THE MAN GOD CHOSE TO RAISE HIS SON

Matt. 1:18-25
Rev. M.D. Rogers

A Dying man trying to find a family to raise his daughter. He placed her
with a Christian family because they would treat her right and show her the
right way to live. How particular do you suppose God was when He was choosing
the family that would raise Jesus? I think that God would want to find a family
that would treat the child good, that would train Him up in the way of the
Lord, that would Jesus the example that every young man needs and deserves.
Much, often too much emphasis is placed on Mary and her choice to become
the mother of Jesus. Yes, she deserves to be thanked and held in great respect,
but too often, we forget about Joseph. His example and lifestyle were very influential
in the life of the Lord Jesus. Tonight, I want to take just a few minutes to
look at the man God chose to raise His Son.
I. v. 18-19 HIS DILEMMA
(Ill. The way Joseph handled himself revealed a lot about his true
character.)
A. An Unexpected Development – Ill. The pregnancy of Mary during the
betrothal period was a serious offense. (Ill. The Betrothal period was
considered as binding as a marriage.) (Ill. How respond in a time of crisis
reveals our true nature! When things are going smoothly, we are able to hide a
lot that becomes clear in a crisis!) Joseph’s reaction reveals a man under
control! (Ill. Jesus was always in control of Himself – He probably saw this
trait in Joseph!)
B. An Uncharacteristic Deliberation – Ill. Most men would have divorced
Mary, (Ill. The procedure!) This would have left her poverty stricken and
because of the baby, no other man would have dared marry her. Ill. Joseph was
"Just" – Righteous! He wanted to do the right thing by Mary! (Joseph
and Jesus were both marked by their compassion – Ill. John 8:1-11. (Ill.
Tradition says that Joseph was a widower who was much older than Mary. If so,
this may have accounted for his patience, calmness and wisdom in the
situation.)
C. An Uncommon Decision – Ill. Joseph, by right, could have invoked the
death penalty – Deut. 22:13-21. He could have Mary stoned to death publicly.
However, he chose to spare her the shame. Again, this reveals compassion on the
part of Joseph.
II. v. 20-23 HIS DREAM
(Ill. 3 Great Truths were revealed to Joseph in his dream)
A. The Truth Of The Pregnancy Is Revealed – Joseph discovers who the real
Father is. Joseph realizes that he has been chosen to be part of a glorious
plan.
B. The Child’s Title Is Revealed – Ill. Joseph is commanded to name the
child "Jesus" – Jehovah Is Salvation! (Ill. Jesus certainly lived up
to His Name!)
C. Joseph’s Task Is Revealed – Joseph would have to live with the shame
that would be placed upon Him by others. Ill. There are several traditions
surrounding the birth of Jesus. 1.) Joseph’s son; 2.) Mary had a
secret lover; 3.) A Roman soldier raped Mary. Again, this speaks
well of Joseph, he was willing to bear this cross for the glory of God.
Certainly, Jesus learned much from watching this man suffer in silence!
III. v. 24-25 HIS DECISION
A. He Obeyed The Lord’s Commands – Obedience reveals the heart of man
like nothing else! Ill. John 14:15; 1 Sam. 15:22. When we obey the Lord’s
command, even when they are unpleasant or hard, it proves our love for Him and
reveals where our loyalty truly is.
B. He Observed Mary’s Chastity – Mary and Joseph never came together
physically until after Jesus was born, thus fulfilling the Scripture – v. 23.
This is another indication of the man’s moral standing. A lesser man would have
demanded the right of a husband. (Ill. Joseph possessed the characteristics of
his Old Testament counterpart Joseph – Gen. 39 Ill. Gen. 39:9)
C. He Obediently Named The Child – The right of naming the child was in
the hand of the Father. Joseph knew that the child’s true Father wanted the
child called Jesus. Therefore, Joseph named the child Jesus.
Conc: Joseph was chosen to be the surrogate father of Jesus because he
was pure of life and pure of heart. He was the kind of man God could use,
because God didn’t have to worry about Joseph getting in the way. In other
words, he was yielded to the will of the Lord. We ought to look at our own
lives tonight and ask ourselves, "Are we the kind of person that God could
use in a big way?" If not, then what do we need to do to get there? God
will never call another man to do what Joseph did. But, God has plenty of big
jobs left to do, He just needs the people who are willing and qualified to do
them