In the Waiting: Love

Earthly Father, Heavenly Son (Matthew 1:18–25)

Introduction

Engage the audience: Highlight the tension of Joseph's unique calling as an earthly father to the divine Son of God.

Introduce the theme: God’s presence changes everything—Joseph’s story shows us how to live in obedience and faith while trusting God’s plan.

I. Birth and Betrothal: God’s Plan Revealed (v. 18)

The Historical Context

Betrothal: A covenantal, binding agreement likened to marriage.

Joseph

Grandfather (Zerubabbel) was the governor of Judah after the return from Babylon and was responsible for rebuilding the Temple (Zech 4:9). Key links in Joseph ancestral chain are David —> Jehoiachin —> Zerubbabel —> Joseph. Interestingly, as each generation goes on, the status of the line of David has gone from the king’s who commission temples to

We can safely assume that Joseph had died by the time Jesus began his public ministry because none of the Gospel accounts mention him, but Joseph must have passed on his account of the angel’s messages to others, whether Mary, his sons, Jesus, or some other close friends or relatives. Matthew may have told the infancy narrative in his Gospel from Joseph’s perspective because the paternal viewpoint would have most interested a Jewish audience..

The family tree itself of Matthew 1 anticipates the virgin birth of Jesus by breaking its normal pattern of presenting information. The chain of generations consistently reads, “[father’s name] was the father of [son’s name].” Matthew repeats this pattern for every single father-son pair until Joseph: “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ [Messiah].”The Greek language itself specifies clearly that Jesus is the biological son of Mary but not of Joseph. Thus, although Joseph was Jesus’s legal adoptive parent, he was not his biological father. The alert reader takes note of this curious way of putting things but

Joseph receives a message from Gabriel, the first of 4, to reassure him of Mary’s virgin conception. Gabriel also tells him (#2) to flee to Egypt, (#3) when to return to Israel, (#4) to settle in Galilee. Mary brought Jesus physically into the world. Joseph protected him physically in the world from a holocaust.

Joseph’s likely age and cultural expectations around betrothal.

The Shock of the Unexpected

“She was found to be with child” — Joseph faces the scandal of Mary’s pregnancy after her return from Elizabeth.

The human perspective of Joseph wrestling with confusion and doubt.

The Divine Intervention

“By the Holy Spirit”: God’s anachronistic revelation sets the foundation for understanding this miraculous birth.

II. Resolution and Revelation: Obedience in Uncertainty (v. 19-21)

Joseph’s Dilemma

Righteousness and compassion: Joseph chooses to divorce Mary quietly to protect her dignity. His probable belief in Mary’s account but hesitation about his role.

The Angelic Message

Assurance: The child is “from the Holy Spirit.” Mission: Jesus will “save His people from their sins.”

Application

Trust God’s word even when others question your decisions. Jesus’ purpose centers on addressing the ultimate problem—sin.

III. Purpose and Fulfillment: God’s Faithfulness in Christ (v. 22-23)

The Prophetic Fulfillment

Isaiah 7:14: The virgin birth as the sign of God’s promise. Immanuel: “God with us” as the culmination of redemptive history.

God’s Consistency in Scripture

From the Garden to the Tabernacle to the Cross, God’s presence has always been His desire for humanity. Romans 8:31: If God is for us, who can be against us?

Application

Acknowledge God’s promises as unchanging and faithful. God’s will must be accomplished in God’s way.

IV. Instruction and Obedience: A Model of Faithful Response (v. 24-25)

Joseph’s Immediate Obedience

He wakes and acts—no delays, no questions. Names the child “Jesus,” signaling submission to God’s authority.

The Significance of Jesus’ Name

Jesus (Joshua): Echoes the commander who led Israel into the Promised Land and the high priest of post-exilic Israel. Jesus fulfills both roles—He brings salvation and mediates a new covenant.

Application

Obedience is immediate and complete, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Faithfulness in small steps paves the way for God’s greater purposes.

V. The Power of Presence: God with Us

God’s Presence Throughout History

Genesis: Walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden. Exodus: Burning bush, pillar of cloud and fire, the Tabernacle. Temple: God’s glory filling the sanctuary.

Jesus as the Fulfillment

Hebrews: Jesus is greater than the Old Covenant and the Tabernacle. His life, death, and resurrection restore humanity’s broken relationship with God.

The Transforming Presence of God Today

Worship (corporate and personal) and discipleship connect us to God’s presence. Hebrews 10:24–25: Encourage one another as we live in God’s presence together.

Conclusion

Reiterate the theme: God’s presence changes everything. Through Joseph’s story, we see how to live in faith, obedience, and surrender.

Challenge the congregation:

Trust God’s plans, even when they seem unclear. Embrace Jesus as Savior and live in the assurance of God’s presence.

Close with hope: God is with us—Immanuel is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and our assurance of eternal fellowship with Him.

Optional Closing Illustration: Share a modern story or personal testimony highlighting how God’s presence brought hope and transformation in difficult circumstances.

Closing Scripture: Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

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