Matthew 1:18-25

Going to see family? Is family coming to you? I appreciate Family now more than ever.

Looking at Jesus' family and their story. What can we learn from Jesus’ Mom and Dad?

1. God Calls the Unexpected (v.18)

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

• Matthew Vs Luke Account. Male vs female perspective.
• Holy Trinity days. Catholic view of mary vs protestant. Make to much vs too little.
• The 3 Prayers. Hail Mary is a penance tool. Mary is not a mediator. Jesus is.
• Who was Mary. 13-16. Is anyone that age? Jewish. From Nazareth.
• If God Calls somone like Mary, he can use literally anyone.
• Too Blank… Ugly, Addicted, Fat, Foreign, Language, Can’t Read, Uneducated.
• While you may feel disqualified - From Mary we learn we are Qualified in God’s eyes.

2. God Calls Us to Show Mercy (v.19)

19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

• Pledged to be married Between Engaged and Married - What that means.
• Put yourself in Joseph's shoes. Small town, you knew married. “Found” To be pregnant.
• Getting Engaged To Mellissa and The Joy and Anticipation - The pain that would have been.
• The law recommended that she be stoned. Joseph was merciful to divorce her quietly. Good Guy.
• I see in Joseph a man who had mercy toward the person who hurt him the most.
• Who do you need to show mercy for in your life? Ex, Spouse, Brother, Sister, Chile, Parent, Coworker?

3. God Calls Us to Say Yes and Step Forward (v.20-25)

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

• One other difference with Catholics - Perpetual Virginity - It was consummated. Jesus had Brothers.
• Joseph Got up and did what the Angel said…we know very little about him.  Disappears from Scripture
• He honored his wife. Must have been a good dad - Rased Jesus and James. Started when he said yes.
• James and Sheena - She was terrified but she said yes.
• God often asks us to do things that are hard for us. Be like Joseph and say yes.
• At 18. I said yes to everything.
• Thats what Joseph did too… he said yes, and that led to a series of yeses.
• I believe God has an assignment for each of us.  Levites, Ark, Youth, Worship, Pastor, Plant, Mission
• What step do you need to say yes to with the Lord?