Christmas Eve Service

Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Divine nature (vs 18)

  • Jesus Christ does not have Adam’s nature, he has God the Father’s divine nature wrapped in flesh and blood.
  • People argued about the two natures of Jesus Christ for years, but Christ has one divine nature from his Father and a body from his mother.
  • This is what a Christian is called to be. Look at 2 Peter 1:2-4

A merciful soul (vs 19)

  • The description of Joseph being just meant right. We seem to think of just as primarily legal, but it’s not necessarily legal, it’s what’s right. There was a legal course of action for adulterers, even though Mary was not an adulterer. She appeared to be at this time though. But there would’ve been legal course of action. Joseph chooses mercy instead.
  • Joseph is a gentle man. Even when he is hurt he responds right.
  • 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The revelation of Jesus Christ (vss 20-23)

  • The answer to Joseph’s dilemma is a revelation of who Jesus Christ is.
  • While Joseph pursues mercy, the LORD responds with revelation. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  • He is revealed in the scriptures.
  • Jesus Christ is the savior from all sin.

Faithfulness (vss 24-25)

  • Joseph is given the information he needs for the next few months. That revelation clears his mind of doubt. It gives him direction for what his attitude ought to be about the situation.
  • And it’s Joseph’s faithfulness that protects him and his wife and their future.