Intro: In Joseph, we see some admirable responses
to the news of Jesus’ future arrival. Let us examine
these responses:
I. CONFUSION
A. "Is Mary being honest with me?"
B. "How shall I handle this"
C. "What are the facts??"
II. COMPASSION
A. "to avoid public shame, I will put her away
privately."
B. Despite the disturbing news, I still want
to exhibit compassion in the matter.
III. COMMITMENT
A. After the Angel appeared to Joseph, he made
a renewed commitment to "take her for his wife"
B. He exhibited commitment in that he "knew her
not" until Jesus had been born. (unheard of
in a male-dominated society)
C. His commitment was a result of his character.
IV. CONSISTENCY
A. Joseph was an ideal "step-father".
B. Day in and day out, he did what was right
in being a good role model before this
special child.
C. He was careful to observe all the requirements
of the Jewish Law concerning his son.
D. Although it "wasn’t his child", he loved
young Jesus as if He were his own flesh
and blood.
V. APPLICATIONS FOR US TODAY:
1. GOD MAY PLACE A CONFUSING CHALLENGE BEFORE US
(AS HE DID JOSEPH) THAT GOES AGAINST THE GRAIN
OF SOCIETY’S EXPECTATIONS
2. AS CHRISTIANS, WE ARE TO REACT WITH COMPASSION
COMMITMENT, AND CONSISTENCY.
3. FATHERS, STEP-FATHERS: PATTERN AFTER JOSEPH
IN DEALING WITH THE KIDS GOD PUTS IN YOUR
LIFE. JOSEPH’S MODEL IS A GOOD ONE!!
4. AS JOSEPH PROVIDED FOR AND GUIDED JESUS
IN HIS EARTHLY HOME, JESUS IN TURN PROVIDED
FOR THE SALVATION OF JOSEPH AND GUIDED HIM
TO HIS HEAVENLY HOME.
