Matthew 1:18-25
Suggested further reading: Philippians 2:5-11
The name “Jesus” means Savior and points to His special work on behalf of His people: He saves them from sin. He saves them from the penalty of sin by faith in His substitutionary death for them. He saves them from the power of sin by sending the Holy Spirit to empower their lives and their yielding to His power. He saves them from the presence of sin on the day of their resurrection. The “great” of the earth choose imposing titles to inflate their littleness. Our great King and Lord chooses the humble title of Savior—and all sin laden people who come to Him in faith in His saving work on His cross find Him humbly accepting them.
Jesus is also the name of a Jewish boy and points to the wonder of the Incarnation: the mystery of the Virgin Birth and the dedication to the Father’s will to leave the glory of heaven to enter His creation only to be rejected by them.
The behavior of Joseph in these verses is an example of both godly wisdom and tender thoughtfulness for Mary. He is righteous and must respond to her perceived adultery and divorce her. But, being full of mercy, he seeks to do so in the most private manner possible. He ponders long before deciding what to do and thus avoids rashness. His thoughtfulness allows God time to reveal the truth about Mary and what God’s will for Joseph is. It is always wise to hear God’s Word and obey it. His duty now made clear to him, Joseph responds, ignoring the gossip and slander said about them—and thank God he did.
Here is the work of Jesus and Joseph. Let us believe on the first and imitate the second
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
