“Joseph - the Window of Character & Obedience”

FOCUS

“What? WHAT?! Mary’s betrothed to be my wife & she’s pregnant & she says God’s the child’s father which makes this child who isn’t mine the Son of God?” Those are quite likely some of the thoughts & questions Joseph found himself asking from the moment he learned that Mary was pregnant. So are, “How could it be this baby in my arms, sleeping now so peacefully, the Son of God, the angel said, how could it be?” after Jesus was born.

We can learn a lot from Jesus’ earthly father :-) … though Joseph was a man of obscurity after the nativity narratives, we most certainly know from them that he was a man of character & obedience. Each one of us can & should mimic him in them.

Joseph’s Response to Mary’s Pregnancy Shows Us that …

1. character is revealed when doing the right thing gets done.

There is no doubt that God chose Joseph as intentionally as He chose Mary.

Matthew 1:18-22

2. obeying God can be overwhelming in ways we weren’t expecting.

Saying yes to God opens doors to experiences that are overwhelming & otherworldly.

Matthew 1:23-24 & 2:13-23

Making It Real

1] What have been some of the biggest tests of your character? What did you learn?

2] What are some of the most overwhelming experiences you’ve overcome?

Action Step

Write out a prayer asking God to prepare & strengthen you like He did Joseph.

Notes

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Cornerstone Community Church 5344 Fishcreek Rd Stow OH 44224 <>< ><> Pastor Dan Page December 26, 2021 www.ccc-stow.faithlifesites.com