HOST: Michael Whitworth
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
"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."
There is not much of a spotlight cast on Joseph in the story of Jesus, but this passage is very telling in understanding what kind of man he was. He was an honorable man, one who feared God and was concerned with doing right. For these reasons, God chose him and entrusted him with great honor and responsibility—providing care and training for Jesus during His childhood years. What an experience it must have been to have known Jesus so intimately and have had that special relationship with Him. While much different than that of Joseph, God has chosen each of us and has given us the opportunity to have a special relationship with Jesus as well. If we will, we can find in Jesus a friend, teacher, Savior, and Lord. What a privilege and blessing!
How has your relationship with Jesus been a blessing to you?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
