Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/420759
December 17 Matthew 1:19 The Odd Man Out David Buschart, PhD Professor of Theology and Historical Studies & Associate Dean J oseph is not the focus of the Bible's infancy narratives. e Christ of Christmas is. And if any mere mortal is the secondary character next to the baby Jesus, it is clearly His mother, Mary. Beyond these characters in the Christmas drama, I have heard sermons that shone a spotlight on the innkeeper, the "wise men," Herod— even the donkeys. I don't recall ever hearing a sermon that gave thoughtful, extended consideration to Joseph. Yet, while he is not the center of attention, he is clearly an important character in the drama and an overlooked example of a God-honoring life. From the beginning of this passage (Matt. 1:18–25), the author refers to Joseph as "a righteous man" (v. 19). is is the explanation given for his thoughtfulness and concern for Mary. e fact that Joseph "did not want to expose her to public disgrace" was a manifestation of nothing less than righteousness. Ponder for a moment the circumstance in which Joseph found himself. As verse 18 recounts, "Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit." At the time of writing, the inspired gospel-writer Matthew knew that Mary's pregnancy was "through the Holy Spirit," but it is not at all clear that Joseph was blessed with this particular knowledge at the time. Indeed, the verse immediately following suggests that he did not know. When an angel revealed to him in a dream fuller knowledge of the unfolding drama (vv. 20–21), how did Joseph respond? He was obedient and self-controlled. Verses 24 and 25 tell us that "he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son." And when the child was born, this son of David (v. 20) obediently gave Him the name revealed by the angel: Jesus. As we ponder in this season the story of how God sent our Savior, Jesus, into the world, may we honor Him and those whom we love through lives of self-sacrificial obedience, as Joseph did. 12