Stories of Light
“Joseph”
Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-14, 19-23

Joseph was a carpenter, taught as was the custom, by his father, Jacob. He was engaged to Mary.
	The Greek word for carpenter here is “tekton.” Someone who worked with wood would 
	have made the doors and shutters for a house; furniture, chests, and tables along with 
	farm tools and yokes for oxen.

What does it tell us that God chose a simple “tekton” to be a protector, caregiver and provider to Mary and Jesus?
	God often chooses the least likely, the humble, to do his work. (1 Corinthians 1:26-27) 

God looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

The Scandal
	With very few words, Matthew tells us that, while Joseph and Mary were engaged, Mary 
	became pregnant and Joseph was not the father.

Surprises happen. Life can get really complicated, real fast. 

What was it about Joseph that prompted God to choose him? (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Joseph’s loyalty to Mary
	Joseph’s loyalty to Mary would not allow him to do her any harm.

Do the people who know you well call you a loyal person? Would loyalty be a word people use to describe you? 

Joseph’s willingness to respond to God
	Dream 1: Don’t be afraid of staying with Mary.
	Dream 2: Take Mary and the baby and flee to Egypt.
	Dream 3: Take Mary and the child and return to Israel.
	Dream 4: Move Mary and the child back to Galilee.

“Don’t be afraid.”
	Each dream dispels Joseph and Mary’s natural fear. 

The words, “Do not fear” or some form of those words appears 365 times in the Bible. What does that tell you? 

We can resist fear because:
	God is loving and good. That’s His nature.
	God always has my best interest in mind.
	God is all-powerful and can bring His will into being.

What is happening in your life where you need to hear God say, “Do not be afraid”? 

Joseph’s humility in being a father to Jesus
	Humility is a major theme in this story.
		The shepherds
		The stable
		The wise men
		God values humility

James 4:6

Why didn’t God choose a priest, an educated scribe or lawyer, a physician or a successful businessman? Why did he entrust the job to a humble carpenter?
	Joseph helped shaped Jesus. He taught Him to be a carpenter. (Matthew 11:29)

James 1:27 
	CarePortal
	Kids Hope USA
	Safe Families
	Foster/Adopt Ministry (FAM)

God’s heart is for the at-risk, the vulnerable, the lost and alone. “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

Joseph’s greatness was partly found in his great humility.

For us
	Am I unwaveringly loyal to the people God has placed in my life? 
	Am I willing to respond to God in all that He asks of me?
	Am I humble enough to go unnoticed?

Joseph’s story reminds us that this world is not our home. (Hebrews 13:14 )

We’re put here to be the light of the world – a Story of Light.