Bible Study Lesson:

Matthew 1:18-25

Observations:

• Fulfillment of the prophecy (Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 7:14)
• It seems like Joseph is the chief character (primary focus) in this passage, Mary played a passive role in this passage. Luke on the other hand, goes into details about Mary and her own journey through this. (Luke 1: 26-56)
• The birth of Jesus, the Messiah was anything, but an ordinary event. It wasn’t quiet, peaceful time as sometimes, nativity scenes today depict. Even before, the birth of Jesus, Joseph & Mary, his parents went through a lot. (Check out: Genealogy of Jesus, the Messiah)

Q. What can you learn about Joseph?

• Joseph was righteous man.
• He was considerate and compassionate to Marry, his fiancee. When he heard about Mary, he decided to divorce her privately, in spite of disappointment and heart break.
• He was obedient to the voice of God.
• He must have very clear, powerful revelation from God.

Q. Visualize the state of mind of Joseph and Mary.

• Joseph – Doubts, disappointment, heartbreak, shame
• Mary – Fear, shame, public disgrace (In  eastern culture, it will be life long shame.)

Q. What was the Joseph’s dream about?

• The contents of his dream were very clear, he was commanded by the Angel of God (Angels and Demons – Biblical perspective).

1. Not to be afraid
2. To take Mary as his wife
3. To give son a name, Jesus ( meaning: ‘Lord Saves’)

• His dream changed the perspective of his view. Instead of doubt and disappointment, it was delight.
• His dream was very elaborate. It was about Holy Spirit, saving people from their sins.
• One thing, was sure, it was not to be an ordinary child.
• Even before birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary knew that Jesus was not an ordinary person.
• It is not clear if Joseph knew the context of the Old Testament prophecy fulfillment.
• We are not sure if Joseph knew about the prophecy, weather he realized the true identity of this child, weather he fully understood the meaning of ’saving people from their sins, or what it means to be born of virgin and conceived by Holy spirit, I doubt if he really understood everything, nobody did. (Not even his disciples, until he found a new help after Jesus’ death and resurrection, “Holy Spirit”.)
• People have and will doubt the authenticity of Joseph’s dream. It may sound impossible or even foolish, until Holy Spirit helps us to conceive the idea of God incarnate!
• Joseph on his part, was faithful and obedient to the voice of God.

Application:

Gospels do not talk about Joseph much, after the birth of Jesus. But in these few passages, we find Joseph to be a good husband, father, caregiver, honest, obedient, faithful and wise.

Key verse of Joseph’s life: “He did what the Lord had commanded him.” (Mat 1:24)

We may also not fully understand (rationally or logically) virgin birth or many other things, but we need to surrender to the will of God, trust him and be obedient to him.

More Bible Study Lessons:

• Three Magi’s Visit to King of the Jews – Matthew 2:1-12 | Bible Lesson
• King Herod & Escape to Egypt
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Joseph: Bible Character Study
• Jesus’ Genealogy in the Bible – Matthew 1:1-17 | Bible Study