Obedience vv. 24-25

Matthew 2:13-15 “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Luke 2:41-42 “Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.”

They went to observe the Passover every year.

What happened to Joseph?  The last you hear of Joseph is at the temple in Luke 2 when they went back to look for Jesus at age two.  One theory is that Joseph passed away.  This may be why the ministry of Jesus did not occur until 30.  He was caring for his mother and younger brothers.  Also, remember at the cross, he made arranges for some disciples to care for his mother.  That would not have happened or been necessary if Joseph was still alive.