Matthew 1:18-25
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 1:18-25, try to take on the perspective of Joseph.
In first century Israel, betrothal was a binding commitment between a man and a woman. As such, when a man believed that his intended bride had been unfaithful, he was required to divorce her. Assuming she wasn’t stoned to death for her infidelity, she would then go through life as an outcast having been rejected by her intended husband.
Matthew doesn’t tell us how Joseph knew Mary was pregnant at first, but he does give us a glimpse into the kind of man Joseph was. He was “righteous” and compassionate - not wanting to expose Mary to public shame and the accompanying danger to her life. As a first century Jewish man, Joseph held all the power in the relationship, and Mary’s fate was firmly in his hands. But even in the face of Mary’s apparent infidelity, his first instinct was to protect her.
Consider for a moment the personal risk Joseph took to protect Mary. Talk to Jesus about any thoughts or feelings that arise.
Read Matthew 1:18-25 again focusing on Joseph’s dream and his actions immediately after.
It’s important to note that God had stopped speaking to the people of Israel 400 years prior to the events in this passage. There were no prophetic words from God to the nation of Israel during those centuries, and we only know of a couple of people who were open enough to hear God beyond the silence (Luke 2:25-38). But Joseph recognized his dream as divine revelation, and he was willing to risk his reputation and standing in society to obey the angelic instructions.
The writer of Hebrews said that God has spoken to us through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2), and Jesus promised that his Spirit, the Holy Spirit, would continue to speak on his behalf.
How do you experience the “voice” of Jesus through the Holy Spirit? Take a moment to consider this and then talk with Jesus about it sharing your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly with him.
If Jesus spoke to you in an unprecedented way, or in a way with which you were unfamiliar, do you think you would be open enough to recognize his voice? Do you think you would be quick to obey whatever Jesus told you?
Get still and quiet for a moment. If thoughts distract you, notice them and then let them pass.
Do you sense Jesus saying anything to you in the silence?
What will you do in response?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
