"But... an angel of the Lord appeared...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.'"
(MATTHEW 1:20)

Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23
The nativity story seems to give a major role to Mary and a supporting role to Joseph as the earthly father of Jesus. Yet consider the patience and trust he needed to play his part well! When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant and knew he was not the father, he waited until he’d considered the law and Mary’s disgrace before making a plan to divorce her. When the angel revealed to him in a dream that Mary’s baby was conceived by God, he took her as his wife, but waited to consummate the marriage. Joseph trusted God by taking Mary to Bethlehem, knowing her delivery was imminent. After the visiting Magi left, God told him in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and toddler Jesus. Trusting God’s plan, Joseph fled immediately with the family. He waited patiently for God to return them to Judea and didn’t move until another dream led them to settle in Galilee.


God could have cast Mary as a single parent. But He gave Joseph the grace to fulfill the unique role of being the earthly father of His Son.



Scripture Focus

Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23

Insight

IS YOURS A "MINOR" ROLE IN GOD'S STORY? ASK HIM TO HELP YOU PLAY THAT PART TO HIS GLORY THAT OTHERS MAY KNOW THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

Bible In A Year

  • Micah 1-4
  • Proverbs 22
  • Jude

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