GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - JOSEPH ACCEPTS HIS CALLING

JOSEPH ACCEPTS GOD’S PLAN

Last week we walked through Matthew 1:1-17 and looked at the New Beginning – the New Covenant – and we looked at different titles Jesus has and looked at how God is faithful in His promises and how He uses imperfect people for His purposes – giving all of us hope that God can use us but also no excuses to not be used by God. And finally we looked at how Jesus’ coming was fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, not just for the nation of Israel but for all of humanity – that is where our hope lies – His redemptive plan is for everyone

Today we look at Joseph and the difficult position God wants to use him in and how Joseph responds – so as we begin let us pray!

Sermon Title: Joseph’s Acceptance of His Calling

Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-23 – Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

1. The Call to Faith: Trusting God's Plan Matthew 1:18-19 – Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

Key Idea: Joseph faced a life-altering situation when he discovered Mary was pregnant.

He was just a man – righteous man – upright in character, obedient and faithful to God

Natural Suspicion – merciful determination – tempering justice with mercy and mercy with justice

We know his righteousness in that he did not want to make Mary a public example or have her stoned - His initial plan to quietly divorce, privately divorce her reveals his integrity,

Jesus conceived by the Holy Spirit – not man – will of God not man’s will

Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

but God called him to trust beyond what he could see or understand.

Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

Application: God’s plans often disrupt our expectations. Are you willing to trust Him even when the path seems unclear? Pray for discernment and courage to obey, especially when obedience requires faith over sight.

2. The Call to Obedience: Acting on God’s Word Matthew 1:20-21 – But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Note the name – from Isaiah 7:14 – Immanuel – He would save all men – all who call upon His name – from their sin – not occupation not militarily – from their sin!

Jeremiah 23:5 – “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Romans 10:13 – For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Philippians 2:9-11 – And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Key Idea: Joseph’s obedience was immediate and complete after hearing from the angel in a dream. He took Mary as his wife, embracing a role that carried potential shame and misunderstanding.

He did not rush to judgement – as he considered these things – an angel appeared

Notice God did not send Joseph the angelic message when He sent Mary’s – He allowed Joseph to struggle with this and come to his own conclusion and course of action – then He was ready –

It should serve as comfort to us –

Jesus in Hebrew – Yeshua – Joshua – meaning “the Lord Saves”

Joseph – you call Him Jesus – not a family name but a God name – you call Him – you raise Him as your son – naming Him and raising Him legally made Him Joseph’s son -legally making Him a Son of David

Supporting Scripture: James 1:22 – "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Application: God may ask you to take steps of obedience that challenge your comfort zone or reputation. Consider: If God is calling you to step out in obedience today, what will your answer be? What step of obedience is God calling you to take?

3. The Call to Purpose: Embracing God’s Mission Matthew 1:22-25 – All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Notice here it says – he took his wife – not he took Mary to be his wife – heart and mind change when God is involved

Key Idea: Joseph’s acceptance of his calling aligned with God’s redemptive plan for humanity. By naming the child Jesus, he fulfilled his role in the divine purpose, ensuring the Savior’s identity as "God with us."

Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Jesus came as our high priest – to free us from the penalty of our sin

Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Application: Like Joseph, we are part of God’s greater mission. Are you actively embracing the role God has designed for you in His Kingdom work? Reflect on how your daily life aligns with His purpose.

Conclusion and Call to Action

God is more interested in our availability than our ability

Joseph made himself available and usable by God – even though it was different than Joseph could have imagined.

Just as Joseph demonstrated faith, obedience, and purpose, we too are called to trust God's plan, act on His Word, and embrace His mission.

Challenge: This week, identify one area where God is calling you to deeper faith or obedience. Pray for the courage to respond as Joseph did, trusting that God’s purposes will be accomplished through your willingness to say "yes."

Closing Scripture: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Joseph responded with yes – when God talks to you – Calls you to do something, difficult, uneasy, unpopular – how will you respond?

Here is an easy way to say Yes – as our trustees come up for our missions and outreach collection going to help ease the burden of loss as well as sharing the Gospel and providing a sustainable income – Let us pray!