Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 2: The Story of Jesus Begins
2.3 — Joseph Chooses Faith
Joseph Chooses Faith: Trusting God during uncertainty and becoming part of God’s plan for the birth of Jesus Christ.
2.3 — Joseph Chooses Faith
Trusting God During Uncertainty
Joseph was an ordinary man placed in an extraordinary situation.
He was engaged to marry Mary and was preparing for their future together when suddenly everything changed.
Mary told Joseph she was expecting a child.
Joseph knew the child was not his.
From a human perspective, the situation must have felt confusing, painful, and overwhelming.
Joseph faced uncertainty, fear, disappointment, and difficult choices.
Yet God was still at work.
This lesson reveals Joseph’s character, faith, humility, and willingness to obey God even when life became complicated and difficult.
Though Joseph often remains quieter in the Gospel story than Mary or others, his role was deeply important.
God entrusted Joseph with caring for Mary and protecting Jesus during the earliest years of His life.
Joseph chose faith over fear.
Scripture References
Matthew 1:18–25
Isaiah 7:14
Luke 2:1–7
Psalm 32:8
Proverbs 3:5–6
The Story
Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married when Joseph learned that Mary was expecting a child.
In Jewish culture, engagement was a serious legal commitment.
Joseph knew something extraordinary had happened, but he did not yet understand God’s plan.
Joseph was described as a righteous man.
He wanted to do what was right before God.
At the same time, he did not want to bring shame or public disgrace upon Mary.
Joseph decided he would quietly end the engagement.
Before Joseph acted, an angel appeared to him in a dream.
The angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.
The child growing within her had been conceived through the Holy Spirit.
The angel explained that the child would be named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.
Matthew connects this event to the prophecy from Isaiah:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel.”
Immanuel means:
“God with us.”
When Joseph awoke, he obeyed the angel’s message.
He chose faith and trust even though he still faced uncertainty and questions from others.
Joseph took Mary as his wife and became the earthly protector and guardian of Jesus.
Understanding the Story
Why Was Joseph Struggling?
From Joseph’s perspective, the situation seemed impossible to understand.
Mary was pregnant before their marriage ceremony.
In that culture, this could bring shame, judgment, and serious consequences.
Joseph faced emotional pain and difficult decisions.
What Does “Righteous Man” Mean?
Being righteous meant Joseph desired to live faithfully and obediently before God.
Joseph showed compassion, humility, and integrity even during confusion and disappointment.
Why Did God Speak Through Dreams?
Throughout Scripture, God sometimes used dreams to guide, warn, or reveal important messages.
Joseph later receives additional dreams guiding him to protect Mary and Jesus.
Why Is the Name “Immanuel” Important?
Immanuel means:
“God with us.”
Christians believe Jesus is God entering human life personally to bring salvation and hope.
Understanding Jesus
Marriage and Engagement Customs
In Jewish culture during the time of Jesus, engagement was far more serious than modern dating relationships. A betrothal was a legal commitment that usually took place before the couple began living together. Ending an engagement often required a formal separation process. This helps explain why Joseph faced such a difficult decision and why the situation carried social and emotional consequences.
Honor and Shame in Ancient Culture
Honor and reputation were very important in Jewish society during the time of Jesus. Public disgrace could affect individuals and families deeply. Joseph’s decision to avoid publicly humiliating Mary revealed compassion, mercy, and humility.
Angels and Dreams in Scripture
God often used angels and dreams during important moments in biblical history. Angels brought messages, guidance, warnings, and reassurance from God. Joseph’s dream revealed that God was actively guiding events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Connections can also be made to:
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar,
and
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus,
because Jewish family life, worship traditions, and sacred seasons shaped the world Joseph and Mary lived in.
Key Themes
Faith Requires Trust
Joseph obeyed God even when he did not fully understand everything happening.
God Uses Ordinary People
Joseph was not a king, priest, or famous leader.
Yet God used him in an important role within the story of salvation.
Obedience Often Requires Courage
Joseph risked criticism, misunderstanding, and uncertainty by following God’s direction.
Jesus Is “God With Us”
The name Immanuel reveals that God came near to humanity through Jesus Christ.
Why This Lesson Matters
Many people experience moments where life feels uncertain, confusing, or overwhelming.
Joseph’s story reminds believers that faith often involves trusting God before every answer becomes clear.
This lesson also reveals the humanity surrounding the birth of Jesus.
The people in these stories experienced real emotions, fears, questions, and challenges.
God worked through ordinary people willing to trust Him during difficult situations.
Connecting to Jesus
Joseph’s obedience helped protect and care for Jesus during His earliest years.
Christians believe Jesus entered the world through humble circumstances surrounded by faithful ordinary people.
The name Immanuel reminds believers that God is not distant from human struggles.
Through Jesus, God entered the world personally.
Jesus came bringing hope, forgiveness, salvation, grace, and reconciliation with God.
Living the Message
Joseph’s story teaches believers to trust God even during uncertain seasons.
This week:
Pray about areas of confusion or uncertainty in your life.
Ask God for wisdom, courage, and guidance.
Reflect on Joseph’s quiet faithfulness and obedience.
Encourage someone facing difficult decisions or fear.
Remember that God often works even when His plans are not fully visible yet.
Reflection Questions
Why was Joseph facing such a difficult situation?
Possible answers:
Mary’s pregnancy before marriage created confusion, uncertainty, and possible social shame.
What does Joseph’s response teach about character?
Possible answers:
Joseph showed compassion, humility, mercy, and faithfulness during a difficult situation.
Why is the name “Immanuel” important?
Possible answers:
It means “God with us” and reveals that God entered human life personally through Jesus.
What role did dreams play in this story?
Possible answers:
God used dreams to guide and reassure Joseph during uncertain moments.
What does this lesson teach about faith?
Possible answers:
Faith often involves trusting God even before every answer becomes clear.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
God guided Joseph through uncertainty as part of His larger plan of salvation.
Reasons We Believe
The birth of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and revealed God’s presence among humanity.
Obedience in Action
Trust God even when life feels uncertain or difficult to understand.
Walk It Out
Read Matthew 1 this week and reflect on Joseph’s humility, compassion, and willingness to obey God.
Continue Learning
The Story of Jesus Begins: 2.4 — The Birth of Jesus
The Story of Jesus Begins: 2.2: Gabriel Appears to Mary
Season 2 — The Story of Jesus Begins
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
His quiet obedience became part of God’s unfolding plan to bring the Savior into the world.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
