The Unsung Groom

Passage

Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon Summary

Joseph is a relatively minor character in the story of Jesus' birth and life, but his ordinary obedience is a powerful example to us. Not only does he marry Mary, sharing her shame, but he exercises self-control by not sleeping with her till after Jesus' birth, and by naming Jesus he accepts the role of his earthly father. Each of these choices had to be made repeatedly, as ongoing habits of life. His motivation to choose them came from the angel's staggering promises that Jesus would save his people from their sins, and that he would be Immanuel, God with us. Ultimately, Joseph's obedience becomes a preview of the work of Jesus—as our lives can be, too!

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. What was your impression of Joseph before the sermon? Did you see him in any new way through it?
3. Which of the three expressions of Joseph's obedience was most compelling to you? Why?
4. Do you sense your own need for forgiveness from your sins—whether objectively or subjectively?
5. How do you experience God With Us through the Holy Spirit today? How do you long to experience him face-to face?
6. If your life, like Joseph's, could serve as an imperfect preview of the work of Jesus, what quality, habit or pattern in you might it be?

Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, Father, for  __________ (anything that stands out to you about the gift of Jesus)
• Forgive me, Jesus, for __________ (
• Empower me, Holy Spirit, to ___________ (begin practicing an ordinary act of obedience)

Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Matthew for Everyone, NT Wright
• Cornerstone Commentary on Matthew, David Turner
• Tyndale Commentary on Matthew, RT France

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