Mary’s pregnancy was a scandal. In that society, sex outside of marriage could’ve been a capital offense; death by stoning was the normal penalty for extramarital sex. It was kind of up to Joseph as to how this would be handled. As you’ll learn from Pastor Mark’s teaching today, God intervened on Mary’s behalf. Even though it seems Joseph was inclined to handle the matter out of the public’s eye, God had an even different plan for them. Their willingness to submit to God’s will despite the public humiliation is encouraging.