Part 4: When Obedience Costs Something - Joseph's Story (Matthew 1:18-25)

Throughout the past weeks, we’ve explored the stories of Abraham, Joseph (of Genesis), and Philip, each of whom demonstrated what it means to take the next right step in obedience to God—even when the path was unclear or costly. Today, we turn to another Joseph, the carpenter from Nazareth, whose life was upended by God’s unexpected intervention. Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that obedience to God doesn’t always make life easier; sometimes, it complicates things, disrupts our plans, and challenges our desire for control.

Joseph was a man who valued order and precision, traits essential for a carpenter. He likely preferred to see the whole plan before starting, to measure twice and cut once. Yet, God interrupted his carefully laid plans with news that Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant—an event that would have been devastating and confusing. Joseph’s initial response was to do what seemed right: to quietly end the engagement and protect Mary from public shame. Even in his pain and confusion, Joseph acted with compassion and righteousness.

But God met Joseph in his fear, not with a full explanation or a detailed blueprint, but with a simple command: “Do not be afraid. Take Mary as your wife.” God didn’t promise that others would understand or that the road would be easy. Instead, He gave Joseph just enough light for the next step. This is often how God works—He rarely hands us the full plan, but invites us to trust Him with the next right thing, even when it costs us our comfort, reputation, or sense of control.

At the heart of Joseph’s story is the assurance of Emmanuel—God with us. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, what seems like disruption from our perspective may actually be God’s way of bringing about His redemption. Joseph’s willingness to obey, even in the face of fear and misunderstanding, positioned him to play a significant role in God’s unfolding story. His example challenges us to consider what opportunities we might miss when fear drives us to control rather than trust.

Ultimately, the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Philip, Mary, and Joseph all point to the faithfulness of God. Our journey of faith is not about having all the answers or being in the spotlight, but about trusting God in the unknown, taking the next right step, and believing that He is with us every step of the way.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Obedience Often Disrupts Our Plans Joseph’s life as a carpenter was built on precision and control, yet God’s call required him to surrender his plans and embrace uncertainty. True obedience to God may complicate our lives, challenging our desire for predictability and comfort. The willingness to let go of our own blueprints is often the first step toward experiencing God’s greater purpose. [06:07]
• 2. Righteousness Is Not Immunity from Fear or Mistakes Even those with the best intentions and strong character can make imperfect choices when fear is present. Joseph’s initial plan to quietly divorce Mary was motivated by compassion, but also by a desire to manage the situation himself. God honors a humble heart that is open to correction, reminding us that faithfulness is not about perfection, but about being teachable and responsive to God’s leading. [13:06]
• 3. God Rarely Gives the Full Blueprint—Just the Next Step The angel gave Joseph only enough information to take the next right step: marry Mary and name the child Jesus. There was no assurance of how things would turn out or how others would respond. This pattern is common in the life of faith—God invites us to trust Him with what we cannot see, building our lives one obedient step at a time. [15:03]
• 4. Fear Is the Place Where Faith Is Tested, Not Absent God’s command to Joseph, “Do not be afraid,” acknowledges that fear is a natural response to uncertainty and loss of control. Faith is not the absence of fear, but the courage to move forward in spite of it, trusting that God is present and working even when we cannot see the outcome. Our fears often reveal where we most need to trust God’s presence and promises. [14:24]
• 5. The Heart of the Story Is God’s Faithfulness, Not Ours While Joseph’s obedience is commendable, the central theme is the faithfulness of God—Emmanuel, God with us. Every act of trust, every step into the unknown, is anchored in the reality that God is present, working redemption through our brokenness and uncertainty. Our peace comes not from having it all figured out, but from knowing that God walks with us every step of the way. [26:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:26] - Recap of Abraham, Joseph, and Philip
• [02:58] - Sourdough Starters and DIY Distractions
• [03:38] - Lessons from Woodworking: Measure Twice, Cut Once
• [05:31] - Introducing Joseph the Carpenter
• [06:07] - God Interrupts Joseph’s Plans
• [07:23] - The Devastation of Mary’s Pregnancy
• [09:53] - Joseph’s Dilemma and Compassion
• [11:46] - Fear, Control, and Righteousness
• [12:25] - The Angel’s Message: Do Not Be Afraid
• [15:03] - Obedience Without the Full Plan
• [17:39] - Emmanuel: God With Us
• [19:48] - Joseph’s Quiet Faithfulness
• [22:21] - Eternal Opportunities vs. Earthly Fears
• [24:47] - Jesus’ Teachings on Fear and Trust
• [26:39] - God’s Faithfulness in the Unknown
• [32:57] - Closing Blessing: Walking with Emmanuel

Bible Reading

Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV) — > 18 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.
> 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
> 20 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.
> 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
> 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
> 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
> 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
> 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Observation Questions

1. What was Joseph’s initial plan when he found out Mary was pregnant, and what does this reveal about his character? ([07:23])
2. How did God communicate with Joseph, and what specific instructions did He give? ([12:25])
3. What title is given to Jesus in this passage, and what does it mean? ([17:39])
4. After Joseph’s dream, what actions did he take in response to God’s message? ([19:48])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might Joseph have chosen to “divorce her quietly” rather than make a public example of Mary? What does this say about his understanding of righteousness and compassion? ([11:07])
2. The angel tells Joseph, “Do not be afraid.” What kinds of fears might Joseph have been facing, and why would obedience to God’s plan be so difficult in this situation? ([14:24])
3. God only gave Joseph the next step, not the full plan. Why do you think God often works this way in people’s lives? ([15:03])
4. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” How does this truth change the way someone might view their own disruptions or uncertainties? ([17:39])

Application Questions

1. Joseph was a man who liked order and control, but God disrupted his plans. Can you think of a time when your plans were interrupted in a way that forced you to trust God? How did you respond? ([06:07])
2. Joseph’s first response was to try to handle things quietly and protect Mary, but it was still an attempt to control the situation. Are there areas in your life right now where you are trying to “manage” things instead of trusting God? What would it look like to surrender control? ([11:46])
3. The angel didn’t give Joseph all the answers—just the next step. Is there a situation in your life where you are waiting for the “full plan” before you obey? What is one “next right step” you sense God might be asking you to take? ([15:03])
4. Fear is not the absence of faith, but the place where faith is tested. What are some fears that keep you from obeying God or stepping out in faith? How can you bring those fears to God this week? ([14:24])
5. The heart of Joseph’s story is not his faithfulness, but God’s. When you look back at your own story, where can you see God’s faithfulness even when things didn’t make sense? ([26:39])
6. The sermon mentioned that we often miss opportunities when fear drives us to control rather than trust. Is there an opportunity in your life right now that you might be missing because of fear or a desire for control? What would it look like to trust God with it? ([21:03])
7. Joseph’s obedience positioned him to play a significant role in God’s story, even though he wasn’t in the spotlight. Are there “behind the scenes” ways you can serve or obey God this week, trusting that He sees and values your faithfulness? ([19:48])