Sunday, December 8, 2013

The Nativity: Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) Questions for Reflection and Discussion


Dig Deeper

In his betrothal to Mary Joseph unknowingly embarked on an unimaginable adventure. The first thing the Scriptures reveal about Joseph is that he is a descendant of King David (Matthew 1:16). The second revelation about this man deals with his character, “Joseph, being a righteous man…” (Matthew 1:18). Joseph is the man God choose to be Jesus’ adopted father and is an example to us of the characteristics of godly father-- consistent when tested, confident in his call and compassionate in relationships. 

Outside of the events leading up to and immediately following the Nativity little is known about Joseph. The last specific mention of Joseph in the Gospels is when Jesus is twelve years old and the family was returning to Nazareth after celebrating the Passover Festival in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-51). Jesus was known throughout Nazareth as Joseph’s son and it was from Joseph that he learned the skills of a carpenter. (Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3) What insights do you gain about the example of Joseph from the following Scriptures?

Matthew 1:16; Psalm 132:17-18--

Matthew 1:18-25--

Luke 2:15-17--

Matthew 2:13-15--

Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39-52--

Luke 2:21-25; Exodus 13:2; Leviticus 5:11--

Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3--

Application

The Life Application Study Bible lists four lessons from the life of Joseph. 1). God honors integrity, 2). Social position is of little importance when God chooses to use us, 3). Being obedient to the guidance we have from God leads to more guidance from Him and 4). Feelings are not accurate measures of the rightness or wrongness of an action. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to grow in consistent character, confidence and compassion as a result of Joseph’s example?

Memorize This

Matthew 1:23— Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. KJV

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