Bible Studies for Life Sunday School lesson for December 9, 2018

Bible Studies for Life Sunday School lesson for December 9, 2018

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By Jim Barnette, Ph.D.
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook

Joseph’s Obedience
Matthew 1:18–25

Joseph has been referred to as “the forgotten man of Christmas.” He never speaks in the Bible. Often, he is relegated to the role of an extra in the Advent story. This should not be the case. One scholar declared that “even though Joseph was remarkably simple, he was simply remarkable.” He demonstrates the power of obedience to God’s leading.

Sometimes our plans are disrupted. (18–19)

The Greek word that is used in Matthew 1:1 for the genealogy (genesis) is the same word used for the “birth” of Jesus. This Jesus is referred to as “the Messiah,” which means “anointed one” in Hebrew. The Greek word for “Messiah” is “Christ,” and the use of the term highlights Jesus as the One anointed to rescue us from our sins.

The birth story opens with a man named Joseph who is betrothed to Mary. Betrothal was a legal arrangement, with the betrothed being called husband and wife. Betrothal could be dissolved only by divorce. Upon hearing of Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph offers to divorce her. This offer was more merciful than heeding the rabbis of the day, who demanded that such a woman be put away. Only the assurance that Mary’s child was begotten of the Holy Spirit convinced Joseph to keep Mary as his wife.

Experience abundance through God’s plan. (20–23)

The angel’s first words to Joseph are typical of angelic revelations found in Scripture: “Do not be afraid.” The divine message is, in effect, “Do not hesitate to take Mary as your wife.” The child is to be named “Jesus,” which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” meaning “The Lord saves.” These are forms of the English name “Joshua,” who in the Old Testament was the successor to Moses’ authority (see Josh. 1:1–9). The fact that Jesus inherits and fulfills Moses’ role will be a significant theme of Matthew’s story. The repeated refrain in the story of Joshua, “I (God) will be with you” relates the Old Testament Joshua to his New Testament namesake.

Moreover the Joshua refrain echoes in the other name offered in this passage, “Immanuel,” meaning “God is with us.” As Moses led the children of Israel out of the bondage of slavery, so Jesus offers God’s children deliverance from sin. Jesus’ birth from a virgin fulfills Isaiah 7:14. The Hebrew term almah, meaning “virgin” or “young maiden,” was translated parthenos (“virgin”) in the Greek Old Testament that Matthew quotes. Matthew understands the almah of Isaiah as foreshadowing the Virgin Mary.

Align with God’s plan. (24–25)

Joseph “had no union” with Mary until Jesus was born. Joseph exudes obedience as a young man anticipating married life. He lived with Mary in chastity until she gave birth. This husband watched her, protected her and was faithful to her but he did not touch her. Here Matthew makes it clear to readers that Joseph was not the biological father of the child.

Joseph continued to practice remarkable obedience to God even as he, Mary and baby Jesus continued to face challenges. The trip to Bethlehem, the flight to Egypt, looking for Jesus at the temple and no doubt many other events confirm an earthly father whose faithfulness to his God contributed to the greatest news in world history.
The life of Jesus confirms that “the forgotten man of Christmas” influenced the Savior’s own life. When Jesus called God “Abba, Father,” he was reflecting His loving relationship with Joseph. Indeed, the earthly carpenter father of Yeshua was remarkably simple and simply remarkable.