Morning Moments

In all of the BACKGROUND considerations regarding the events leading to the Incarnation someone has asked, "How might Joseph have felt?" I certainly think that is a question worthy of consideration, so today let's seek an answer.

Mt 1:18-21 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

There are two parts to this answer:

Two families in a small village might have rejoiced together in the births of Joseph and Mary, after all new babies always generate joy and excitement. Joseph was older, maybe 3 or 4 years, but as he and she grew into their teens, their parents had watched each child very carefully and Joseph's father decided that he would approach Mary's father about arranging their future marriage.

Joseph too had watched Mary and probably had grown very fond of her. Each saw in the other strong character traits and a godliness beyond what might have been seen in other young people. In any event, it was arranged, and the time came for the two to become "espoused".

This espousal was a very serious matter and although each lived at home during the year of espousal or engagement, and although they might have socialized, their relationship was settled.

Mary had returned home after a three month visit with Elizabeth. Certainly it would be normal for her to begin to show a change in her body. There is no indication that she sought to explain this to Joseph, but he could not believe this precious and virtuous young girl could be pregnant, but she was. Had someone taken advantage of her while she was away? Had she been raped? Questions filled his mind with no suitable answers.

He knew of but two available options:

1. He could make her a public example and she would be subject to stoning.
2. In the presence of two witnesses he could privately give her a writ of divorce, but she would still be looked down upon by society, and there would always be a question about the father and a question about her faithfulness.

The text says Joseph was a righteous man and was in no way desirous of putting her to public shame. Maybe she could go live with her aunt and uncle. In any event, his heart was broken and he would rather have lived with a broken heart than to hurt her.

His actions show the deepest love and respect for her. Through it all there is no indication that she defended herself in any way; she simply left the matter in the hands of the Responsible One.

So here we are with the "prior to" part of the answer about Joseph. A young man of true character facing the greatest dilemma of his life - his love was pregnant and he was not the father. How broken his heart was.

BLESSINGS!