1. Joseph: A Righteous Man in a Painful Situation

18This 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. 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. Matthew 1:18–19

13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13

2. Joseph: Thoughtful not Reactionary

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17

3. Joseph Encounters God in His Confusion

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.” Matthew 1:20–21

33a For God is not a God of disorder but of peace 1 Corinthians 14:33a

10a So do not fear, for I am with you; Isaiah 41:10a

4. Joseph Obeys Immediately - Even at a Cost

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. Matthew 1:24–25

29b “We must obey God rather than human beings! Acts 5:29b

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.” Matthew 1:21