By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, December 20, 2009 · Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sermon Text: Matthew 1:18-21
Sermon Theme
It is critical that Joseph accepts Mary’s child as his own. Family ties in Israel were determined through the father. Joseph is of the tribe of Judah. This is the royal line of Israel. Judah became its own kingdom. Beginning with David it provided a long line of kings. Joseph adopting Mary’s son establishes that son in the line of kings. Yet the tribe of Judah is a scandalous line. It could just as easily be called a cursed family. Many of its kings even beginning with David were corrupt and “despised the word of the Lord” (II Samuel 12:9). Yet the line of Judah includes, paradoxically, saviors of the people of Israel including Judah himself and also extending to David. Yet none of these was the great king foretold by Jacob. This king was all powerful and completely surprising. He could be misunderstood or passed by completely. Jesus still surprises us today.
Sermon Outline
- Scandal Joseph is heir to a family of scandal. His heritage includes betrayal, immorality, infidentity, idolatry and even child sacrifice (II Kings 16:1-4). None of his ancestors seems to be able to escape this dark legacy. Even the wisest of them, King Solomon, had descended into idolatry (I Kings 11:1-4). Joseph himself is not immune from the family’s tragic history. He is a righteous man. However he learns that his betrothed wife is pregnant. This is yet another example example of the public disgrace that had run through the tribe of Judah. Why should Joseph fare any better than his ancestors? Joseph was the heir of kings. This however meant nothing in the Israel of his time. At least that’s what people thought.
- Savior Nevertheless, the tribe of Judah, in spite of their many failings, were not only kings but saviors of their people. Judah had saved his brother Benjamin. David, Hezekiah and Josiah all had played the role of saviors in Judah. More than this, Matthew reminds us of some of the scandalous women who also had a saving impact. These included Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and even Bathsheba who preserves the throne for her son, Solomon (I Kings 1:11-21). In spite of sin and brokenness, the tribe of Judah continues to play the role of a savior of the people.
- Surprise It is through the tribe of Judah that God demonstrates again and again his surprising plan of salvation. Joseph draws the only possible conclusion regarding Mary’s pregnancy. According to the law, an unfaithful woman should be stoned (Deuteronomy 22:20-21). At the very least she should be made an example of “public disgrace.” Joseph’s righteousness leads him to “dismiss her quietly.” This is the mercy stated in the prophet Hosea and restated by Jesus (Matthew 9:10-13). Jesus will overcome the twin powers of fear and pride. These are the means through which sin and Satan keep the human race in chains. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is also the Lamb who saves not only the tribe of Judah but the whole world. He is the world’s greatest hope. And he is not only the One who came but the One who is coming again.
Questions for Us
- Paul says in one of the most astonishing statements in Scripture that Jesus became sin for our sake (II Corinthians 5:21). How does Jesus identifying with the tribe of Judah illustrate that? What hope do we gain from this fact?
- Why do you think God provides us with a scandalous savior? What lessons should we learn from this (I Corinthians 1:23)?
- How do the twin threats of fear (guilt, shame, anxiety) and pride (self-righteousness, arrogance) continue to threaten us in our faith? What do you think it was like for Joseph to resist both these temptations? What can we learn from Joseph’s example?
