Swindoll's Living Insights Commentary Matthew 1a - Flipbook - Page 36
Announcement and Arrival of the King (Matthew 1:1–4:25)
But even this strategy to maintain his own righteousness and save her
from public disgrace had its risks. Was it a realistic possibility that the
truth wouldn’t surface in a small town like Nazareth?
— 1:20-21 —
Joseph certainly faced a troubling dilemma. We shouldn’t skate quickly
over the surface of the opening words of 1:20, which state, literally,
“While thinking on these things . . .” The Greek word used here for
“thinking” (enthymeomai [1760]) means “to process information by
thinking about it carefully.”13 We might say that Joseph “ruminated
on” or “pondered” his decision. It kept him up at night and distracted
him during the day. Even after he planned to divorce Mary discreetly,
something didn’t sit well with his decision. He knew her. This was Mary!
She wouldn’t do something like this . . . and then make up a story about
an angel! But how else could he explain what was happening? And why
was this happening to him?
Besides the irreconcilable facts bouncing around in his head, Joseph
had to deal with the agonizing emotions churning in his stomach. He
loved Mary, and he was brokenhearted thinking about the prospect of
her unfaithfulness. Or he was devastated by her madness, if he thought
she had lost her mind. But he also loved the Lord and couldn’t just sweep
the facts under the rug like wood shavings from his workshop! Trying
to handle these vivid emotions probably drove Joseph to exhaustion.
And on one occasion of his falling asleep, it happened.
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. What Joseph
couldn’t figure out through ponderous calculations and careful strategizing, God cleared up through a messenger from heaven. The word
from the Lord was simple and direct. It settled the spinning of Joseph’s
mind and calmed the pounding of his heart: “Do not be afraid to take
Mary as your wife”—that addressed his emotions; “for the Child who
has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit”—that answered his
questions (1:20). Then Joseph was presented with what was, in embryonic form, the gospel of salvation: “She will bear a Son; and you shall
call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (1:21).
Joseph’s response of immediate obedience (1:24) demonstrates not only
that he believed the angel’s message but also that he faced his fears and
acted on his faith in the striking message about the child.
— 1:22-23 —
At this point in the dramatic narrative, Matthew pushes the pause button and makes an editorial comment for the benefit of his intended
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