Trusting Obedience
Scripture
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet 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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”) (Matthew 1:18–23).
Reflection
Mary was unwed, pregnant, and had no better explanation for her condition than that ”she was … pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:18b). How do you think Mary’s parents took that news? How would that explanation work with you if your fiancée was about to have a baby and you knew you were not the father? While we know that Mary was, in fact, with child through the Holy Spirit, most, if not all, of her family and friends would think of her as a sinner, an adulteress. The penalty under the Law of Moses for adultery was death by stoning. Since Roman law forbade stoning, if people in Nazareth learned that Mary was pregnant and Joseph had nothing to do with it, she certainly would have been shunned and treated as a pariah.
Joseph didn’t buy the “Holy Spirit” explanation. He was a decent and kind man, though; because of her perceived unfaithfulness, he didn’t want to marry Mary, but he didn’t want to destroy her either. “Let’s handle this quietly,” Joseph reasoned. “People don’t have to know, but neither should I marry a woman who has been unfaithful to me.”
Again, it was an angel that revealed the hidden plan of God. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. He trusted the angel who brought him a surprising and hopeful message. Mary had told the truth! The Holy Spirit did come over her, and the child in her womb would be the Messiah, the Son of God.
Trusting God, Joseph could now trust Mary. Joseph would be a protecting and guiding presence in the critical years surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood. By taking Mary as his wife, Joseph shielded her from the scorn of their neighbors. Mary’s reputation would remain intact as she bore her first child. Then, faithful to the angel’s command, Joseph named Mary’s child Jesus. From the moment of Jesus’ conception, God was with us as he had never been before.
Prayer
Emmanuel, God with us, your mother, only a child herself, welcomed you and carried you into the world as an infant. Like her, we have been called to be Christ-bearers. Help us to be faithful to that calling and bring your truth to the world through our loving kindness and faithfulness to your gospel.
Activity
Joseph and Mary are examples of trusting obedience. They didn’t understand what God’s plans would mean for them, but they willingly did what he asked. Is there a challenge in your life that you don’t understand? Whatever it is, pray for guidance, wisdom, and understanding. Take it to God in prayer; just as he spoke to Joseph, he will speak to you. Listen and follow him.
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Rev. Richard Hasselbach