(18) 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.
(19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Matthew 1:18-19

Explanation

Jesus was conceived in Mary by the Holy Ghost. Joseph was not His biological father, but would have been traced through Joseph’s line in terms of lineage. Imagine the confusion and stress brought upon Joseph who had to decide what to do with a fiance who is pregnant but claims to be a virgin, conceived by God, and who understood her situation because she had been met by an angel. Joseph made the difficult decision to end the relationship without making her go through the shame and punishment that would come in that culture to an unwed mother. The scripture calls Joseph a just man, and called this character quality to the fore to describe his motivation for making this decision.

Application

Often there is a risk in doing the will of God. We may be seen differently by those around us than what we would prefer. Mary had to show faith in God by enduring the unknown here. Joseph, being a just man, had to endure the potential gossip and slander to take Mary to be his wife.

Yet at the same time, God provides for His people as they follow His plan. If God calls us to do something, He will equip us and protect us in the doing of it.

Inspiration

1. Could you be accurately described as “just”?
2. What could you do today to show right thinking in your immediate circumstance?