How Do I Respond? - Matthew 1:19

The Gospel

Today I start a series going through the gospel of Matthew. Not a verse by verse study, but rather just sharing some insights as I go along...

Scripture

I want to start with Matthew 1:19.

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:19 ESV)

The Background

This is in the story to the events leading to Jesus' birth. Mary had become with child via the Holy Spirit. Mary was also engaged to Joseph. According to Jewish law, a woman who became pregnant with another man's child should be stoned. Joseph did not want this to happen. So rather than have her stoned or put to shame, rather than follow the law, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. That's right, even though they were not even married yet, Joseph would need to divorce her to break the engagement. And for breaking the law, Joseph is called a "just" man.

Definition

Just. I looked up that word in my handy Bible App, which goes into the Greek meanings for that word, handy for those of use who do not speak Greek, and it says, "Equitable; by implication innocent, holy.

My Thoughts

Joseph was found to be innocent for breaking the law. He could have taken another route. Many, in their self righteous zeal to protect God would have done similar. Consider the anger expressed when someone divorces, drink alcohol, swears, {insert sin here}. The Christian community must arise and shame them into belief! Isn't that what Jesus would do?

Jesus stopped a mob from stoning a woman caught in adultery. Jesus let the Rich Young Ruler walk away. Jesus forgave Peter after he openly rejected him 3 times. Was Jesus wrong in doing this? Of course not. Jesus was without sin. Maybe it is time we try doing likewise. Not condoning sin. Jesus did not condone sin with his actions. He did not look the other way. And there were times he did take another course. He turned over the tables of those profiting in the temple.

Difficult. How do I react to a given situation? I think the first answer is who we are. I believe Joseph did what he did because he was a righteous man. It was not his action that justified him. Jesus did what He did because He was righteous. Not self righteous, but the righteousness that is based on loving and knowing God. God does not need our protection, but desires our love and compassion.