December 12, 2024 • 14 mins
Joseph reels in hurt, anger, and confusion. He has every right to have Mary stoned to death, but won’t out of love. In his despair, God meets him, and calls him to something great.
Today's Bible verse is Isaiah 9:7, from the King James Version.
Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.
Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Of the increase of his government and of peace. There
shall be no end on David's throne and on his kingdom.
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and
with righteousness. From that time on even forever, the zeal
of yahweh of armies will perform this Isaiah nine seven.
(00:24):
Dear Lord, this season we rejoice in the birth of Christ,
whose arrival was foretold by the prophets, and whose reign
will never end. We stand in awe of your divine
plan so beautifully unfolded in that humble manger. Your redemption
plan brings hope, peace, justice, and eternal life to all
(00:48):
who believe. As we decorate our homes with lights and
sing carols and share gifts, let us also share the
message of Christ's eternal kingdom, a kingdom built on love, mercy,
and righteousness. Help us to be ambassadors of this kingdom
(01:09):
here on earth, extending your peace and joy to all
around us. In the name of Jesus, whose birth we
celebrate and whose return we await, we pray Amen.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Joseph's heart was a storm of emotion, his dreams shattered,
trust broken, and love betrayed.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
The news of.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Mary's pregnancy had been a blow unlike any other. Anger, confusion,
and a profound sense of loss gnawed at his soul.
He lay down on a grassy hill where he and
Mary had one shared dreams and made promises to one another.
Lying on the soft earth, he looked up at the stars.
Those distant beacons of hope and guidance seemed dull, dimmed
(01:57):
by his grief and anger. His mind replayed their meeting
earlier in the day. He could still see the look
of regret in Mary's eyes or was it sorrow? Her
father's stern and unyielding voice echoed in his ears, granting
him the right to stone her. The very thoughts and
a shudder through him. How had they come to this?
(02:19):
Tears welled in his eyes and he clenched his fist,
wrestling with helplessness and anger. And yet through it all,
he couldn't ignore the look in Mary's eyes. She didn't
carry herself like someone who had done something wrong? Was
there somehow more to this story that he just couldn't grasp.
A fatigue slowly overcame his restless mind. He drifted into
(02:40):
a fitful sleep. His last thoughts were a prayer for clarity, guidance,
and mercy.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year podcast. Today's story is inspired by
Matthew Chapter one, verse nineteen, when Joseph discovers that Mary
is pregnant. Joseph is a central figure in the Christmas
story and is often overshadowed by the more prominent characters. Yep,
(03:08):
I believe Joseph is an unheralded hero of great character.
In this story, we find Joseph and a poignant crossroads,
grappling with feelings of betrayal while standing on the precipice
of a divine intervention that would change the course of
the world. The Birth of Jesus was filled with key
moments when everything could have been thwarted. One of those
(03:31):
moments will happen in this story when Joseph has the
right to stone marry for adultery. Joseph will find himself
in a position that many of us find ourselves in.
We all have moments where we can lash out in
anger and show judgment, or choose the path of mercy. Often,
(03:52):
the way of compassion is the more challenging trail to tread.
Joseph could end all his hurt and problems by showing
Mary judgment. But the measure of a man's character is
often revealed not in how he uses his power. Jesus said,
blessed of the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(04:13):
Meekness does not mean weakness, It means power under control.
Will Joseph lash out and uses authority to end Mary,
or will he show meekness and mercy ushering in the
greatest story ever told? Let's find out now in this
cinematic retelling of Matthew Chapter one, verse nineteen. Afterwards, we'll
(04:36):
unpack the deep and hidden themes.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
In the depths of Slumber, Joseph was caught up in
a vivid and terrifying dream. He found himself standing at
the base of a dark and foreboding hill. Jagged rocks
lace the trail ascending the mountain. Lightning flashed above it,
revealing a brief and terrifying image of a tree. No,
not a tree, something else, something more terrifying. Joseph couldn't
(05:03):
quite make it out, so he moved closer. In the darkness,
Joseph could see a silhouetted figure hanging from the tree.
He marched up the hill, working against the wind in rain,
he stumbled and fell on to his hands and knees.
Joseph looked at his hands in terror. The ground beneath
him was soaked with a mixture of water and blood.
(05:23):
He screamed and looked up again. At the top of
the hill. The river of water and blood was running
downward from the tree above. What is up there? He thought?
The lightning flashed again with piercing light, and Joseph immediately
found himself elsewhere. He was at the base of a
cave carved into the side of a mountain. All was quiet,
(05:44):
and the only light source was from within the cave.
Joseph followed the faint glimmer, keeping his balance on the
cave's jagged walls. As he inched closer, the air became warmer,
like a room filled with the comfort of a fireplace.
The entire cave became filled with the scent of frankincense
and myrrh. As Joseph navigated the cave, he could hear
(06:05):
the sound of a child's cry, then a hushing lullabad.
The voice singing was gentle and soft, like the evening
spring breeze. Joseph knew that voice Mary is that you,
He gasped. Joseph picked up his pace and rounded the
corner towards the light. But before he could see anything,
the cave flooded with water, and Joseph found himself swimming
(06:26):
for his life amidst a violent storm in the middle
of the sea. Waves and breakers crashed over him. He
swam but made no progress. The waves thrashed and the
riptide dragged him down underneath. Joseph sank in a free
fold into the black abyss until a current pushed him
onto the shore. The storm subsided, and Joseph looked out
at a golden sunset hovering over the glassy sea. Suddenly,
(06:50):
a luminous figure appeared before him, an angel standing upon
the glassy water. His eyes were filled with wisdom and compassion.
Joseph was struck by awe and reverence. Fear not, Joseph,
son of David, what is conceived.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
And Mary is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear
a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, where
he will save his people from their sins. The words
wrapped around Joseph like a warm embrace, filling him with
an understanding that transcended earthly wisdom. Joseph wanted to ask questions,
but he couldn't speak. Instead, his gaze was turned to
(07:29):
the sea. The sunset's colors painted the glassy water with
images of prophecy, promise, and divine love. He saw his forefather,
David and the mighty Temple. He saw a humble child,
a mighty king, a savior and a servant. He saw Mary,
her face radiant with grace, her role, and the divine plan,
(07:50):
both beautiful and burdensome. Joseph was left with a profound
sense of peace, a clarity that resonated through every fiber.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Of his being.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
He knew what he must do.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
The sea receded into the sunset, as if gravity's force
was polling it backwards. A great wall of water loomed
over him. Then, with a mighty crash, the ocean fell
on to Joseph. He awoke with panic, confusion, and awe.
The night was quiet, and the light of the stars
was replaced with the rising sun's first light. Joseph stood
(08:22):
to his feet and wiped the sweat from his brow.
The morning sun radiated over the hills, splashing the valley
below with vibrant color. Joseph's once anxious heart was filled
with excitement. He still didn't entirely know what was happening,
but he knew God was on the move. Joseph's path
was more evident now. He would take Mary as his wife,
trust in the Lord's plan, and embrace this miraculous journey
(08:45):
before them, For the child they would raise was not
just a fulfillment of prophecy, but a beacon of hope
and redemption for all mankind. The doubts and fears of
yesterday were gone, replaced by faith, love, and a determination
to serve the will of the Most High. It wasn't
the life Joseph imagined for himself.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
It was better.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Although struggle awaited him, it was the path to purpose.
Joseph ran down the hill back to Nazareth with love
in his heart and courage in his bones.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
This story offered us a dramatized version of Joseph's dream.
Truth be told. We don't know the exact imagery of
his dream, but we do know what God told him
through his vision. The Angel of the Lord came to
Joseph and addressed him as Joseph son of David. Does
that title sound familiar to you? If you've read the
(09:41):
Gospels before, you'll know that Son of David is one
of the many titles given to Jesus. The title son
of David is one of those. Both Joseph and Mary
were descendants from the lineage of King David. Now this
holds significant way, since the Messiah was prophesied to come
from the line of David. Second Samuel Chapter seven mentions
(10:05):
the Messiah coming directly from David's line. However, the title
son of David embodies more than mere physical lineage. It
acknowledges Jesus as a king greater than David. Isaiah Chapter
nine is one of the most famous Christmas prophecies we have.
It reads like this, for a child is born to us,
(10:29):
a son is given to us, and the government will
be on his shoulders. His name will be called wonderful
counselor Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, of the
increase of his government and of peace. There shall be
no end on David's throne and on his kingdom. To
establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness.
(10:53):
From that time on even forever. The zeal of Yahweh
of armies will perform this. When individuals addressed Jesus as
the son of David. Their words were a testament to
their faith in him. The Pharisees, entrenched in pride and
self righteousness, remained blind to the truth that others so
(11:15):
readily accepted, and they became adversarial towards Jesus. Jesus used
the title son of David to confound the Pharisees further,
questioning how the Messiah, being David's son, could be addressed
as my Lord by David himself. This puzzle exposed their
(11:35):
lack of understanding regarding the Messiah's true nature. This event
illuminates the deeper meaning of the title. The Messiah is
more than David's physical son. He is greater than David,
and as stated in Revelation chapter twenty two, verse sixteen,
he's both the root and the offspring of David. Joseph
(11:59):
was the right man to raise God's son, not just
because he was from the line of David, but because
he was a man of integrity, courage, and obedience. Joseph's
immediate response to this dream was obedience. He was not
merely accepting Mary. He was accepting God's call to be
part of a divine mission to take Mary as his wife.
(12:23):
Amidst societal expectations and norms would require immense courage. Joseph's
courage was founded on faith, trust in God's word, and
his understanding of the enormity of God's plan. These qualities
made his forefather, David, a beloved and influential king. Being
(12:46):
the stepfather to Jesus knowing the child was not his own,
yet embracing him as his son was an act of
unmatched bravery. It required putting aside personal emotions, fears, and
societal judgments. The story of Joseph's dream interweaves themes of
(13:07):
divine intervention, obedience, faith, courage, and human cooperation with the
divine will. It reminds us of God's sovereign plan and
the individuals chosen to participate in it. As we celebrate Christmas,
may we reflect on Joseph's role in the Christmas narrative,
his courage, bravery, and integrity. May we be inspired to
(13:31):
live with similar faith, to heed God's call in our lives,
and to act with integrity and bravery, embodying the true
spirit of Christmas. The story of Joseph's dream is a
timeless reminder that God's plans are perfect and he equips
those he calls, even in the most unexpected circumstances. In
(13:55):
our next episode, Joseph will approach Mary and they'll fight
against culture and slight. Together. Their union will strengthen them
for the trials ahead and provide an on remp for
Jesus to be born. Thanks for listening to today's Bible
in a Year podcast. I'm Pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas.
Download thepray dot com at and make prayer a priority
(14:18):
in your life. If you enjoy this podcast, share it
with someone you love. By sharing this podcast, you can
make a difference in someone's life. And if you want
more resources on how to tap into God's power for
successful Christian living, be sure to visit Jagraham dot org.
God bless you.
Of the increase of his government and of peace. There
shall be no end on David's throne and on his kingdom.
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and
with righteousness. From that time on even forever, the zeal
of yahweh of armies will perform this Isaiah nine seven.
(00:24):
Dear Lord, this season we rejoice in the birth of Christ,
whose arrival was foretold by the prophets, and whose reign
will never end. We stand in awe of your divine
plan so beautifully unfolded in that humble manger. Your redemption
plan brings hope, peace, justice, and eternal life to all
(00:48):
who believe. As we decorate our homes with lights and
sing carols and share gifts, let us also share the
message of Christ's eternal kingdom, a kingdom built on love, mercy,
and righteousness. Help us to be ambassadors of this kingdom
(01:09):
here on earth, extending your peace and joy to all
around us. In the name of Jesus, whose birth we
celebrate and whose return we await, we pray Amen.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Joseph's heart was a storm of emotion, his dreams shattered,
trust broken, and love betrayed.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
The news of.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Mary's pregnancy had been a blow unlike any other. Anger, confusion,
and a profound sense of loss gnawed at his soul.
He lay down on a grassy hill where he and
Mary had one shared dreams and made promises to one another.
Lying on the soft earth, he looked up at the stars.
Those distant beacons of hope and guidance seemed dull, dimmed
(01:57):
by his grief and anger. His mind replayed their meeting
earlier in the day. He could still see the look
of regret in Mary's eyes or was it sorrow? Her
father's stern and unyielding voice echoed in his ears, granting
him the right to stone her. The very thoughts and
a shudder through him. How had they come to this?
(02:19):
Tears welled in his eyes and he clenched his fist,
wrestling with helplessness and anger. And yet through it all,
he couldn't ignore the look in Mary's eyes. She didn't
carry herself like someone who had done something wrong? Was
there somehow more to this story that he just couldn't grasp.
A fatigue slowly overcame his restless mind. He drifted into
(02:40):
a fitful sleep. His last thoughts were a prayer for clarity, guidance,
and mercy.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year podcast. Today's story is inspired by
Matthew Chapter one, verse nineteen, when Joseph discovers that Mary
is pregnant. Joseph is a central figure in the Christmas
story and is often overshadowed by the more prominent characters. Yep,
(03:08):
I believe Joseph is an unheralded hero of great character.
In this story, we find Joseph and a poignant crossroads,
grappling with feelings of betrayal while standing on the precipice
of a divine intervention that would change the course of
the world. The Birth of Jesus was filled with key
moments when everything could have been thwarted. One of those
(03:31):
moments will happen in this story when Joseph has the
right to stone marry for adultery. Joseph will find himself
in a position that many of us find ourselves in.
We all have moments where we can lash out in
anger and show judgment, or choose the path of mercy. Often,
(03:52):
the way of compassion is the more challenging trail to tread.
Joseph could end all his hurt and problems by showing
Mary judgment. But the measure of a man's character is
often revealed not in how he uses his power. Jesus said,
blessed of the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
(04:13):
Meekness does not mean weakness, It means power under control.
Will Joseph lash out and uses authority to end Mary,
or will he show meekness and mercy ushering in the
greatest story ever told? Let's find out now in this
cinematic retelling of Matthew Chapter one, verse nineteen. Afterwards, we'll
(04:36):
unpack the deep and hidden themes.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
In the depths of Slumber, Joseph was caught up in
a vivid and terrifying dream. He found himself standing at
the base of a dark and foreboding hill. Jagged rocks
lace the trail ascending the mountain. Lightning flashed above it,
revealing a brief and terrifying image of a tree. No,
not a tree, something else, something more terrifying. Joseph couldn't
(05:03):
quite make it out, so he moved closer. In the darkness,
Joseph could see a silhouetted figure hanging from the tree.
He marched up the hill, working against the wind in rain,
he stumbled and fell on to his hands and knees.
Joseph looked at his hands in terror. The ground beneath
him was soaked with a mixture of water and blood.
(05:23):
He screamed and looked up again. At the top of
the hill. The river of water and blood was running
downward from the tree above. What is up there? He thought?
The lightning flashed again with piercing light, and Joseph immediately
found himself elsewhere. He was at the base of a
cave carved into the side of a mountain. All was quiet,
(05:44):
and the only light source was from within the cave.
Joseph followed the faint glimmer, keeping his balance on the
cave's jagged walls. As he inched closer, the air became warmer,
like a room filled with the comfort of a fireplace.
The entire cave became filled with the scent of frankincense
and myrrh. As Joseph navigated the cave, he could hear
(06:05):
the sound of a child's cry, then a hushing lullabad.
The voice singing was gentle and soft, like the evening
spring breeze. Joseph knew that voice Mary is that you,
He gasped. Joseph picked up his pace and rounded the
corner towards the light. But before he could see anything,
the cave flooded with water, and Joseph found himself swimming
(06:26):
for his life amidst a violent storm in the middle
of the sea. Waves and breakers crashed over him. He
swam but made no progress. The waves thrashed and the
riptide dragged him down underneath. Joseph sank in a free
fold into the black abyss until a current pushed him
onto the shore. The storm subsided, and Joseph looked out
at a golden sunset hovering over the glassy sea. Suddenly,
(06:50):
a luminous figure appeared before him, an angel standing upon
the glassy water. His eyes were filled with wisdom and compassion.
Joseph was struck by awe and reverence. Fear not, Joseph,
son of David, what is conceived.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
And Mary is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear
a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, where
he will save his people from their sins. The words
wrapped around Joseph like a warm embrace, filling him with
an understanding that transcended earthly wisdom. Joseph wanted to ask questions,
but he couldn't speak. Instead, his gaze was turned to
(07:29):
the sea. The sunset's colors painted the glassy water with
images of prophecy, promise, and divine love. He saw his forefather,
David and the mighty Temple. He saw a humble child,
a mighty king, a savior and a servant. He saw Mary,
her face radiant with grace, her role, and the divine plan,
(07:50):
both beautiful and burdensome. Joseph was left with a profound
sense of peace, a clarity that resonated through every fiber.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Of his being.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
He knew what he must do.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
The sea receded into the sunset, as if gravity's force
was polling it backwards. A great wall of water loomed
over him. Then, with a mighty crash, the ocean fell
on to Joseph. He awoke with panic, confusion, and awe.
The night was quiet, and the light of the stars
was replaced with the rising sun's first light. Joseph stood
(08:22):
to his feet and wiped the sweat from his brow.
The morning sun radiated over the hills, splashing the valley
below with vibrant color. Joseph's once anxious heart was filled
with excitement. He still didn't entirely know what was happening,
but he knew God was on the move. Joseph's path
was more evident now. He would take Mary as his wife,
trust in the Lord's plan, and embrace this miraculous journey
(08:45):
before them, For the child they would raise was not
just a fulfillment of prophecy, but a beacon of hope
and redemption for all mankind. The doubts and fears of
yesterday were gone, replaced by faith, love, and a determination
to serve the will of the Most High. It wasn't
the life Joseph imagined for himself.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
It was better.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Although struggle awaited him, it was the path to purpose.
Joseph ran down the hill back to Nazareth with love
in his heart and courage in his bones.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
This story offered us a dramatized version of Joseph's dream.
Truth be told. We don't know the exact imagery of
his dream, but we do know what God told him
through his vision. The Angel of the Lord came to
Joseph and addressed him as Joseph son of David. Does
that title sound familiar to you? If you've read the
(09:41):
Gospels before, you'll know that Son of David is one
of the many titles given to Jesus. The title son
of David is one of those. Both Joseph and Mary
were descendants from the lineage of King David. Now this
holds significant way, since the Messiah was prophesied to come
from the line of David. Second Samuel Chapter seven mentions
(10:05):
the Messiah coming directly from David's line. However, the title
son of David embodies more than mere physical lineage. It
acknowledges Jesus as a king greater than David. Isaiah Chapter
nine is one of the most famous Christmas prophecies we have.
It reads like this, for a child is born to us,
(10:29):
a son is given to us, and the government will
be on his shoulders. His name will be called wonderful
counselor Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, of the
increase of his government and of peace. There shall be
no end on David's throne and on his kingdom. To
establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness.
(10:53):
From that time on even forever. The zeal of Yahweh
of armies will perform this. When individuals addressed Jesus as
the son of David. Their words were a testament to
their faith in him. The Pharisees, entrenched in pride and
self righteousness, remained blind to the truth that others so
(11:15):
readily accepted, and they became adversarial towards Jesus. Jesus used
the title son of David to confound the Pharisees further,
questioning how the Messiah, being David's son, could be addressed
as my Lord by David himself. This puzzle exposed their
(11:35):
lack of understanding regarding the Messiah's true nature. This event
illuminates the deeper meaning of the title. The Messiah is
more than David's physical son. He is greater than David,
and as stated in Revelation chapter twenty two, verse sixteen,
he's both the root and the offspring of David. Joseph
(11:59):
was the right man to raise God's son, not just
because he was from the line of David, but because
he was a man of integrity, courage, and obedience. Joseph's
immediate response to this dream was obedience. He was not
merely accepting Mary. He was accepting God's call to be
part of a divine mission to take Mary as his wife.
(12:23):
Amidst societal expectations and norms would require immense courage. Joseph's
courage was founded on faith, trust in God's word, and
his understanding of the enormity of God's plan. These qualities
made his forefather, David, a beloved and influential king. Being
(12:46):
the stepfather to Jesus knowing the child was not his own,
yet embracing him as his son was an act of
unmatched bravery. It required putting aside personal emotions, fears, and
societal judgments. The story of Joseph's dream interweaves themes of
(13:07):
divine intervention, obedience, faith, courage, and human cooperation with the
divine will. It reminds us of God's sovereign plan and
the individuals chosen to participate in it. As we celebrate Christmas,
may we reflect on Joseph's role in the Christmas narrative,
his courage, bravery, and integrity. May we be inspired to
(13:31):
live with similar faith, to heed God's call in our lives,
and to act with integrity and bravery, embodying the true
spirit of Christmas. The story of Joseph's dream is a
timeless reminder that God's plans are perfect and he equips
those he calls, even in the most unexpected circumstances. In
(13:55):
our next episode, Joseph will approach Mary and they'll fight
against culture and slight. Together. Their union will strengthen them
for the trials ahead and provide an on remp for
Jesus to be born. Thanks for listening to today's Bible
in a Year podcast. I'm Pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas.
Download thepray dot com at and make prayer a priority
(14:18):
in your life. If you enjoy this podcast, share it
with someone you love. By sharing this podcast, you can
make a difference in someone's life. And if you want
more resources on how to tap into God's power for
successful Christian living, be sure to visit Jagraham dot org.
God bless you.
Host
Jack Graham
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal: Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.