Ελληνικό Site“My bride-to-be is pregnant, and I’m not the father.”
What would you do in this situation? In today’s lesson we learn how one man struggled with the decision, the advice he received, and the solution that he chose.
Matthew 1:18-25
- That Mary was pregnant before she and Joseph ever had sex together is the major point of this conflict (v. 18).
- We know, further, that her pregnancy was not because she’d had sex with another man (v. 18), but rather because God had miraculously placed life within her (v. 18).
- Joseph and Mary were engaged at the time; and Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant (v. 18-19). How he learned and when he learned are unknown to us. If you had been Mary, would you have told Joseph. Would you have told him before or after you went to visit your cousin Elizabeth for 3 months?
- Joseph’s option of choice was to break off the engagement quietly so as not to make Mary a public example (v. 19). It’s possible that she had not spoken to him herself, or that he did not believe her story. Or why this confusion?
- An angel advised Joseph to continue the relationship and to finalize the marriage (v. 20).
- Like the announcement to Zacharias, the sex of the child is declared, the name of the child is declared, and the future renown of the child is declared (v. 21).
- Did the Angel quote Isaiah 7:14 (v.23), or is this Matthew’s comment?
- Joseph obeyed and married Mary (v. 24).
- Did Joseph ever enjoy the pleasures of a husband (v. 25), or was Mary a virgin until the day she died?
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Matthew 1:18-25
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Isaiah 7:14
14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.