Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:20-25

Imagine with me what it must have been like for Joseph to learn that Mary was with child. A marriage had been arranged and their future together had been planned. She was pledged to be married to Joseph. Imagine the disappointment and hurt he must have felt to hear that she was pregnant. We do not know who broke this news to Joseph, but scripture tells us that he was taking care of Mary even as he planned to break their engagement quietly. He did not wish for her to be publicly disgraced (Matthew 1:19).

Joseph was a righteous man. He lived his life according to religious law, always choosing to do the right thing. But when the law allowed, even required, for someone caught in the act of adultery or premarital sin to be brought before her community and questioned, Joseph made a different plan. We would expect him to react in hurt and anger, but Joseph’s righteousness was displayed as compassion and mercy.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. – James 2:12-13

Joseph chose mercy. We do not know that much about this man who became the earthly father of Jesus, but we know he was a righteous man who chose mercy over judgment. He chose a plan that would protect Mary and her family. He would divorce her quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

It can be assumed from the first thing that the angel of the Lord said to Joseph that he must have been experiencing fear. Perhaps he had considered taking Mary as his wife but feared what others would assume of him if he did. Perhaps he feared judgment would land on him and his family if he went through with the marriage. We do not know what Joseph was thinking, but we do know what he was feeling. This was a new and unfamiliar situation, and Joseph was experiencing fear.

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

At what point would Joseph have recognized that he was witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy? He was a righteous man who knew the law, and it could be easily assumed that he was also familiar with the hundreds of Old Testament prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. But it took a supernatural encounter with an angel of the Lord for Joseph to believe that there had been a supernatural conception. Joseph chose to respond in obedience and experienced God in the form of a baby.

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’” – Matthew 1:22-23

GOD IS WITH US.

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. – Matthew 1:24-25

Lord, thank you for the reminder this morning that we do not need to be afraid to walk in the way you have planned for us. Strengthen our faith and give us the opportunity to experience your presence today like we never have for before. Continue to teach us what mercy looks like, and increase our understanding of how you came to save us from our sins. Immanuel, God with us, we sit at your feet with open hearts to hear from you. Amen.