This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
~Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT)
From Joseph’s Perspective:
- Mary was guilty. It certainly looked like she had been unfaithful. Her belly was growing. Her “story” sounded like the goofiest coverup of all time.
- He was giving up his rights to do what was right. Certainly Joseph had the right to a good reputation, and being well thought of, but he knew that obeying the Angel was the right thing to do.
Joseph’s name literally means “May Jehovah add” or “May Jehovah give increase.” Because of his obedience, Joseph lived up to his name; he humbled himself and God increased Joseph’s mercy. By extension, Jehovah’s mercy and grace to all mankind increased.
From Jesus’ Perspective:
- I am guilty. I have been unfaithful to God. I often have excuses, but they just don’t hold up.
- He gave up his rights to do what was right. Jesus had the right to a home in Heave, but he came to earth. He had a right to be treated as a king, but he was killed as a criminal. He gave up his rights to do the most “right” thing in human history: he died to redeem mankind.
Jesus’ name literally means “The Lord Saves.” Because of his obedience, Jesus lived up to his name; Jesus became The Lord who died in order to save the world.