The Birth of Jesus,
As Seen Through the Eyes of Joseph
It was devastating for Joseph when he learnt that his betrothed was pregnant. He knew the child wasn’t his. He had conducted himself properly in their premarital relationship. Heartbroken and deeply troubled, many thoughts must have swirled through his mind. As he weighed the options carefully, he reckoned it would be best for him to annul the betrothal and to take care of things quietly, so Mary would not be disgraced (refer to Matt 1:18-19).
The Lord’s revelation
It was at this point when God chose to reveal His plan and purpose to him. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. That message delivered would completely change his outlook for the days ahead. Joseph was told that the Child within Mary was conceived through God’s supernatural act, and not a product of sexual union.
There was also specific information and instructions in that revelation. Joseph was told that:
- he should have the confidence to complete his marriage to Mary
- she would give birth to a Son, and
- “you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (v 21)
This amazingly staggering news would be difficult for him to fully wrap his mind around the consequences. Yet, we know that Joseph believed. It is significant that Matthew draws our attention to the prophesy, as recorded in Isaiah some 700 years earlier. “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us” (Matt 1:23, a quotation from Isaiah 7:14). This revelation from God speaks of the fulfilment of God’s promised intervention into human history. This Child, begotten of God, is God with us! All the pieces begin to fall into place within Joseph’s mind.
Joseph’s obedient response
Joseph’s faith was demonstrated by his obedient response — he did as the angel of the Lord commanded. He willingly took Mary as his wife, even though he knew his actions would draw negative attention. We’re also specifically told that “he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born” (v 25, NLT). Joseph named the Son “Jesus”— showing us that he believed, however much he understood it, that this Child would save His people, Joseph included, from their sins.
Conclusion
Joseph is identified by Matthew as the first to trust in Jesus as the promised Messiah. For Joseph, he humbly took God’s Word as revealed to him without hesitation, even though it was way beyond his human understanding, even though it would mean taking on full responsibility as Jesus’ earthly father in every sense of the word, and all the major life adjustments that he would have to make.
We can learn from Joseph to trust in the God who fulfils His promises and who works out His purpose in His own way and time. And, as Joseph was given the opportunity to exercise faith in God, we likewise are invited to place our trust in Jesus. We have the benefit of reading God’s revealed Word which tells us the Messiah has come, walked on this earth, and has completed His mission. The name given to Him reveals His mission. His name is Jesus, “for He will save His people from their sins.” We can respond humbly, trusting in Jesus to be our Saviour and our Lord.” Faith in Jesus is not just a beautiful slogan. It must be demonstrated by our obedient response to Him.
By Ps David Yap