December 3, 2006 Rev. Rurel Ausley and

Rev. Kevin Kelly

THE COURAGE OF JOSEPH

Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 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 be with child and will 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 had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

The saying, "actions speak louder than words" applies to Joseph. Joseph is given an essential role in Jesus coming to earth, yet there isn’t one word recorded in Scripture uttered from his mouth. However, Scripture reveals that he was a man of courage, mercy, compassion and obedience that we still admire today. Through his silent actions, Joseph teaches us courage is key to living out our faith…

The Courage to Live a Righteous Life

Joseph demonstrates great courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. He was engaged and found his wife to be pregnant and it wasn’t a result of his actions. What could have happened to Mary as a result of her pregnancy? What possible responses did Joseph have available to him under the Law of his day? How would you have handled this situation? We all know what it is like to be hurt by one we love and deeply respect. How do you handle situations when you have been wronged by someone?

Verse 19 describes Joseph as a righteous man. What did Matthew mean by this description? What does it mean to live a righteous life? Are you seeking to live a righteous life? If so, explain what this means to you personally. If not, what is keeping you from living a life that is in accordance with God’s intent?

The Courage to be Merciful

Had Joseph treated Mary with contempt instead of mercy, do you think Matthew’s description of Joseph as a righteous man would have changed? I believe so. Part of living a righteous life is being able to respond with mercy and compassion toward others. What does it mean to extend mercy to another? How did Joseph extend mercy to Mary? What did he plan to do before the angel appeared to him? How was his initial reaction one of mercy even though it would have led to their separation if it would have come to pass? How did the angel change his mind? When hurt, do you respond with anger and judgment or mercy and love?