Matthew 1:18-25

****Week 1 Memory Verse****

In those days John the Baptist came preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,  and saying,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 

For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’”

Matthew 3:1-3

 

 

Read Matthew 1:18-25!

 

The Birth of Jesus

 

I am so happy to be studying along with my friends through the Gospel of Matthew. A fresh view from others is always interesting and fun. Let’s jump right in.

 

My passage today is about the Immaculate Conception. I noticed through this what an amazing man Joseph must have been.

 

Let me start out by telling you engagements then were nothing like they are today. They were binding contracts. They were just as legal as a marriage. The only way out of the engagement was divorce.

Joseph was a righteous, upright man. The news of Mary’s pregnancy probably made his head spin. He had to have been torn inside. The woman he loved was about to bear a child that wasn’t his. What was he to do? What was he to say? The passage tells us that he wanted to put her away privately. I think this shows such compassion for Mary. He wanted to save her from disgrace.

 

The Lord needed to guide Joseph. He sent a messenger in a dream to give him direction. As soon as he woke up he took Mary to be his wife and when she gave birth Joseph named his child Jesus!!! Hallelujah!!!

 

I think there are a few things we can learn from this man Joseph:

 ~~Our plans are not always what the Lord has in store for our lives. Your life is made to bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ through any way He chooses.  Don't put God in a box, He's bigger than that! He can do exceedingly, abundantly and above what we ask or think if we only allow Him.

 

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

~~Joseph had much compassion for Mary. When we have compassion and love for a person, that’s when he will use us the most.

 

Love your neighbor as yourself. -Matthew 22:39

~~Just as doubt, fear and worry started to enter Joseph’s mind the Lord sent relief through a dream. Don’t you know Jesus wants to do the same for you?? Don’t you know the peace Jesus left with us will transcend all fear, doubt and worry?? Don’t you know Jesus came to set you free from that garbage??

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. -2 Corinthians 3:17

 

~~Joseph didn’t hesitate in obedience. He immediately woke and walked his path of revelation. Obedience is always pleasing to the Lord.

 

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. -James 1:25

 

~~Joseph was a man of self-control and temperance. This struck me the most from this passage. Joseph took Mary as his wife.  I assume that means they lived together. It says he did not “know” her until she bore Jesus. I can’t even resist a piece of cake on my kitchen counter for more than a day. Seriously, Joseph resisted the woman he loved and adored FOR 9 MONTHS! This is a true example of temperance.

 

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance -Galatians 5:22-23

 

Thank you Jesus for your mercy, grace and love because these are all things I need more of:

 

Faith

Compassion

Freedom

Obedience

Temperance

 

I’m excited to see what the Lord continues to reveal through His people in this study!

 

 

TIME OF REFLECTION:

Joseph was told to name his son Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. Jesus is referred to by many names in the Bible. Look up the following words in the dictionary and find a scripture that corresponds. Jesus is all of these things to you and more!!!

Example:

Friend: A person who you like and enjoy being with; a person who helps or supports someone or something.  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.  John 15:15

King:

Savior:

Redeemer:

Truth:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: NAOMI CHANCE is the wife of 16 years to Dale, and homeschooling mom to three children.  She serves as Ladies' Ministries Director at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where her whole family is very active, and each serve in some capacity.