Joseph’s Dilemma, Dream, Divine Declaration, and Devotion
Joseph’s Dilemma, Dream, Divine Declaration, and Devotion
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” — Matthew 1:20
In Matthew 1:18, we witness how the Word became flesh and walked in the world that He made:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”
Joseph was engaged to Mary when she was discovered to be pregnant. This should be considered a catastrophic set of circumstances for both Joseph and Mary. The situation was further compounded by Jewish law, whose jurisprudence regarding betrothal (engagement) and sexual purity carried serious legal and social consequences throughout the first century.
At this juncture, let us consider several serious implications confronting this young couple’s dilemma.
Betrothal Was Legally Binding
In Jewish tradition, betrothal (called kiddushin) was far more than an engagement. It was a formal, legal covenant, and dissolving it required a divorce. During this interval, the woman was expected to remain sexually pure until the marriage was consummated.
Adultery Was a Dire Violation
If a betrothed woman became pregnant and her husband was not the father, it was considered adultery. According to the Law (the Word of God), adultery during betrothal was punishable by death—normally stoning. However, by the first century, execution was the exception, and public disgrace was more common.
Deuteronomy 22:23–24
“If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.”
Honor and Disgrace Culture
Jewish society placed a high value on family honor and sexual purity. A pregnancy outside of marriage would bring deep shame not only upon Mary, but also upon her family and Joseph. This could result in social exclusion and lasting loss of reputation.
Joseph’s Dilemma
Joseph, being a righteous man, faced a profound moral crisis along with significant legal consequences. By publicly accusing Mary of infidelity, the woman he loved could potentially face death. If he chose to quietly divorce her, he would spare her public disgrace but still dissolve the betrothal.
Joseph was deeply shaken by a situation that appeared shocking and mind-numbing. It is reasonable to believe that his heart was pierced with disappointment, confusion, and dread.
One of the most powerful and hope-filled phrases in Scripture is “But God.” It often marks a divine turning point—where God intervenes in circumstances that appear hopeless or beyond human ability. In the Word of God, when we encounter “But God,” it typically follows human weakness or an impossible situation and then announces the Almighty’s action that changes everything.
Join me next time for Joseph’s BUT GOD moment.
Not a sermon—just some thoughts.
FtGG