As a just man, Joseph has to choose between divorcing Mary or sentencing her to death. That is until an angel intervenes and offers him another option. 

This week we welcome Dr. Steven Paulson back to the podcast to discuss Joseph's role in the birth of Jesus in the first chapter of Matthew. Questions and topics Kiri, Adam, and Mason talked about:

• How does Jesus relate to sin?
• What does it mean that Joseph is a righteous man?
• What significance is it that Joseph named Jesus Emmanuel?

Be sure to check out Proclamation on the Plains, Luther House of Study's three day conference from January 5-7. See the full schedule of sessions on our Facebook page and email Sarah Stenson as [email protected] to register for free. 

Matthew 1:18-25 

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23  "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

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