Good

1. Joseph
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 1:18 - 25 (KJV) 18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his
mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of
the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a
public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things,
behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of
David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he
shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, 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. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden
him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn
son: and he called his name JESUS.
Introduction - The rush of the Christmas season carried Mary along its demanding way
when tryouts for the Christmas program were announced. Certain that the whole church
clamored for her six-year-old Billy's great talent, she looked forward to teaching him Joseph's
part. When he came back as a prophet, she decided he would be the best looking prophet in a
pageant. Cramming designing and sewing the costume into an impossible schedule, she
frantically finished it, complete with bushy, fake-fur beard.
The pageant was magnificent, especially Billy, and especially all the beautiful carols the
children sang. Mary praised Billy to the stars for singing them all.
Then the director announced a new wardrobe closet was beginning. Would the children
donate their costume? Mary urged Billy to donate his, which he did. Except for the beard,
which he continued to wear. Pressing him to hurry so they could go on to the next thing on
their schedule, he refused to give it up. "Why, Billy?"
"Mom, you know those songs? I never learned them. With this beard, I could just move
my mouth and nobody knew. I want to save it for next year, in case we have another
program."
Mary said, "That was when it hit me. I was going through the motions of Christmas when
I didn't know the song." --Davis Carothers, Salem-Friendship Union Hill United Methodist
Church, MS
It is quite common this time of year to hear sermons and comments upon those
characters that are in key roles of the Christmas story:
1. Wisdom of the Wise Men–

2. 2. Witnessing of the Shepherds–
3. Wonder of Mary at the Christ child–
However, it In all the Christmas pageants performed, Joseph doesn’t get a starring
role- Joseph doesn’t get much mention in the midst of the Mary, the manger and the
Magi.
One day a little girl showed her preschool neighbor a manger scene she had drawn.
She showed Mary and the Manger and the animals…but no Joseph. The little girl spoke up
and said. "Where’s Joseph?" To which the other replied.." He’s taking the picture!" And
indeed he is out of the picture in many places.
It seems almost unheard of to consider the godly man who was chosen to be the
"foster-father" of the Lord Jesus . Joseph is in every sense a "forgotten father" and who
actually played a very pivotal and important part in the events that surround our Savior’s
birth., but his part is so important
I. Joseph Was A Spiritual Man. (19)
A. His spirituality is shown in his discipline. (Just man)
B. His spirituality is shown in his self control. (Not wanting)
C. His spirituality is shown in his thoughtfulness. (Was minded .... privately)
II. Joseph Was A Sensitive Man. (20-21)
A. Joseph was sensitive to the Lord’s voice.
1. Mat 1:20
2. Mat 2:13
3. Mat 2:19

3. 4. Mat 2:22
B. Joseph was sensitive to the angel’s address. (Call his name Jesus)
III. Joseph Was A Submissive Man.
A. Joseph was submissive to God’s instructions. (24-25)
B. Joseph was submissive even without understanding. (2:13-15)
C. Joseph was submissive even through his fear. (2:21-22)
Conclusion - Do these words characterize your life ? Spiritual ??? Sensitive ??? Submitted
??? They can !!!