Bible Study - Christmas (2) - Joseph's Obedience - Matthew 1:18-25 - December 9, 2018

Bible Study – Christmas (2) – Joseph’s Obedience – December 9, 2018

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “The Full Picture of Christmas.”

Our focus scripture is Matthew 1:18-25.

Following GOD’S plan will require change in your life, but it’s worth it.

Many of us encounter interruptions in the plans we have for our lives. In our study this week, we get to read about a major interruption GOD placed in Joseph’s life. Life’s journey brought Joseph and a young virgin maiden named Mary together. The details of their marriage had been worked out with their families. They were engaged or betrothed to each other.

Being betrothed to each other was next to the final step in the marriage process, which could last up to one year. Being betrothed was a legal, binding contract of marriage. During this betrothal period the couple, although considered to be man and wife, were not to have sexual relations during that one year. If a couple changed their minds about going through the final step of marriage (the ceremony) at this stage, they would have to get a divorce.

Life was good and one can speculate that Joseph and Mary were looking forward to the day when they could consummate their commitment to each other.

Life brought a major interruption in both of their lives. Our lesson focuses upon Joseph. Next week’s study will focus upon Mary. Let’s explore!

The last recorded message from GOD regarding the coming of the Messiah would be an Elijah type of prophet who would announce the promised Messiah. This is found in Malachi 4:5, which was written around 450 BC. [5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.]

And who was this Elijah type of prophet? It was John the Baptizer or John the Baptist as JESUS verified in Matthew 11:11-14: (JESUS was speaking)

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.

13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

There are many clues regarding the promised Messiah but one is very clear. We know based upon Micah 5:2 - 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

During these roughly 450 years or what is referred to as the “silent years,” Israel experienced many difficult times. The Greeks ruled Israel for more than 250 years (323-167 BC) after the conquest of Alexander the Great. Then the Jews enjoyed self-government for about 100 years (167-63 BC). The Maccabees reclaimed the land for the Jews.

The Romans brought an end to Jewish independence which established the political landscape for the birth, life and passion of JESUS, the Promised Messiah. This political environment was necessary to accomplish all according to GOD’S plan and purpose for the redemption of mankind from sin and its consequence, eternal death. Such a plan was revealed in prophesy but also hidden until it was accomplished as recorded in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8:

7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

GOD’S plan and purpose is accomplished! GOD had a plan and purpose for Joseph to be the guardian for HIS only Son, JESUS. JESUS, The Promised Messiah, would be born in the flesh, 100% human, yet 100% Divine. JESUS had to be born physically because HE would be tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE had to give HIS physical life in death, as all humans, to pay, in full, for the sin of mankind. This was necessary to satisfy the penalty GOD placed upon the human race because of sin, which was eternal death.

As you read and study this, my prayer is that you will see the absolute beauty and mechanics of GOD’S redemptive plan to restore every person to his or her original status as if sin had never entered the world through Eve and Adam. GOD’S redemptive plan is only possible through a person placing his or her faith in JESUS.

When he or she places his or her faith in JESUS, a miracle takes place instantly. The Spirit of GOD joins with the spirit of the person and he or she is Spiritually conceived and becomes instantly a Child of GOD. That is where the term, Born-Again comes. Once a Child of GOD always a Child of GOD. How can that be? Once you are conceived physically that never changes. There is nothing you can do to ever become unborn. You will always be the product of your mother and father. 

Thus, once a person is conceived Spiritually, he or she is for all eternity a Child of GOD. Once a person becomes a Child of GOD, he or she either obediently serves GOD and earns rewards or just goes through life doing his or her thing. Now caution – this is for the born-again believer as we read 1 Corinthians 3:11-16 pay special attention to verse 15 -----

First Corinthians 3:11-16:

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.

14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

The only way to Heaven is by placing your faith in JESUS. Do not be misled by Satan. He will attempt to deceive you into thinking “Oh, if GOD is the loving GOD the Bible speaks of, then you know HE will allow you into Heaven.” That is a lie! Reject it!

JESUS said it best as recorded in John 14:5-6:

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Let’s read Matthew 1:18-19:

The Nativity of the Messiah

18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

Since the beginning of time, GOD’S redemptive plan has been put into effect. Step one is the birth of the Promised Messiah, JESUS.

We have studied in Genesis 3:15 that GOD had planned to redeem mankind through the seed of woman, “15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Yes, it would be a miracle but GOD is in the miracle business.

We learn in this scripture that before Mary and Joseph consummated their brothel, the couple learned that Mary was pregnant. WOW!

This raised a vital issue. Had Mary been unfaithful to Joseph? This had to be dealt with. Guess who dealt with the issue? None other than GOD.

Joseph’s immediate thought was likely “Mary has been unfaithful to me.” How do we know that? Verse 19, reveals that Joseph had planned to quietly or secretly divorce her.

As in the words of Paul Harvey, “Now for the rest of the story.”

Let’s read Matthew 1:20-23:

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit.

21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated "God is with us."

GOD had a plan and HE to let Joseph in on HIS plan. GOD sent an angel to Joseph in a dream. GOD revealed HIS plan for JESUS, the promised Messiah to come to earth in the flesh. GOD told Joseph to name this baby JESUS and HE revealed the prophesy revealing the promised Messiah.

Let’s read Matthew 1:24-25:

24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord's angel had commanded him. He married her

25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.

Verse 19 revealed that Joseph was a “righteous man.” Joseph was in right relationship with GOD. Proof that Joseph was in right relationship with GOD is revealed that immediately following the dream, he trusted GOD and respected the fact that Mary was carrying GOD’S Child.

When the child was born, Joseph named HIM, JESUS. Traditionally, the father named their first-born son but in this instant GOD named The Promised Messiah, JESUS. JESUS is the Greek equivalent of “Joshua” which means “Yahweh saves” or “the LORD is Salvation.” Verse 23 reveals the prophesy regarding the name of the promise Messiah as” they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated "God is with us."

The Israelite’s had waited thousands of years for this event to take place. Now, GOD had placed what HE had planned since the beginning of time into motion. 

Are you excited? What was taking place in the life of precious Mary? We will explore in next week’s study.

The vital question is, what does this mean to you? Is the birth of JESUS a mythical story or truth? You need to decide, if you haven’t done so already? Was JESUS just another human or was HE the promised SON of GOD? Pray and ask GOD to reveal truth to you. Be honest with GOD and if you have questions tell HIM what they are. Then start looking for answers to them. HIS desire is for you to know truth.

Choose wisely because your eternal future depends upon it.

Blessings!!!