First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

MATTHEW 1:16-25 – THE QUIET HERO OF CHRISTMAS

The Bible has its own list of “Quiet Heroes”, people who fulfilled God’s will for their lives without much fanfare, who even today may not get the recognition they deserve. Let’s meet one of those quiet heroes. I call him “The Quiet Hero of Christmas.” His name is Joseph, husband of Mary, stepfather of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Joseph was a righteous man. He was not sinless, but righteous. 

JOSEPH WAS IN THE RIGHT FAMILY – Matthew 1:1-17

• Vs. 1 – This is the story of Jesus Christ, the King.
• This genealogy is Jesus legal “pedigree”. Joseph was his legal father, but not his biological father.
• He was born into a royal family. Vs. 1
• He was born into a graced family. Vss. 2-6
• He was born into a sordid family. Vss. 7-11
• He was born into the family. It was the right family!
• By natural birth we were born into a sordid family.

John 8:44, Ephesians 2:1-3

• By supernatural birth we are born into a graced and royal family. Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12-13,

Galatians 4:6-7, Revelation 3:21

• The second birth is the only way to be in God’s “Forever Family”. John 3:3-7

JOSEPH HAD THE RIGHT FAITH – Matthew 1:18-19

• A righteous man - Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 11:6
• A compassionate man - Romans 12:9-16
• A self-controlled man - Proverbs 25:28,

JOSEPH DID THE RIGHT FOLLOWING – Matthew 1:20-25

• Vs. 20 – Mary’s purity - Pregnancy was by the Holy Spirit.
• Vs. 21 – God’s purpose - The Savior!
• Vss. 22-23 – God’s presence – “God with us!” 
• Vss. 24-25 – Joseph’s participation – Obedience!