Joseph and Jesus

By Danny Saavedra

“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[a] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us'). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” —Matthew 1:19-25 (NIV)

What’s the first thing you learn about someone when you’re first introduced to them? Their name! Why? Because names help us to remember people, to identify them, and to know them. Names in the Bible carry special significance because they often tell us something about the person, and no name in history tells us more about a person than the name mentioned in Matthew 1:23!

A little context: Joseph and Mary were engaged, but Mary became pregnant before the wedding—not by Joseph. He could have publicly shamed her or had her stoned to death. Why? Because as his betrothed, it was essentially like being caught in adultery. He was well within his legal rights to go this route, but because he was a good man, a righteous man who loved God, like his forefather David. Matthew 1:19 (NLT) tells us he decided to break off the engagement privately and discreetly.

But before he could go through with the breakup, he was visited by an angel who said, “‘Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:20–23 HCSB).

How far are you willing to take your obedience to the Lord? What happens when God tells you to do something difficult, troublesome, or inconvenient? Do you answer the call or let it go to voicemail? How did Joseph react? He was obedient and took Mary as his wife.

Joseph’s courage and obedience are not to be trivialized. This was a life-changing decision on his part. He could have played it safe and sent Mary on her way, but he didn’t. Instead, like Mary, Joseph trusted in the name of Jesus!

I love this passage and this Name. It’s the perfect name for the perfect gift of God! This is what the Christmas season is all about! God became man. The very heart, mind, character, nature, power, and will of God was made manifest in human form. He came near so we may know Him!

He loves us so much that He left heaven to make a way for us to enter heaven and spend eternity with Him! This is why the angel instructs Joseph to name Him Jesus (Yeshua: God is salvation) “because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21 NIV). Jesus became man and made His dwelling among us so that through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, He could make His dwelling in us, in our hearts, and so we could dwell in His kingdom forever!

When it comes to being part of God’s family, it’s all about trusting in the name of Jesus. In Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT), it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

So, no matter what we face, no matter how insurmountable, impossible, or unbelievable our circumstances, if we trust in the name of Jesus, we’ll never be disappointed.

Pause: Why are the names and titles given to God so important in Scripture?

Practice: Make a family tree and talk about your family story. Ask your parents why they gave you the name they did. If you have kids, tell them why you gave them their names.

Pray: Jesus, my Lord, and Savior, I praise You using all the different names and titles given to You in Your Word:1. Savior 2. Redeemer 3. Bread of Life 4. Lord 5. Creator 6. Son of the Living God 7. Only Begotten Son 8. Beloved Son 9. Holy One of Israel 10–14. Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace 15. King of Kings 16. Head of the Church 17. The Almighty 18. Alpha and Omega 19. Master 20. King of the Jews 21. High Priest 22. Prophet 23. Teacher 24. Immanuel 25. Advocate 26. Mediator 27. Judge 28. Chief Cornerstone 29. Author and Finisher of Our Faith 30. Lamb of God 31. Good Shepherd 32. The Shepherd and Bishop of Souls 33. The Word 34. Fountain of Living Waters 35. Rock 36. Messiah 37. True Vine 38. Branch 39. Bridegroom 40. Dayspring 41. Shiloh 42. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah 43. The Bright and Morning Star 44. The Image of the Invisible God 45. I Am 46. Son of Man 47. Carpenter 48. The Way, the Truth, and the Life 49. King of Israel 50. Christ (“the anointed one”). This is who You are! Today, I thank You simply for being You! You are amazing, wonderful and beautiful. I love everything about You, my precious King and friend! Amen.