What Would Joseph Do?

Last year, along with my parents, I saw the movie The Nativity Story in a small theatre in Magee, MS. One scene from the movie comes to mind as I read the story of Mary and Joseph from the Gospel of Matthew (2:18-25).

After Mary received the news she would give birth to a child, even though she was a virgin (Luke 1:26-29), the Bible records that Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth. Possibly, she was seeking comfort from someone she thought would understand the amazing revelation she had been given. Even though she was "well along in years," Elizabeth had conceived John the Baptist (Luke 1:18). During their time together, they celebrated what God was going to do through both of them.

The movie depicts Mary's return to to her hometown in a provocative manner. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was thrilled she had returned. So, he hurried to greet her and welcome her home. However, as she stepped down from a small cart, he noticed she was, unmistakably, well along in a pregnancy. Understandably, he was shocked and shaken. How could this be? He was so angry and confused.

What would Joseph do? What would you do? He could have had her stoned according to the custom of the day.

Well, tonight in our Mid-Week Prayer Service we will examine his response.

There are three statements that characterize the response of Joseph.


Words of Encouragement from Joseph


1. Practice grace whenever you discover apparent sin in someone’s life.
2. Practice grace when you take an action against a person who appears to have done wrong.
3. Practice grace and seek to restore dignity to a person.


In summary, practice grace, not disgrace.

The outline I'll follow in studying the Godly Example of Joseph is:

4 Aspects of Joseph’s Involvement with the Birth of Christ


Matthew 2:18-25:

I. Joseph’s Disappointment (v.18)

II. Joseph’s Desire (v.19-20a)

III. Joseph’s Dream (vv.20-23)

A. Purity of Mary (v.20)

B. Purpose of Jesus (v.21)

C. Prophecy of Isaiah (v.22-23)

IV. Joseph’s Decision (vv.24-25)