The Grands Letter (Matt/GLJ)

Dear Grands,

Matthew 21:18-21, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly.

20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 “And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.”

The Jewish definition of engagement occurred when men and women were said to be betrothed. Betrothal usually took place a year or more before marriage, and from that time, the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed. He was also her legal husband.

How long the young Jewish couple had known each other is not disclosed. They were, however, notably righteous, as Joseph was ready to cancel the entire arrangement, so as not to disgrace Mary. Undoubtedly, the entire situation must have been a huge shock to the young couple.

Joseph’s initial plan was to spare Mary the shame and disrespect she was certain to endure. There is no indication of concern for what others might have thought or that he even cared about what they thought. His intention was to deliver Mary from what initially appeared to be her disgrace. It must have torn his heart out!

Like all true solutions, this one came from Above. The Angel of the LORD appeared and ordered Joseph to stop the annulment proceedings. What he thought had occurred had not occurred at all. It was the planned activity of the LORD.

We are to learn from this that things are not always what they appear to be. Furthermore, the LORD is thoroughly embedded in all of our righteous activities. We must listen and learn from Him.

Heartily yours in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America