Embracing the Scandal: Joseph's Faithful Response

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound and often overlooked aspects of the Christmas story as told in the Gospel of Matthew. This narrative, often seen as mundane or overly familiar, reveals a scandalous yet miraculous announcement of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Unlike the more dramatic account in Luke, Matthew presents the story from Joseph's perspective, emphasizing the unexpected and scandalous nature of Jesus' birth. This perspective challenges us to see beyond the familiar and recognize the divine orchestration in what might seem ordinary or even scandalous.

The story of Joseph and Mary is not just a simple baby announcement; it is a proclamation of the Savior who is both fully human and fully divine. This dual nature of Christ is essential for our redemption, as it allows us to have a relationship with God through Jesus. The Holy Spirit's role in this miraculous conception underscores that it is not by human effort but by divine intervention that salvation is made possible. This narrative invites us to reflect on how God often uses the unexpected, even the scandalous, to fulfill His redemptive plan.

Joseph's response to this divine revelation is a model of humility and obedience. Despite the societal norms and personal emotions he might have faced, Joseph chose to submit to God's will, demonstrating that sometimes the godly path is not the one that seems most logical or acceptable by worldly standards. His actions remind us that true faith is evidenced by our willingness to listen, submit, and act according to God's direction, even when it defies our expectations or understanding.

As we consider our own lives, we are challenged to discern between what is good and what is godly. The story of Joseph and Mary encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when it involves stepping into the unknown or embracing the unexpected. It reassures us that no scandal or situation is too great for our Savior, who is Emmanuel, God with us, now and forever.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Scandalous Nature of Jesus' Birth: The birth of Jesus, as told in Matthew, is a scandalous proclamation that challenges societal norms and expectations. It reminds us that God often uses the unexpected to fulfill His divine purposes, inviting us to see beyond the ordinary and recognize His hand in all things. [45:00]

2. The Dual Nature of Christ: Jesus' birth signifies the coming of a Savior who is both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature is crucial for our redemption, as it allows us to have a relationship with God through Jesus. It is a reminder that salvation is not by human effort but by divine intervention. [50:38]

3. Joseph's Humble Obedience: Joseph's response to the angel's message is a model of humility and obedience. Despite societal pressures, he chose to submit to God's will, demonstrating that true faith involves listening, submitting, and acting according to God's direction, even when it defies our understanding. [01:02:35]

4. Discerning Between Good and Godly: The story challenges us to discern between what is good and what is godly. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when it involves stepping into the unknown or embracing the unexpected, reminding us that sometimes the godly path is not the most logical by worldly standards. [01:04:13]

5. Emmanuel, God With Us: The narrative reassures us that no scandal or situation is too great for our Savior, who is Emmanuel, God with us. This truth offers comfort and hope, reminding us that God is present with us now and forever, guiding us through life's challenges. [01:05:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Call to Worship
- [02:00] - Introduction and Prayer
- [04:15] - Focus on the Gospel of Matthew
- [06:45] - The Mundane Becomes Marvelous
- [10:00] - Joseph and Mary's Scandalous Announcement
- [15:30] - The Significance of Betrothal
- [20:00] - God's Use of the Unexpected
- [25:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [30:00] - The Dual Nature of Christ
- [35:00] - Joseph's Response and Obedience
- [40:00] - Discerning Good vs. Godly
- [45:00] - Emmanuel, God With Us
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Galatians 4:4-5
- 1 John 5:11-12

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Matthew's account of Jesus' birth differ from Luke's, and what unique perspective does it offer? [40:33]

2. What societal norms and expectations are challenged by the circumstances of Jesus' birth as described in Matthew? [45:00]

3. How does Joseph's initial plan to divorce Mary quietly reflect his character and understanding of the situation? [46:42]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the narrative of Jesus' birth according to Matthew? [50:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is the dual nature of Christ—being both fully divine and fully human—essential for our redemption, as discussed in the sermon? [52:14]

2. How does Joseph's response to the angel's message serve as a model of humility and obedience for believers today? [01:02:35]

3. In what ways does the story of Joseph and Mary challenge believers to discern between what is good and what is godly? [01:04:13]

4. How does the concept of "Emmanuel, God with us" provide comfort and hope in the face of life's challenges? [01:05:59]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation that seemed scandalous or unexpected. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation? [49:26]

2. Joseph chose to obey God's direction despite societal pressures. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to act against societal norms to follow God's will? [01:02:35]

3. The sermon emphasized discerning between good and godly actions. Can you identify a decision you are currently facing where this discernment is necessary? How will you approach it? [01:04:13]

4. How can the truth of "Emmanuel, God with us" change the way you approach a current challenge or fear in your life? [01:05:59]

5. Joseph's story shows the importance of listening and submitting to God's plan. What practical steps can you take to better listen and submit to God's guidance in your daily life? [01:02:35]

6. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more open to the Spirit's work and guidance in your personal and spiritual growth? [50:38]

7. The sermon mentioned the importance of community and not isolating oneself. How can you engage more deeply with your church community, especially if you are feeling isolated or disconnected? [49:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Unexpected in God's Plan
The birth of Jesus, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, presents a narrative that defies societal norms and expectations. It is a story that challenges us to see beyond the ordinary and recognize the divine orchestration in what might seem scandalous or unexpected. This perspective invites us to reflect on how God often uses the unexpected to fulfill His redemptive plan. By embracing the unexpected, we open ourselves to the possibility of witnessing God's hand in all aspects of our lives, even in situations that seem ordinary or challenging. [45:00]

Matthew 1:18-20 (ESV): "Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'"

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life that seems ordinary or even challenging. How might God be using this situation to fulfill His purpose in your life?


Day 2: The Significance of Christ's Dual Nature
The birth of Jesus signifies the coming of a Savior who is both fully divine and fully human. This dual nature is crucial for our redemption, as it allows us to have a relationship with God through Jesus. It is a reminder that salvation is not by human effort but by divine intervention. The miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit underscores that it is not by human means that salvation is achieved, but through God's divine plan. This truth invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ's nature and its significance for our faith. [50:38]

Hebrews 2:14-17 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' dual nature as fully human and fully divine impact your relationship with Him today?


Day 3: Humility and Obedience in Faith
Joseph's response to the angel's message is a model of humility and obedience. Despite societal pressures and personal emotions, he chose to submit to God's will, demonstrating that true faith involves listening, submitting, and acting according to God's direction, even when it defies our understanding. Joseph's actions remind us that sometimes the godly path is not the one that seems most logical or acceptable by worldly standards. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's plan and to act in faith, even when it requires stepping into the unknown. [01:02:35]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to act in faith, even if it defies your understanding or expectations?


Day 4: Discerning the Godly Path
The story of Joseph and Mary challenges us to discern between what is good and what is godly. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when it involves stepping into the unknown or embracing the unexpected. This discernment requires us to seek God's guidance and to be willing to follow His direction, even when it is not the most logical by worldly standards. By discerning the godly path, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to His blessings. [01:04:13]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What decision are you facing today that requires discernment between what is good and what is godly? How can you seek God's guidance in this decision?


Day 5: Emmanuel, God With Us
The narrative of Jesus' birth reassures us that no scandal or situation is too great for our Savior, who is Emmanuel, God with us. This truth offers comfort and hope, reminding us that God is present with us now and forever, guiding us through life's challenges. By recognizing God's presence in our lives, we find strength and courage to face any situation, knowing that we are not alone. This assurance invites us to trust in God's constant presence and to rely on His guidance in all circumstances. [01:05:59]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your life today, especially in moments of fear or uncertainty?

Quotes



"Sometimes the godly thing is the unexpected thing. Sometimes Jesus turns what the world considers good upside down. And tells you and I to look to him to see what godliness is." [01:05:59] (17 seconds)



"Where the world sees a scandal, God opens a door. Opens the door to eternity with our Savior." [00:48:16] (11 seconds)



"God is about to demonstrate that his love goes beyond anything that we could possibly imagine. There are no limits to what God's love can overcome." [00:48:04] (13 seconds)



"Joe obeyed God by taking Mary as his wife, even when societal norms told him not to. Joe obeyed God by giving his adopted son the name Jesus. Even though it was his right to give a name, he followed God's instruction and said, I will name him Jesus as I was commanded by God." [01:04:13] (18 seconds)



"God became one of us. God became human. God became fully human for you and for me. The divine one became human. The scandal that's been announced in this passage announces the arrival of a savior." [00:55:38] (15 seconds)



"See, scripture explains to us that we demonstrate our faith through, our actions. You see that in James. Our faith is evidenced by what we do and what we say, how we live." [01:03:26] (12 seconds)



"Don't be afraid, because there is no scandal too great for our Savior, because Emmanuel, God is with us. He is here. God is with us through the Son, who is fully human and fully divine. God is with us until the end of the age." [01:06:54] (21 seconds)



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Transcript
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