1. What did Joseph want to do when he found out Mary was expecting a baby? (see Matthew 1:18–19).In verse 19 it says that Jospeh was a "just" man. Just comes from the Greek word dikaios, meaning to conform to law and righteousness. When he heard Mary was expecting a baby he wanted to release her from their engagement. The footnote says divorce her secretly. In verse 18 it says that they were espoused.
Espousal was a formal agreement to be married. The agreement was so strong that if a person was unfaithful during the espousal it was considered adultery and punishable by death (see Deuteronomy 22:23–24). This was the reason Joseph was so concerned about Mary’s pregnancy and what he should do about it.
Verse 24 leads me to believe that he got up after the dream then went as soon as he could to Mary and took her to wife. Then the justness of Joseph really shows in verse 25. He respected the Lord and waited to "know" his wife until after Jesus was born. This characteristic of obedience is a great example to me. I think of the children's song, "Quickly I'll Obey".
3. Although Joseph was not the literal father of Jesus, he must have been the kind of man Heavenly Father trusted to be a father to Jesus in mortality. Notice how Joseph responded to situations in Matthew 1:18–25 and write about at least two qualities he demonstrated that you think you could develop as you prepare to be a parent.
There are many characteristics shown, but one that sticks out to me is that he was able to receive a dream. In the past I have always looked at dreams as foolishness. I think I need to repent in my heart and begin to prepare myself to receive revelation in all it's ways. Joseph was troubled in his heart and the Lord comforted him in a dream. He can do the same for me.
Another characteristic that I see is his trust in the Lord. He doesn't ask any questions, he just goes and does. As a father I can quickly follow my promptings and not doubt in my heart.
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