Nativity Scenes.1

Joseph: Grace- Man in God’s Plan

Bible Passage: Matthew 1:18–25

Summary: In this passage, Matthew depicts Joseph's turmoil and the societal implications of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. It highlights Joseph's struggle between societal expectations personal implications, and faith, conveying how he ultimately chooses to uphold God's plan over personal crisis, embodying an unwavering trust in divine providence despite external judgment.

1. Joseph's Wakeup Call

Matthew 1:18 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.”

Imagine Joseph walking through the market, contemplating how he would explain Mary's pregnancy to his friends. He’d probably end up saying something odd like, 'She’s pregnant, but it’s not what you think!'

Sometimes, life throws us a narrative we never expected. It reminds us that God’s story is often stranger—and far better—than fiction! How about your story? Not perfect, but is it God’s plan?

An unexpected event happened. It is undoable. How do you view it? What do you do with the consequences? How does it affect your walk with God? An struggle may ensue between your love for God and His righteousness and desire and love for an individual (Mary). Do you have to choose?

2. Joseph's Grace Decision (Plan B)

Good but not perfect

Matthew 1:19 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.”

In the story of the widow’s mite, Jesus commended a poor widow who gave all she had, despite it being a small amount compared to the wealthy contributions around her (Mark 12:41-44). This reminds us that God isn’t focused on the size or perfection of our offerings, but on the spirit in which we give. It's not about being perfect in our actions, but about being genuine and faithful in our efforts to do good.

There’s a humorous saying: 'The road to perfection is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.' It’s a light-hearted reminder that often in our pursuit of doing good and being perfect, we may stop short because we feel overwhelmed. God appreciates our sincerity and willingness to keep moving forward, imperfections and all!

Joseph was a just man. δίκαιος dikaios - righteous, upright, just. His righteousness dictated a solution based on Law. Not wanting to appear soft Joseph determined to “put her away” divorce her. But his love for her pushed him to do it privately. He did not want Mary to experience the religious consequences of a trial and punishment by the Pharisees.

Let’s just keep this quiet. Don’t seek God’s solution. Avoid confrontation.

3. Joseph's Divine Direction (Plan A)

God’s Will Through Divine Intervention

Matthew 1:20–21 “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

Joseph didn’t just react to what was presented to him, he carefully considered the situation. He processed the information and reflected on all the implications. Sight would say, “Just react”. Faith is available for something supernatural.

Moses was called to be the leader of Israel. His first “act” was to kill an Egyptian. This was a terrible start. It took many years and some hard experiences to teach him. And then it took some divine intervention by means of a burning bush.

Divine intervention can reach us through a dream, the word of God, wisdom, and counsel.

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph with the words, “fear not”. then he proceeds to reveal the plan. Before we know what is happening, and even if we never know exactly God’s plan, we should take heed to those words, “fear not”. know that God’s plan is perfect and it should always be our plan “A”.

4. Joseph's Prophetic Assurance

Matthew 1:22–23 “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.””

The angel of the Lord continues his announcement with a reference to the prophetic verse. See the Scripture says… Isaiah 7:14 “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.”

Imagine a young girl, puzzled and afraid at the angel's greeting, hearing the news that she would bear the Messiah. Mary’s acceptance of what seemed impossible reminds us of faith that holds onto God's promises. Her belief resulted in the fulfillment of scripture, showing us that God's plans often exceed our understanding but never fail to manifest in His perfect timing. Now it was Joseph’s turn. If this promise through Scripture in fulfilled, we can trust it all.

This was done that Scripture might be fulfilled. Our trials, though not expressly written in Scripture, are given to us that God’s plan might be fulfilled.

Joseph sought to avoid the pain, the shame, the judgment of others because of an unexpected pregnancy. But eventually realized it was all part of the plan.

We often try to avoid the plan of God. Saying, “surely God would not want me to endure this trial?” We are not told to avoid the cross in this life, we are told to pick it up daily.

5. Joseph … Did

Matthew 1:24–25 “Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”

Joseph exemplified grace.

Obedience in the face of societal humiliation, Joseph chose to obey God. By all the references we see of Joseph in the Bible, he was the best father. He followed the angels directions. We see it in the perfect way he guarded Mary, in the way he protected baby Jesus, and how he honored God with his decisions to adopt Jesus as his own.

There was no doubt, there was no rationalization, there was no self-preservation. He did not hesitate. He didn’t just listen, he acted. He was committed to the nativity scene. What God commanded….

“Joseph … did”

Are we committed to obeying God’s direction, however challenging it may be? Like Joseph it is a responsibility and a priviledge.