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Joseph The Other Father of Jesus. Matthew 1-2. Our Fatherless Society. 23.6% (17.4 mill) without a father in 2014 Twice as likely to end up in jail 63% youth suicides; 85% of children with behavior disorders 71% of high school dropouts; 70% of juveniles in state-run institutions.
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JosephThe Other Father of Jesus Matthew 1-2
Our Fatherless Society • 23.6% (17.4 mill) without a father in 2014 • Twice as likely to end up in jail • 63% youth suicides; 85% of children with behavior disorders • 71% of high school dropouts; 70% of juveniles in state-run institutions
“A Righteous Man” • Noah was a righteous man (Gen. 6:9) • Jesus was a righteous man (Lk. 23:47) • Cornelius was a righteous man (Acts 10:22) • Joseph was a righteous man (Mt. 1:19) • A righteous man obeys God!
Righteous Toward Mary Joseph and Mary were betrothed; as good as married (note “husband” v.19, and “wife” v.20); unfaithfulness was punishable by death (Deut. 22:23-29) Joseph, not knowing what Mary knew (Lk. 1:26-38), was minded to fulfill the Law of Moses, but not in an open way to purposely hurt Mary
Righteous Toward the Lord To take Mary to be his wife (Mt. 1:20) To name Jesus (Mt. 1:21) To believe the OT prophecy (Mt. 1:22-25) To follow the law of Rome (Lk. 2:1-7)
Righteous Toward the Lord To follow the law of Moses (Lk. 2:21) To flee to Egypt (Mt. 2:13-15) To go to Israel (Mt. 2:19-21) To withdraw to Galilee (Mt. 2:22-23) To follow the law of Moses (Lk. 2:22-29)
Righteous Toward the Lord To follow the law of Moses (Lk. 2:40-50) To be a “father” and raise Jesus as his own “son” (Mt. 13:55; Lk. 2:51-52; 3:23; 4:22; Jn. 1:45; 6:42)
Lessons Learned Will you obey by changing your mind? Will you obey to your own hurt? Will you obey God even if there is nothing personally gained by it? Will obey God without hesitation and at great sacrifice? Will you obey when God needs you?