Introduction:
Isaiah’s prophecy is picked up in Matthew’s Gospel and it lies at the very heart of the Christmas story: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us’ “(Matthew 1.25) But if you read further into the prophecy you have to ask what has the laying waste of the land and of two kings got to do with Christmas?
Isaiah’s prophecy addresses a very specific situation and can be dated to c735 BC. Judah, with her neighbours, was under the control of the great Assyrian army. Israel (northern kingdom) and Syria decided to rebel and tried to press Judah into joining them. Judah declined and so Israel/Syria decided to invade Judah to force their allegiance – and to replace Ahaz, king of Judah, with the son of Tabeel (Is 7.1-9). Isaiah, with his son Shear-Jashub met Ahaz to offer words of reassurance (7.3) and gives him a sign – a woman would bear a son, give him the name Immanuel, and before he knew the difference between right and wrong the lands of the kings of Israel/Syria would be laid waste. So this is the context of the original prophecy.
(Ahaz did not listen to Isaiah but instead sent to Assyria for help, and this may have contributed to the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC)
So the link with Christmas? Many theories as to how this passage should be interpreted and whether in fact it has to do with Christmas at all! A key debate centres on verse 14. The HEBREW word (almah) = a young girl of marriageable age, but the GREEK translators used the word parthenos = a young woman OR a virgin. This is not the time or place to go deeper into this, but to accept that what Matthew is wanting to say, by using this prophecy, is that he challenges us to look for Immanuel, “God with us” – past, present and future. We should use this time of Advent to seek God’s presence today and look for signs of salvation (as fully revealed in the birth of Jesus).
READ Matthew 1 verses 18-25
What picture begins to emerge about Joseph’s character? Just looking for initial thoughts – something to discuss in more detail later in the study.
Why do you think God chose Joseph (and Mary) for such an important role? In what ways was he a righteous/just man?
What does it mean that Mary was “pledged to be married to Joseph”?
How do you think Joseph got to know about Mary’s pregnancy? Try to imagine the mixed emotions he must have been feeling. How might parents/family/community/religious leaders react to such news?
Jesus performed many acts of compassion in Matthew’s Gospel that offended self-appointed keepers of the law. Can you think of any examples?
20b How easy was it for Joseph not to be afraid? Are there other occasions when these words are used in this Gospel?
It has been said that Joseph was HUMBLE, of GREAT FAITH and OBEDIENT. Look again at the passage and see if these qualities are evident.
CLOSING CHALLENGE – how evident (if at all) are these qualities in my life?
PRAYER
As we approach Christmas time, pray for all the preparations that are taking place for the many services/events to be held in our churches over the coming days. Pray that many who come will see what Christmas is really all about.
Pray for yourselves over the Christmas period, and for those who will share it with you.
And pray for those who will, for whatever reason, spend Christmas alone.
If your housegroup has prepared a Christmas hamper, pray for the family who will receive it.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Why do you think God chose Joseph (and Mary) for such an important role? In what ways was he a righteous/just man?
Could have placed Jesus in the home of a wealthy nobleman; or with a leading Sadducee (priestly elite); or with a prominent Pharisee, upholder of the Law in every detail. What God values in his kingdom is very different to what the world values.
He was righteous in that he sought to live by God’s law and this included … Deuteronomy 22.23-24. The death sentence was rarely carried out (and under Roman law this was not allowed) but the penalties for illicit pregnancy were still serious. But he was not self-righteous and shows Christ-like compassion. A godly balance between the Law of Torah and the Law of Love,
What does it mean that Mary was “pledged to be married to Joseph”?
At this time Joseph was BETROTHED/PLEDGED to Mary. Betrothal was a legally binding agreement (much more than an engagement), although there was a time gap of about a year between betrothal and marriage. To break off a betrothal was seen as a divorce, and if one of the couple died before marriage they were regarded as a widow/widower.
Jesus performed many acts of compassion in Matthew’s Gospel that offended self-appointed keepers of the law. Can you think of any examples?
9.2-8; 9.32-34; 12.1-8; 12.9-14 and others ….
20b How easy was it for Joseph not to be afraid? Are there other occasions when these words are used in this Gospel?
He was not to be afraid of the angel, nor of what others might think and say, nor of the Law’s requirement for punishment.
Other occasions include: 28.5; 10.31; 14.27; 17.7; 28.10
It has been said that Joseph was HUMBLE, of GREAT FAITH and OBEDIENT. Look again at the passage and see if these qualities are evident.
HUMBLE
None of the flair of someone rich and famous; meek; gentle; forgiving. Astonishing kindness to Mary when he heard she was pregnant – had every right to demand the punishment stated by the Law, i.e. stoning (though rarely carried out). Stayed loyal to Mary by marrying her (24) and was prepared to face the disapproval of his local community.
GREAT FAITH
Believed what the angel said, seemingly without question. The prophecy (23) was not obviously about the mother of the Messiah, so not something that was expected. If Joseph was not the father, then the logical conclusion was that Mary had been unfaithful by committing adultery. Many today doubt the concept of a Virgin Birth (though really it was a virgin conception), but if anyone had reason to doubt this surely it was Joseph!
Also at this point worth considering the faith of Mary, a young girl about to be publicly humiliated as an immoral woman with an illegitimate child, yet … Luke 1.38.
INSTANT OBEDIENCE
Consider the 4 occasions when he believed an angel spoke to him – and his immediate response: 1.24; 2.13-14; 2.19-21; 2.22-23.
Then put yourself in the place of Joseph, living as a refugee – escaping from Herod’s decree; moving from place to place until it was safe to settle; picking up work where he could; grateful for help and charity wherever he went. All because he trusted in God.