Pondering

N. T. #5 "Pondering"

Feb. 13, 2023

Matthew 1-Part 5

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (v. 18)

LET IT GLOW

Do you recall special events in your life? Now that I am older, I do often. I remember when I got saved, when I got married, when our 2 children were born. even the events leading up to the death of our parents. Yet, I like to think on the good times long ago. Mary spent a lifetime pondering on the events of her life, too. 

Previously, we learned about the ancestry of Joseph, who was Jesus' adopted father. Legally, Jesus was a descendant of King David of Israel. However, we know that the first coming of Jesus to earth was not for Him to establish an earthly kingdom but was Him to rule in the hearts of people.

 Now, moving onto verse 18, we read of the events leading up to His birth. It was on this wise (in this way; this manner)::

• Mary, the mother of Jesus, was espoused (engaged) to Joseph.
• Mary was a virtuous woman, and a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14)
• Before they came together to consummate their vows and the marriage took place, Mary was with child of the Holy Ghost.
• The engagement of Mary and Joseph was a legal contract as binding as marriage. (Tony Evans)
• When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, and he knew it wasn't his child, this just (righteous) man decided to divorce Mary privately, so he did not make a public spectacle of her. (verse 19)

Mary's future and her baby's future was in Joseph's hands. She knew how special her child was, but Joseph did not yet. As a woman, I tend to consider her side of this event. How embarrassing it must have been for her. Although, Mary was a chosen one for this event. God knew she could handle it. Although she went away to her cousin Elizabeth's house for a while. Mary kept these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

Pondered means to consider. 

Mary considered all the events of her life, and that of Jesus, all her life, I think. When this and that happened to her Son, I think Mary recalled details and when the Holy Spirit came to her. She had that reassurance of who Jesus was. Even though this verse appears after Jesus' birth and the shepherds came to visit, as a woman, I often think of previous events in my life. (Especially since I am older.)

Upon what events do you ponder?

 

LET IT GROW

Matthew considers Joseph's side here. The woman he loved and was about to marry came up pregnant. He knew it was not his child. She must have been unfaithful to him. He didn't want THAT  kind of wife. He decided to break off the engagement and divorce Mary privately. 

Then something spectacular happened. The angel of the Lord, who was Christ Himself (Christophany), appeared to Joseph in a dream. (verse 20) What was the message to Joseph?

• Joseph was called by his name and told to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife.. 
• The child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 
• She will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus., for he will save his people from their sins.(verse 21)
• All this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through His prophet.  (verse 22)
• Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means "God is with us." (verse 23, NLT)

When Joseph woke up, he did as he was told anc took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. (verses 24-25)

What a story! Although, it was not just a story, but actually happened. What an event after God had been silent for 400 years.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go of today?

Is it unbelief? Is it the past? Is it unforgiveness?

Thank You Jesus for leaving heaven to come as a baby, to grow up with teasing of Your background, and loving us sinners.