Matthew 1:18-25, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”
Verse 19: Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
Then Joseph her husband. As previously stated, Joseph was to be married to Mary. That would make him her husband as an engagement to be married was a contract as if they were married already. That meant that Joseph would need to have the welfare of his wife in mind.
Being a just man. Joseph was a man who was honest. He would have wanted to protect His wife. Joseph lived in a small town and would not want anyone to judge him or his wife based on their lives. He was fair and treated others fair. That is what it meant by Joseph being just.
And not wanting to make her a public example. Mary, being pregnant before marriage, would have been a public example. She would not have been a good one. This would have brought dishonor on her family and on Joseph’s family. Joseph knew this and would have hidden Mary away so that no one would have seen her in the state she was in. She would have been killed for having a baby outside of wedlock.
Was minded to put her away. Mary would have been taken care of without her being seen. Joseph would have done whatever it took. He was in love with her and would want her to be taken care of. That is why Joseph would have hidden Mary. In that time, this would have been difficult but not impossible. It was all part of God’s plan for the preparation of the birth of the Savior.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for keeping Your Son safe before He was born. We know that this is all part of Your plan. You truly make a way where there does not seem to be one. In truly difficult situations, there is a way that is right for You. Thank You for the care that was given to Joseph and Mary to make sure that the birth of Jesus came off without a problem.
In Your name we pray,
Amen
Workhorse (Adam) 