Joseph's Dilemma

by Rev. Kirby Williams

Matthew's nativity story focuses on Joseph's dilemma and God's glorious solution.

Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Date: 01/10/2010, the Contemporary service.
Series: "Matthew" Part 2

In Matthew's version of the nativity, Mary's pregnancy and Joseph's dilemma are clearly in focus. He emphasizes three themes interwoven through the narrative: the apologetic for how the Incarnate Deity came to be; the moral and ethical backbone of Joseph; and the Christological foundation for the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ. But hidden in the story is a beautiful and poetic soteriological (God's plan of salvation) reason for the virgin conception and birth, which Matthew uses to preview the greatest story ever told.

1. Introduction
2. Exposition of the text, Matt. 1:18-25.
1. A man of character, vs. 18-19.
1. Another genesis, vs 18.
2. Joseph's difficult situation, vs. 19.
1. Joseph as a just man.
2. Joseph as a compassionate man.
1. A question of honor.
2. What the Law required.
3. Financial concerns.
3. Joseph as a model of ethical behavior.
2. Yielding to the Spirit, vs. 20-21.
1. Dealing with the light we have.
2. Yielding to special revelation.
3. God's better plan, vs. 21.
1. The name above all names.
2. The greatest revelation of all, Psa. 130:8.
3. The virgin with child, vs. 22-23.
1. Matthew's formula of "fulfillment", vs. 22.
2. The "supernatural conception", vs. 23.
1. Isaiah's view, Isa. 7:14.
2. The Septuagint's view.
3. Matthew's view.
3. The Immanuel Principle.
4. The obedient servant, vs. 24-25.
1. Joseph's obedience.
2. Joseph's reverence.
3. Application
1. The significance of the virgin conception and birth.
2. Joseph's ethical model.
3. The "why" of the virgin conception and birth.
1. Christological revelation.
2. Soteriological revelation.
4. Conclusion