Fear Not—Outward Expectations (Joseph)
Matthew 1:18-25
not meeting others’ expectations triggers our fears –
Why Joseph instead of a rich, powerful man to be father of Messiah?
he was righteous = faithful to the law
Joseph’s tough spot socially, economically, and emotionally –
Yet Joseph still demonstrated compassion to Mary –
1. Outward expectations do challenge our priorities. 1:18-19
Application to My Life:
How much do you care about outward expectations?
*******************************************************************************************
What did Joseph fear?
Mary’s honor and God’s law will still be intact –
Romans 10:4)
Mary’s miracle pregnancy was foretold in Isaiah 7:14
Joseph chose to obey God in spite of his doubts –
Joseph’s righteous character:
protect Mary’s honor while ignoring outward expectations
kept Mary a virgin to protect the Holy Child’s reputation
named Jesus which took Him as his legal son
his theme: fear not, only obey
2. Outward expectations do not replace God’s calling. 1:20-25
Application to My Life:
How have you practiced these principles?
1. Pleasing God often means disappointing people.
2. Living for God means not living for people.
Life Group Discussion/Personal Meditation Questions:
Icebreaker: Who is your favorite character(s) in the Christmas story? Why?
1. Read Luke 1:18-19. Why do you think God chose Joseph to be the legal father
of Jesus Messiah?
2. How could Joseph be called righteous if he was going to divorce Mary?
3. How did Joseph’s considerations demonstrate compassion toward Mary?
4. Read Luke 1:20-21 & Romans 10:4. Why do you think Joseph feared to take
Mary as his wife?
5. Read Luke 1:22-23. Why do you think Matthew included Isaiah 7:14 for us?
6. Luke 1:24-25. How did Joseph demonstrate obedience in both of these
verses?
7. How is over-focusing on outward expectations (either from other people or a
set of rules) a challenge for you that affects your relationship with God?