Joseph's story reveals the first natural-born disciple's conversion when faced with Mary's unexpected pregnancy. Initially planning to quietly divorce her, Joseph received divine intervention through an angel who revealed God's plan. Despite the social, financial, and personal costs, Joseph chose to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and that he needed a Savior. His faith was demonstrated through immediate action: marrying Mary, protecting her honor, and legally adopting Jesus. Joseph's transformation shows three marks of true discipleship: new priorities that put God's will first, a new identity rooted in following Christ, and new mercy toward others even when costly.

More Messages from Paul Weitzel

From Series: "Unexpected!"

In our Advent Christmas series, "Unexpected," we invite you to journey with us as we unfold the genealogy of Jesus. We'll delve into the lives of key figures such as Abraham, David, Joseph, Mary, and four other unexpected relatives highlighted in Jesus’ family tree from Matthew 1:1-17. These relatives reveal to us Jesus Christ is the Messiah who came to save the world, but also each of their own stories show us unexpected truths of how God brought about the birth of His own Son. And, forces us to ask the question, why did these people make it into the Jesus’ genealogy and the Christmas story?

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