“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 006 – Joseph Learns About His Fiancé,
How to Tell When God is Speaking To You

How did you feel when you learned that you were expecting your 1^st child? Girls, were you elated, happy, anxious or fearful? Guys, were you proud, anxious or scared? Most married couples are excited to learn this good news! Some of you have made the mistake of having sexual relations outside of marriage and conceiving a baby. What was your first reaction when you realized that you were responsible for the conception of that child? Were you underage and afraid to tell your parents? Did you marry the other person or terminate the relationship? Guys, how would you feel if your fiancé was pregnant and you weren’t the father?

We are in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:57-80. How can you tell when God is speaking to you?

In Matthew 1:18-25 we see Joseph’s reaction to his fiancé being pregnant! We have no clue about how Joseph found out (did Mary tell him or did he find out later)?He loved Mary, but was unwilling to marry someone who was immoral. How would you guys feel if you found out your fiancé was pregnant and you had not had any sexual behavior of any kind with her!

Sex is for marriage and having sex before marriage only undermines that or any other future marriage relationship.Statistics show that couples who have sex before marriage almost always end up in divorce! Mary could legally be stoned to death for being pregnant and unmarried! Joseph loves her and doesn’t want to see that, but he doesn’t want to marry a woman who has been immoral. If she is immoral before marriage, what is to keep her from being immoral after marriage?

It is Always Backed by Scripture! – Matthew 1:24-25

While Joseph is pondering his next action, God answers his question for him. Gabriel appeared face to face to Zechariah and Mary, but God chooses to speak to Joseph via an angel (Gabriel?) in a dream. God is not limited to only one method of communicating with man! He uses Scripture, dreams, angels, other Christians and the Church to communicate His will for our lives.

The angel confirms that the baby will be named “Jesus” – “God is salvation”. As with Mary, Joseph is told that Jesus will be a healthy boy who will grow to do a great work for God and man! God trusts Joseph to be the earthly stepfather of His SON!A reference to his character! Matthew quotes Isaiah 7:14 to prove fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Joseph and Mary do not have sexual relations until after Jesus is born! Meanwhile, Mary has been visiting Elizabeth until it is time for John the Baptist to be born. Luke 1:57-80 records the birth of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son, John.

It Will Bring Joy to Others! – Luke 1:57-58

Zechariah and Elizabeth are old enough to be grandparents, but they are excited at the birth of their first child just as God foretold. When God makes a promise, He keeps it! John the Baptist’s parents are very diligent to see that he is raised according to Jewish law and God’s special instructions. How many of you older women would like to have a baby now?

It Will Help You Overcome Past Doubts! – Luke 1:59-64

The baby is circumcised and named on the eighth day according to the Law. This was done even on the Sabbath. The crowd logically assumes that he will be named Zechariah, Jr. But Elizabeth says no. They try to go around her, but Zechariah writes, “He will be called John,” which means, “God is gracious.” Zechariah speaks! How would you like to get your voice back after 9 months of silence? His first words are of praise to God! Obedience to God is more important than pleasing your fellow man! God will prove Himself true again and again, which will remove any justification for doubting.

It Will Fill People with Awe! – Luke 1:65

The people are awed (which means “reverential respect”) at what they have witnessed. This is truly a miraculous event and will impact a lot of people. God doesn’t always work in the extraordinary, but you definitely know it when He does. The results are profound and beyond human explanation.

It Will Bring Exciting Expectations of the Future! – Luke 1:66

Zechariah’s praise suggests salvation from Romans more than salvation from sin. John will grow to be a prophet of God, which Israel hasn’t had in 400 years. What a proclamation from a father for his son! Are you planting a Godly destiny in your children (or are you calling them derogatory names and pronouncing a curse on them?) Will your child be a baseball star or man in jail? Our greatest enemy is the devil, not any government or human threat!

It Will Bring People to Praise God! – Luke 1:67-73

Zechariah can now speak and the first words out of his mouth proclaim that John will point the people to the source of salvation from their sins! When we least deserve it, God shows us mercy and grace and the means of repentance and salvation. This is going to bring everyone to praise God.

It Will Remove Fear! – Luke 1:74-75

When we know we have obeyed what God has said, we have no fear of God or man. We are free to serve and love God without fear of retribution or punishment.

It Will Draw People to God! – Luke 1:76-79

The only words about John’s childhood are that he grew up strong and healthy and lived in the desert until it was time for him to begin his duties.

It Will Always Come True! – Luke 1:80

John will be thirty years old when we encounter him again. He will live as God had directed. God never fails to deliver on His promises.

CONCLUSION

God can work among us today just as He did 2,000 years ago as He chooses. Also, our salvation is from sin, not any human or organization.

Next Week: We are going to celebrate Christmas.