We will come back to Mary later - but I want to bring Joseph into the story. We know he was of the lineage of David. Matthew Chapter 1 provides very clear evidence of that by citing his genealogy back to Abraham. If you read my book, LEAD ME TO THE CROSS, you will see my comments about several of the people listed in Joseph's genealogy. It is absolutely fascinating to pay attention to those in his ancestry that we have information about in other texts of the Bible. But for my current purposes, I need to just focus on what the Bible states, and what I see in Joseph.
Matthew 1 says Mary "was found to be with child". We don't know when Mary told Joseph about the angel's visit telling her she was going to get pregnant with a baby, and that God would be the father by the power of the Holy Spirit. I know it is conjecture - but I am pretty sure she would have told him the whole story! And it is obvious he didn't buy it.
Tradition says that the betrothal period was one year. It was a time for getting to know each other better, and by law they were committed to each other, and it required a decree of divorce to end the betrothal. When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, the Bible tells us that Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
Historical information says that had he accused her publicly she could have been stoned. He obviously loved her, and was not vindictive, but Joseph was a man of integrity and strong moral character. He certainly didn't consider marrying her and bearing the shame and humiliation of what others would think about him when they found out Mary was pregnant. And he obviously didn't believe what she had told him - and had to be terribly hurt, believing in that moment that Mary had violated his trust and had been unfaithful to him.
And then, God!
God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Yeshua (Jesus), for he will save his people from their sins."
What a difference that made! Mary's story was true - and Joseph was going to be step-dad to the Son of God.
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son.
Whispers around town? They still happened - but Joseph and Mary knew the truth!
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