A Teen Pregnancy

CHRISTMAS TEA: A Teen Pregnancy

Matthew 1; Luke 2:1-20

December 20, 2023; FBC Princeton Youth

INTRODUCTION

-Last week started talking about details of the Christmas story.

-Familiar story for us, and so sometimes we fail to really grasp the magnitude of what’s happening.

-Tonight we’re going to look at the more scandalous side of the Christmas story, from the perspective of two of the major characters. And from their perspective, we’re going to see one common denominator: They’re faithfully obedient to God.

MARY’S PERSPECTIVE

-We know what happens – the angel comes and announces to Mary that she’s going to have a child. PROBLEM: Mary’s a virgin.

-This in and of itself is a hurdle for Mary – how could she have a baby??

-Mary’s Position/Hurdles:

-Public image: she’s married, but they’re not supposed to be intimate yet. And adultery could get you stoned.

-Her Husband/Fiancé: What’s he supposed to think? He knows they haven’t been together. How will he react?

-Future: How will she support a child, especially if Joseph leaves her? Women couldn’t work and support themselves like they can today.

-Age: We don’t talk about this much… Mary’s like 13 at this time. We like to think of her as a grown woman, but she’s just a kid. Imagine at your age being told you’re going to have a baby, and that baby is going to be the Messiah.

-YET: Despite the obstacles, despite the unknown, despite the questions she’s bound to be asking, look at her response of obedience…

-Luke 1:38

JOSEPH’S PERSPECTIVE

-We don’t always think about Joseph as much. And yet, his perspective is filled with as many challenges as Mary’s.

-We know the story here: Mary tells him she’s pregnant, Joseph knows that’s not possible…at least not for the baby to be his.

-That in and of itself is enough that Joseph is initially ready to divorce Mary. I mean, put yourself in his shoes.

-He’s probably about 16-17 at the time. And his wife/fiancé comes and tells him that she’s pregnant. They’ve not been together, but she says the baby is “from God”, not a man.

-This is probably about how most of us would react…

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-But, an angel comes to Joseph in a dream, tells him that it’s all true and that he’s to take Mary as his wife.

-When he wakes up, he’s bound to be weighing his options. Imagine the position that he’s in, many of the same things as Mary.

-Joe’s Position/Hurdles:

-Public Image: No one’s going to believe that he and Mary weren’t intimate before they were supposed to be. It’s like when a couple gets married, immediately announces they’re pregnant, and the baby’s born in a mysterious 6 months. The math ain’t mathin.

-His public image/reputation could tremendously impact his future. It could affect his business, his family relationships, his friendships. This isn’t like today where people move on. He could be labeled for the rest of his life.

-Age: They’re just now getting married, and suddenly he has to support a wife and child.

-YET, when Joseph wakes up, watch his response:

-Matt. 1:24-25

-In spite of everything, he’s obedient. He follows what God has for him.

THE RESULT

Here’s the thing – watch the results of their obedience.

-Luke 2:8-12

-BECAUSE they were obedient, God’s plan of salvation for the world was carried out.

-Here’s the takeaway for us: All God is asking for is obedience to him. If you and I will learn to trust him and take him at his word, we’ll find ourselves in the middle of his plan for his kingdom.

-Ex: Robert’s story.

-Learn to walk in obedience to the Lord, and watch what he’ll do through you.