The Christmas Message to Joseph
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 12/25/2013 AM (Christmas Day) |
Text: | Matthew 1:18-24 |
Psalters: | 297, 399, 243, 316 |
- The historical setting.
- The history of Joseph and Mary’s engagement is the first historical evidence that Jesus is Immanuel.
- “Espoused” or “betrothed” is a legal promise and commitment to marry - more than our engagement.
- Only after this period of time, which ended with the ceremony, could the man live with his wife in sexual union.
- A very surprised Joseph learned that Mary “was found with child.”
- He “thought on these things” (20), i.e., turned them over in his mind, struggling under the burden of his thoughts.
- Joseph is identified as a “just man” (19) meaning that he was regenerated and godly.
- The history of Joseph and Mary’s engagement is the first historical evidence that Jesus is Immanuel.
- While contemplating what to do, the angel appeared to him in a dream (20b).
- As was the norm for God-sent angels, he comes out of divine mercy.
- He began with a command (reflecting God’s will for His own): “Fear not.”
- And “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.”
- The angel gave a reason: “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
- In this way Jesus can be the Savior and Immanuel.
- God conceived this child so he can be God.
- This is the truth which must be believed to be saved unto eternal life (John 3:16-18).
- The wonder of grace grows: He is “Jesus” Jehovah salvation (21).
- Jehovah salvation is to “save His people from their sins.”
- That He saves from their sins explains the manger and the cross.
- The great joy of Christmas is exactly that He came precisely to deal with the reality of our sin.
- As was the norm for God-sent angels, he comes out of divine mercy.
- The responding faith: Joseph believed and obeyed (24).
- God graciously worked in Joseph what He works in us: the ability to believe the impossible.
- God performs this wonder in our hearts this morning too when we see the Baby in the manger and we worship Him.