READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In New Testament period, a couple is considered legally married after their marriage has been arranged by their parents, is sealed with a formal agreement and the bride price paid by the groom. A waiting period follows where the couple live separately with their own parents and the marriage is not consummated. This is a public declaration of trust, to demonstrate purity and faithfulness of the bride and honour and integrity of the groom. It is a time of promise and vulnerability.
1. Joseph’s heartaches:
a. Mary’s pregnancy
Mary was pregnant during the waiting period and the child was not Joseph’s(V18). Joseph must have been preparing for their future home with dreams of building a family with Mary. News of Mary’s pregnancy shattered his dreams and must have brought shock, heartbreak and perhaps anger to him as he also faced impending public humiliation. From the point of conception, Jesus was a stumbling block for those who live by sight. From the human viewpoint, Joseph must have concluded that Mary was unfaithful. Theirs was probably an arranged marriage so Joseph did not know Mary enough to trust her innocence. News of her pregnancy would also cast doubt on Joseph’s adequacy as husband and his family’s ability to find him a good wife. Many in such situations would be driven to take extreme measures.
In similar situations will we be driven by shame or compassion like Joseph? Will we rely on human logic to try make sense of the situation? When knowledge cannot give us the truth that we seek, we stand at the crossroad where human understanding ends and God’s revelation begins.
b. Painful choices
Joseph’s dilemma- if he marries Mary and takes responsibility for her pregnancy, he would be admitting to pre-marital sex (which he did not commit) and bring shame to himself and family. The penalty for adultery under Old Testament times is death by stoning. By the New Testament period, the husband can expose her to public disgrace and divorce her. Mary would then be left vulnerable and disgraced. Joseph chose to follow the heart of God and not expose Mary to shame but divorce her quietly (V19).
Unlike Joseph at that time, we have the privilege of knowing that Mary was faithful and pure and her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
2.God’s revelation
a) Divine initiative – an angel addressed Joseph’s dilemma and revealed to Joseph God’s redemption plan, redirecting him to God’s plan.
b) Aligned with God’s redemptive purpose and prophecy (Isaiah 7:14).
Mary’s pregnancy is not a tragedy. The situation we face is not the end as God’s love comes near to us.
3.Obedience P.A.I.Ring with God’s love
a) Purity
Joseph took Mary home as his wife but did not consummate the marriage (V25). Joseph received God’s blessing of marriage but disciplined himself to restrain his sexual appetite, putting God’s purpose above his right and desire. Obedience is not just doing God’s command but holding back when necessary.
b) Accepting shame
Marrying Mary tarnished Joseph’s reputation as others would assume he had slept with her during the waiting period. In a culture where honour defines identity, Joseph valued God’s honour above his own reputation. True honour is found in God’s approval, not man’s approval. Joseph chose to be righteous with God rather than be seen righteous by man. Joseph stepped into salvation history to raise Jesus, the Son of God. Do we choose obedience to God over our personal honour? Are we willing to accept misunderstanding and shame to align with God’s purpose?
c) Intentional protection
By embracing mother and child, Joseph intentionally protected Mary from public shame and Jesus from being branded an illegitimate child. He models love that protects the vulnerable.
d) Receive Jesus as family
Joseph received Jesus into his household. In the ancient world, the act of naming a child is a public declaration of paternity and responsibility for him. He welcomed the Saviour he did not expect.
True faith is saying yes to God, aligning one’s life with God though it may cost much. Joseph quietly embraced the role God called him to, not with grand heroic gestures but quietly acted behind the scene. Even though our dreams are shattered, God has not abandoned us. Joseph bore shame to obey God, Jesus bore our shame to save us.
Christmas reminds us that God is with us, in our pain, failure and shame. God’s love is far greater than our fears and failures. Question is not whether God is near, as He is. Question is will you open your heart and welcome Him in?
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. What details in Matthew 1:18–25 highlight Joseph’s initial heartbreak and his desire to act kindly toward Mary?
b. How does God’s intervention through the angel reshape Joseph’s understanding of the situation?
c. What do Joseph’s actions teach us about the nature of obedience when it comes at personal cost? - Recall Sermon
a. How did Joseph’s protection of Mary and Jesus from shame reflect purity and compassion?
b. What parallels were drawn between Joseph’s obedience despite shame and Jesus’ own obedience to the Father? - Relate Personally
a. Have you ever faced a situation where obedience to God meant risking misunderstanding or shame from others?
b. In what ways can Joseph’s quiet strength and protective love inspire how we respond to those who are vulnerable in our communities?
c. How does Joseph’s example challenge our assumptions about what love looks like in difficult circumstances? - Commit to Action
a. What is one area in your life where God may be calling you to obey Him, even if it feels costly or misunderstood?
b. How can you actively protect and honor someone in your community this week, following Joseph’s example of shielding Mary and Jesus?
c. What step can you take to embody “love coming near” in your relationships, workplace, or ministry?
