The Promised One: Advent Day 21

Read & Journal

Read Matthew 1:18-25. Ask yourself:

• How would I explain this passage in my own words? Jot down a brief outline of what happened in these verses.

• What did I learn about God? About his character?

• What does this passage teach me about Jesus, his mission or purpose?

• As you read today’s passage, what did you notice about Joseph and the kind of man he was? Explain.

• How do you see God’s promises or prophecy being fulfilled in this passage?

• Immanuel means “God with us.” How have you experienced God’s presence through His Spirit this week?

Centuries earlier, during the disastrous rule of King Ahaz, God had promised a Savior born of a virgin. We “will call him Immanuel,” Isaiah had proclaimed (Isa. 7:14). Now, in perhaps one of the darkest moments of Joseph’s life, the angel hearkened back to those words in Joseph’s dream.

Scripture doesn’t give us a lot to go on when it comes to Joseph. But Matthew 1 and Joseph’s caring interactions with Mary do give us a glimpse of the kind of man he was. While Elizabeth’s pregnancy had likely been fodder for the village gossip, Mary’s pregnancy was a scandal. But Matthew 1:19 tells us that Joseph was a “good” (NLT), “righteous” (NASB), “honorable” (God’s Word translation) and “noble” man, and he didn’t want to disgrace Mary. So when he could have capitalized on the scandal and had Mary stoned, he decided to break the engagement quietly. It wasn’t the easiest solution, but it was the most caring, at least in Joseph’s mind.

But as Joseph pondered his next steps, the angel of the Lord came to him in a dream, just as God had to Jacob centuries before. “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,” the angel said, “for she will have a son, and he will save his people from their sins.” And then the angel reminded Joseph of the prophet Isaiah’s words in Isaiah 7:14. What God had promised in the darkness of King Ahaz’s rule was coming true, and Joseph had a role to play.

While Scripture may not offer up much about Joseph’s character, his actions speak volumes. He was a man of honor who didn’t choose the easiest way out. He cared about Mary, and despite the fact that her pregnancy seemed to shout her unfaithfulness from the rooftops, he couldn’t seem to bring himself to give her what society proclaimed she deserved. He could have chosen anger or violence, but instead he chose the path that seemed to offer the most hope to Mary.

But God had different plans. What God was doing through Mary would bring hope to the entire world. It would bless the nations, as God had promised Abraham so long ago. In Jesus, God would “put on flesh and live among us” (John 1:14). He would become Immanuel in a way we could see and understand. The next chapter of God’s great story was unfolding, and Joseph had a choice to make: be a part of it or walk away.

You have a choice today. God is still writing his story in the lives of his people, in those who are called by his name. Will you place your trust in Jesus, who lived, died and rose again that you may have an eternal relationship with God? Will you choose to trust him in the situations you don’t understand and can’t see a way through? Will you choose hope when the world clamors for you to choose despair?

He is Immanuel, God with us. Choose hope today.