Lesson Eleven: An Angel speaks to Joseph

11.1 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed, (engaged), to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. Matthew 1:18-19

11.2 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying; "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel," Which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:20-23

image copyright, Marjorie Nordwall

11.3 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
Matthew 1:24-25

11.4 The narrative suggests that the public would have known the baby in Mary's womb was not Joseph's. This was a thing that could not be hidden.

11.5 Joseph struggled with this problem until the angel, (probably Gabriel), appeared to him and told him the truth concerning the matter.

11.6 Then Joseph took Mary to his own home.

11.7 But they did not come together physically until after Jesus was born.

Discussion:  What does Immanuel mean?    Why is this important to know?

Memory Verse: "They shall call his name Immanuel, which is translated "God with us".

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