June 1, 2025 • 16 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! In this episode, we meet Joseph, the strong, silently noble, carpenter from Nazareth. His character is put to the test, when his betrothed has some unexpected news to share.
Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.
As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.
To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
For judgment is without mercy. To the one who has
shown no mercy, Mercy triumphs over judgment. James two thirteen.
Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of the mercy
you demonstrated when you sent your son to be born
in a manger, to live among us, and ultimately to
(00:24):
give his life for our redemption. We are forever grateful
for this unparalleled act of mercy, a divine gift that
forever change the course of humanity. Father, Let the spirit
of Christmas remind us to extend mercy as freely as
we have received it from you. As we give gifts
(00:47):
to our loved ones, let us also give forgiveness to
those who have wronged us, understanding to those who have
misunderstood us, and kindness to those who may be in need.
Teach us to celebrate Christmas not just with festive cheer,
but with genuine love and mercy that mirrors your heart.
(01:12):
Let mercy triumph over judgment in our lives, transforming our
hearts and the hearts of those around us. In the
name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, we pray, Amen,
Thank you for praying with me today. Get ready to
dive back into this tale of adventure and hope and
(01:33):
the stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
The midday sun hung heavy in the sky. Its scorching
rays beat down on Joseph's back. He worked to the
sound of rhythmic chiseling against the stone, scraping of wood.
It was a symphony of his dedication to his craft
and devotion to his family. The life of a craftsman
wasn't glamorous work, but he found joy in it. He
(02:07):
cherished his trade. He enjoyed molding something useful and beautiful
that would bless others to day. He swung his hammer
with even more joy than usual. He ground the bricks
with more for nests than usual, and precisely sanded every beam.
He wasn't shaping just another project. He was making the
foundation of his and Mary's future home. While Mary aided
(02:28):
her cousin Elizabeth with her pregnancy and birth, Joseph toiled
under the sun shaping their future. Each sound of his
hammer falling on to the chisel was a note in
the symphony of their shared dreams. In his mind's eye,
he saw tiny feet scampering across the stone floor and
heard the echo of laughter ringing through the rooms. He
envisioned holding Mary close, their eyes resting fondly on their
(02:52):
children at play. Joyful anxiety gnawed at his heart. He
longed for Mary's return. His gaze wandered to the winder roads.
Above his eyes saw a lone carriage approaching. Shading his
eyes against the blazing sun, he discerned the figure of Mary.
His heart surged with joy, and he dropped his hammer,
hurrying towards her. I can't wait for her to see
(03:14):
the progress I've made on our own, he thought, a
smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he
dashed towards her. She was a long way away. He
watched her, from a distance get off the carriage and
briskly walk home with her parents. Their heads were down
and shoulders hunched forward, Yet Joseph was too excited to
notice such things. His heart was a flutter with anticipation
(03:35):
to see her eyes widen in surprise, to hear her
laughter fill the air, to watch her lips curve into
a grin at the sight of their burgeoning home. These
were the moments he yearned for. He stopped at the
whale to clean himself after steadying his hands and breath,
he approached her father's house and knocked at the door.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Shall On and welcome to another Christmas episode of story
to the Messiah. I'm Rabbi from discovering the Jewish Jesus
and your teacher through this amazing tale of faith and triumph.
Today's story is inspired by Matthew one verse nineteen, when
Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant. Joseph is a central figure
(04:18):
on the Christmas story we all know, but is often
overshadowed by the more prominent characters. Yet I believe Joseph
or Hebrew Joseph is an unheralded hero of great character.
In this story, we find Joseph at a poignant crossroads,
graptly with feelings of betrayal, while standing on the precipice
(04:41):
of a divine intervention that would change the course of
the world. The birth of Jesus was filled with key
moments when everything should have been thwarted. One of those
moments will happen in this story when Joseph has the
right to stone Mary for adultery. Joseph will find himself
(05:04):
in a position many of us have found ourselves in.
We all have had moments when we can lash out
in anger and show judgment, or choose the path of mercy.
Often the way of compassion is the more challenging trail
to tread. Joseph could end all of us hurting problems
(05:24):
by showing married judgment. But the measure of a man's
character is often revealed not in how he uses his power,
but in how he restrains it. Jesus said, Blessed are
the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness does
not mean weakness, It means power under control. Will Joseph
(05:49):
lash out and use his authority to end Mary, or
will he show meekness and mercy ushering in the greatest
story ever told? Let's find out now in the cinematic
retelling of Matthew one nineteen Afterwards, unpack the deep and
hidden themes of this mysterious story.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
The journey home from her cousin's home seemed to drag
on forever. Mary was reeling with anxiety, counting her every
heart beat. On the way back to Nazareth, a storm
of emotions welled within her, but she had no choice
but to go home. Sure she thought of running or
remaining with Elizabeth, but that was not the path God
had chosen for her. The cart dropped Mary off at
(06:35):
the corner of the city gates. She was back in Nazareth.
Her feet were heavy with the burden of the secret
she bore, yet she held her chin hai, her spirit,
bolstered by the divine promise, nestled within her. Her siblings
were the first to see her arrive. They ran to her,
jumping in the air and squealing. She managed a brief
smile before locking eyes with her parents. Her mother covered
(06:57):
her mouth and her father tightened his fist. They could
see what the children couldn't. Mary was with child. Mary
followed her parents silently to their house. Her father shut
the door. Mary breathed in and whispered a silent prayer.
She prayed the Lord would soften their hearts. She hoped
God had somehow spoken to them too. The warmth in
(07:17):
her home was replaced by the chill of her parent's gaze.
With a trembling voice holding back rage, her father spoke softly,
saying Mary, what have you done? Before Mary could answer,
her mother grabbed her by the shoulders with tears in
her eyes.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Your virtue, Mary, why have you done this? What happened.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Mary's lower lip began to quiver, but she knew she
had to remain strong, or else they might portray guilt.
She wasn't guilty, She was the opposite of guilty. She
was chosen above all others. She cleared her throat and
looked her parents in the eyes.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
Before I left for Elizabeth's, I was visited by an angel.
He told me God had chosen me to bear a
child of promise. I did not disgrace you, Joseph or myself.
I have been called by God to raise the son
of God.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Disbelief and anger came upon them.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
You blood same to us and to Joseph. Are your
shame God even more with your story? Her father yelled,
His voice was cracking from a mixture of anger and betrayal.
The sharp sting of their accusations left a bitter taste
in Mary's mouth. She tried to explain, her voice filled
with the desperate hope that they would understand, but the
(08:34):
storm of their wrath drowned her out. Just then, there
was a knock at the door. Mary knew that knock, the.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Same knock would greet her every day at dusk for
a stroll through the garden, Mary's father opened the door.
Behind it was Joseph, beaming with anticipation to see his
bride to be. His smile was quickly interrupted when he
saw Mary's hand on her midsection. Confusion etched lines on
his forehead, and bitter betrayal painted his gaze. His world,
(09:01):
like hers, immediately spun off its axis. Mary's father leaned
into Joseph and whispered, Joseph, we've just found out ourselves.
We didn't know, we swear. Joseph's eyes were fogging with
restrained tears. He looked as if he was going to break,
but he didn't.
Speaker 5 (09:16):
Mary.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
He whispered why.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Mary could barely stand the look of betrayal on his face.
She tried explaining everything to him, but the story seemed
too outlandish. Mary's father, a stern and righteous man, made
his judgment. Joseph, she has wronged you. You have the
right to punish her, even to stonor if you wish.
Her words were cutting to Mary's soul. Her own father
(09:42):
had just permitted Joseph to execute her. Her fate was
now in the hands of a man whose face was
about to burst with grief. Joseph's gaze moved from her
father to Mary, the silent question lingering in his eyes. Then,
with a wave of anger and despair, he turned and
walked away. His departure left it shilling silence that hung
heavily in the room. Mary and her parents were left
(10:04):
wondering what he would choose. Joseph went to be alone.
He stormed past the site where he had built the
foundation for their new home. With sadness weighing heavy on
his shoulders, he hiked into the hills and watched the
sun descend over the plains outside Nazareth. Betrayal gnawed at
Joseph's heart. He stood on the grass inside, watching the
final rays of light receide from view. The sun's final
(10:27):
rays painted the sky above a lush and vibrant pink.
Beneath the torrent of Joseph's emotions, there was an undercurrent
of anger towards God. Have I not been loyal?
Speaker 1 (10:37):
He whispered, I.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Have toiled to build our home. I have shonne restraint
and kindness. Pain shot up Joseph's heart and lingered in
his throat as he spoke. He stood and yelled at
the wind.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
I did everything I was supposed to do.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
I remained faithful. How you paid you commands? What have
I done to deserve this? His voice cried, and then
he crumbled to the ground and wept. A thousand thoughts
whirled around in his mind as he grappled with the
reality before him. He was torn between the laws of
the land and his affection for Mary. His honor demanded
(11:14):
he react, yet his kindness whispered another path. He was
at the crossroads of judgment and mercy. Which path would
he choose? Why should I saw mercy?
Speaker 1 (11:24):
He thought?
Speaker 2 (11:25):
What good has been good done? In the depths of
his turmoil. Joseph was a just and righteous man. Thousands
of small decisions to do the right thing every day
had already forged a character within him. He sighed and
watched the colorful horizon give way to the darkness. The
coolness of the evening began to settle over the grassy
valley below. Joseph closed his eyes and whispered, I have
(11:47):
made my choice. He would not subject Mary to public shame,
nor stoke the fires of scandal. He would divorce her quietly, mercifully,
even as he grappled with the shards of his shattered dreams.
He chose kindness of a revenge, mercy of a judgment.
It was a decision that echoed the depths of his
character and the unwavering strength of his heart. The knight
(12:09):
was filled with his silent and somber resolution. Under the
exposed stars, Joseph laid back on the grassy slope and
drifted off to sleep.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
As a Jewish believer, I am passionate about history, customs,
and the culture surrounding the biblical characters. You can find
more resources on Jewish customs and how they relate to
the Gospel on my website discovering the Jewishheist dot com.
According to the Jewish tradition of the time patrol, there
was as binding as marriage. It must have felt like
(12:49):
a painful betrayal when Mirror revealed that she was pregnant. Mary, however,
stood firm in her truth, telling the divine message she
had received. Who resolved in this challenging situation is admirable,
but it also sets the stage for Joseph's crucial decision.
(13:09):
Despite his initial feelings of betrayal, Joseph's actions reveal his
remarkable character. The scripture describes him as a just man,
implying his righteousness and adherence to the law. However, he
was also unwilling to disgrace Mary publicly, indicating his compassion
and mercy. At the time, according to Mosaic law, he
(13:32):
could have had Mary stone for adultery. Instead, he decided
to divorce her quietly, choosing mercy over judgment. This decision
was monumental in his personal life and the broader scope
of God's salvation plan. Joseph's mercy mirrors God's mercy towards us,
(13:53):
a core theme of the Christmas story. But God, through
an angelic dream, would soon intervene and ensuring Joseph's understanding
cooperation with this divine plan. As we reflect on this
portion of the Nativity story, Joseph's example is both an
encouragement and a challenge. He stood at the crossroads of
(14:15):
judgment and mercy and chose the path of mercy, unknowingly,
echoing the profound mercy God offers to us through the
worth of Jesus. This Christmas, let us strive to model
joseph example in our own life. When we feel betrayed
or hurt, May we have the strength to choose mercy
(14:37):
over judgment, remembering that God shows mercy for us, gifting
us a son to guide us toward love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Let's bring our will into alignment with God's will and
as a result, finding ourselves ascending in the spirit into
(14:58):
a deeper fellowship with Him. Now, the Christmas story isn't
only about the miraculous birth of Jesus, but also about
the people God chose to be part of that miracle.
Just as Joseph had a crucial role to play, we
too have a role to play in God's divine narrative.
Like Joseph, May we be willing to embrace life's unexpected turns,
(15:22):
bearing in mind that its so doing, we become part
of God's grand story of salvation and mercy. In our
next episode, Joseph will be face to face with the
same Angel that stole Zachariah's voice and herald of the
coming of Christ. Joseph's loyalty and character will be tested,
(15:43):
and the journey to the Manger will be underway. You
could explore more about Jesus in the Old Testament at
discovering the Jewish Jesus dot com. Also consider checking out
my recent book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed. Seems sad in the
pages of the Hebrew Bible. You can get your hands
in a via my website now. If this podcast impacted you,
(16:07):
please take a moment to leave a comment and review.
Doing so will make sure others discover these life changing stories,
and be sure to download the Prey dot Com ap
to make prayer priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
For judgment is without mercy. To the one who has
shown no mercy, Mercy triumphs over judgment. James two thirteen.
Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of the mercy
you demonstrated when you sent your son to be born
in a manger, to live among us, and ultimately to
(00:24):
give his life for our redemption. We are forever grateful
for this unparalleled act of mercy, a divine gift that
forever change the course of humanity. Father, Let the spirit
of Christmas remind us to extend mercy as freely as
we have received it from you. As we give gifts
(00:47):
to our loved ones, let us also give forgiveness to
those who have wronged us, understanding to those who have
misunderstood us, and kindness to those who may be in need.
Teach us to celebrate Christmas not just with festive cheer,
but with genuine love and mercy that mirrors your heart.
(01:12):
Let mercy triumph over judgment in our lives, transforming our
hearts and the hearts of those around us. In the
name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, we pray, Amen,
Thank you for praying with me today. Get ready to
dive back into this tale of adventure and hope and
(01:33):
the stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
The midday sun hung heavy in the sky. Its scorching
rays beat down on Joseph's back. He worked to the
sound of rhythmic chiseling against the stone, scraping of wood.
It was a symphony of his dedication to his craft
and devotion to his family. The life of a craftsman
wasn't glamorous work, but he found joy in it. He
(02:07):
cherished his trade. He enjoyed molding something useful and beautiful
that would bless others to day. He swung his hammer
with even more joy than usual. He ground the bricks
with more for nests than usual, and precisely sanded every beam.
He wasn't shaping just another project. He was making the
foundation of his and Mary's future home. While Mary aided
(02:28):
her cousin Elizabeth with her pregnancy and birth, Joseph toiled
under the sun shaping their future. Each sound of his
hammer falling on to the chisel was a note in
the symphony of their shared dreams. In his mind's eye,
he saw tiny feet scampering across the stone floor and
heard the echo of laughter ringing through the rooms. He
envisioned holding Mary close, their eyes resting fondly on their
(02:52):
children at play. Joyful anxiety gnawed at his heart. He
longed for Mary's return. His gaze wandered to the winder roads.
Above his eyes saw a lone carriage approaching. Shading his
eyes against the blazing sun, he discerned the figure of Mary.
His heart surged with joy, and he dropped his hammer,
hurrying towards her. I can't wait for her to see
(03:14):
the progress I've made on our own, he thought, a
smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he
dashed towards her. She was a long way away. He
watched her, from a distance get off the carriage and
briskly walk home with her parents. Their heads were down
and shoulders hunched forward, Yet Joseph was too excited to
notice such things. His heart was a flutter with anticipation
(03:35):
to see her eyes widen in surprise, to hear her
laughter fill the air, to watch her lips curve into
a grin at the sight of their burgeoning home. These
were the moments he yearned for. He stopped at the
whale to clean himself after steadying his hands and breath,
he approached her father's house and knocked at the door.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Shall On and welcome to another Christmas episode of story
to the Messiah. I'm Rabbi from discovering the Jewish Jesus
and your teacher through this amazing tale of faith and triumph.
Today's story is inspired by Matthew one verse nineteen, when
Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant. Joseph is a central figure
(04:18):
on the Christmas story we all know, but is often
overshadowed by the more prominent characters. Yet I believe Joseph
or Hebrew Joseph is an unheralded hero of great character.
In this story, we find Joseph at a poignant crossroads,
graptly with feelings of betrayal, while standing on the precipice
(04:41):
of a divine intervention that would change the course of
the world. The birth of Jesus was filled with key
moments when everything should have been thwarted. One of those
moments will happen in this story when Joseph has the
right to stone Mary for adultery. Joseph will find himself
(05:04):
in a position many of us have found ourselves in.
We all have had moments when we can lash out
in anger and show judgment, or choose the path of mercy.
Often the way of compassion is the more challenging trail
to tread. Joseph could end all of us hurting problems
(05:24):
by showing married judgment. But the measure of a man's
character is often revealed not in how he uses his power,
but in how he restrains it. Jesus said, Blessed are
the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness does
not mean weakness, It means power under control. Will Joseph
(05:49):
lash out and use his authority to end Mary, or
will he show meekness and mercy ushering in the greatest
story ever told? Let's find out now in the cinematic
retelling of Matthew one nineteen Afterwards, unpack the deep and
hidden themes of this mysterious story.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
The journey home from her cousin's home seemed to drag
on forever. Mary was reeling with anxiety, counting her every
heart beat. On the way back to Nazareth, a storm
of emotions welled within her, but she had no choice
but to go home. Sure she thought of running or
remaining with Elizabeth, but that was not the path God
had chosen for her. The cart dropped Mary off at
(06:35):
the corner of the city gates. She was back in Nazareth.
Her feet were heavy with the burden of the secret
she bore, yet she held her chin hai, her spirit,
bolstered by the divine promise, nestled within her. Her siblings
were the first to see her arrive. They ran to her,
jumping in the air and squealing. She managed a brief
smile before locking eyes with her parents. Her mother covered
(06:57):
her mouth and her father tightened his fist. They could
see what the children couldn't. Mary was with child. Mary
followed her parents silently to their house. Her father shut
the door. Mary breathed in and whispered a silent prayer.
She prayed the Lord would soften their hearts. She hoped
God had somehow spoken to them too. The warmth in
(07:17):
her home was replaced by the chill of her parent's gaze.
With a trembling voice holding back rage, her father spoke softly,
saying Mary, what have you done? Before Mary could answer,
her mother grabbed her by the shoulders with tears in
her eyes.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Your virtue, Mary, why have you done this? What happened.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Mary's lower lip began to quiver, but she knew she
had to remain strong, or else they might portray guilt.
She wasn't guilty, She was the opposite of guilty. She
was chosen above all others. She cleared her throat and
looked her parents in the eyes.
Speaker 4 (07:52):
Before I left for Elizabeth's, I was visited by an angel.
He told me God had chosen me to bear a
child of promise. I did not disgrace you, Joseph or myself.
I have been called by God to raise the son
of God.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Disbelief and anger came upon them.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
You blood same to us and to Joseph. Are your
shame God even more with your story? Her father yelled,
His voice was cracking from a mixture of anger and betrayal.
The sharp sting of their accusations left a bitter taste
in Mary's mouth. She tried to explain, her voice filled
with the desperate hope that they would understand, but the
(08:34):
storm of their wrath drowned her out. Just then, there
was a knock at the door. Mary knew that knock, the.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Same knock would greet her every day at dusk for
a stroll through the garden, Mary's father opened the door.
Behind it was Joseph, beaming with anticipation to see his
bride to be. His smile was quickly interrupted when he
saw Mary's hand on her midsection. Confusion etched lines on
his forehead, and bitter betrayal painted his gaze. His world,
(09:01):
like hers, immediately spun off its axis. Mary's father leaned
into Joseph and whispered, Joseph, we've just found out ourselves.
We didn't know, we swear. Joseph's eyes were fogging with
restrained tears. He looked as if he was going to break,
but he didn't.
Speaker 5 (09:16):
Mary.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
He whispered why.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Mary could barely stand the look of betrayal on his face.
She tried explaining everything to him, but the story seemed
too outlandish. Mary's father, a stern and righteous man, made
his judgment. Joseph, she has wronged you. You have the
right to punish her, even to stonor if you wish.
Her words were cutting to Mary's soul. Her own father
(09:42):
had just permitted Joseph to execute her. Her fate was
now in the hands of a man whose face was
about to burst with grief. Joseph's gaze moved from her
father to Mary, the silent question lingering in his eyes. Then,
with a wave of anger and despair, he turned and
walked away. His departure left it shilling silence that hung
heavily in the room. Mary and her parents were left
(10:04):
wondering what he would choose. Joseph went to be alone.
He stormed past the site where he had built the
foundation for their new home. With sadness weighing heavy on
his shoulders, he hiked into the hills and watched the
sun descend over the plains outside Nazareth. Betrayal gnawed at
Joseph's heart. He stood on the grass inside, watching the
final rays of light receide from view. The sun's final
(10:27):
rays painted the sky above a lush and vibrant pink.
Beneath the torrent of Joseph's emotions, there was an undercurrent
of anger towards God. Have I not been loyal?
Speaker 1 (10:37):
He whispered, I.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Have toiled to build our home. I have shonne restraint
and kindness. Pain shot up Joseph's heart and lingered in
his throat as he spoke. He stood and yelled at
the wind.
Speaker 5 (10:50):
I did everything I was supposed to do.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
I remained faithful. How you paid you commands? What have
I done to deserve this? His voice cried, and then
he crumbled to the ground and wept. A thousand thoughts
whirled around in his mind as he grappled with the
reality before him. He was torn between the laws of
the land and his affection for Mary. His honor demanded
(11:14):
he react, yet his kindness whispered another path. He was
at the crossroads of judgment and mercy. Which path would
he choose? Why should I saw mercy?
Speaker 1 (11:24):
He thought?
Speaker 2 (11:25):
What good has been good done? In the depths of
his turmoil. Joseph was a just and righteous man. Thousands
of small decisions to do the right thing every day
had already forged a character within him. He sighed and
watched the colorful horizon give way to the darkness. The
coolness of the evening began to settle over the grassy
valley below. Joseph closed his eyes and whispered, I have
(11:47):
made my choice. He would not subject Mary to public shame,
nor stoke the fires of scandal. He would divorce her quietly, mercifully,
even as he grappled with the shards of his shattered dreams.
He chose kindness of a revenge, mercy of a judgment.
It was a decision that echoed the depths of his
character and the unwavering strength of his heart. The knight
(12:09):
was filled with his silent and somber resolution. Under the
exposed stars, Joseph laid back on the grassy slope and
drifted off to sleep.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
As a Jewish believer, I am passionate about history, customs,
and the culture surrounding the biblical characters. You can find
more resources on Jewish customs and how they relate to
the Gospel on my website discovering the Jewishheist dot com.
According to the Jewish tradition of the time patrol, there
was as binding as marriage. It must have felt like
(12:49):
a painful betrayal when Mirror revealed that she was pregnant. Mary, however,
stood firm in her truth, telling the divine message she
had received. Who resolved in this challenging situation is admirable,
but it also sets the stage for Joseph's crucial decision.
(13:09):
Despite his initial feelings of betrayal, Joseph's actions reveal his
remarkable character. The scripture describes him as a just man,
implying his righteousness and adherence to the law. However, he
was also unwilling to disgrace Mary publicly, indicating his compassion
and mercy. At the time, according to Mosaic law, he
(13:32):
could have had Mary stone for adultery. Instead, he decided
to divorce her quietly, choosing mercy over judgment. This decision
was monumental in his personal life and the broader scope
of God's salvation plan. Joseph's mercy mirrors God's mercy towards us,
(13:53):
a core theme of the Christmas story. But God, through
an angelic dream, would soon intervene and ensuring Joseph's understanding
cooperation with this divine plan. As we reflect on this
portion of the Nativity story, Joseph's example is both an
encouragement and a challenge. He stood at the crossroads of
(14:15):
judgment and mercy and chose the path of mercy, unknowingly,
echoing the profound mercy God offers to us through the
worth of Jesus. This Christmas, let us strive to model
joseph example in our own life. When we feel betrayed
or hurt, May we have the strength to choose mercy
(14:37):
over judgment, remembering that God shows mercy for us, gifting
us a son to guide us toward love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Let's bring our will into alignment with God's will and
as a result, finding ourselves ascending in the spirit into
(14:58):
a deeper fellowship with Him. Now, the Christmas story isn't
only about the miraculous birth of Jesus, but also about
the people God chose to be part of that miracle.
Just as Joseph had a crucial role to play, we
too have a role to play in God's divine narrative.
Like Joseph, May we be willing to embrace life's unexpected turns,
(15:22):
bearing in mind that its so doing, we become part
of God's grand story of salvation and mercy. In our
next episode, Joseph will be face to face with the
same Angel that stole Zachariah's voice and herald of the
coming of Christ. Joseph's loyalty and character will be tested,
(15:43):
and the journey to the Manger will be underway. You
could explore more about Jesus in the Old Testament at
discovering the Jewish Jesus dot com. Also consider checking out
my recent book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed. Seems sad in the
pages of the Hebrew Bible. You can get your hands
in a via my website now. If this podcast impacted you,
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please take a moment to leave a comment and review.
Doing so will make sure others discover these life changing stories,
and be sure to download the Prey dot Com ap
to make prayer priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
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