Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25
Introduction
Obedience is not a soft, syrupy word. It is a gritty, tenacious one. It challenges us to do what God commands, to go where He leads, and to speak what He inspires. Mary and Joseph help us frame a picture of obedience in its full context and reveal to us the difficulty and delight of devotion to God.
Thesis: God’s people obey what God says.
Obey God in Spite of Circumstances
A. Exegesis
- Mary lived in Nazareth.
- Mary was a virgin; she kept her body pure. She did not understand, v. 37.
- Mary obeyed: “I am the Lord’s servant,” v. 38 = Faith.
B. Illustration
I once knew an elder woman who endured great personal sorrow and pain. Her circumstances were difficult. She was quiet and unpretentious, but she trusted the heart of God even when she could not trace the hand of God. She said, “Pastor, I choose to place my trust in a God Whose plan does not require my approval.”
C. Application–Faith without obedience is dead.
Obey God in Spite of Conflict
A. Exegesis
- Joseph assumed the worst–Mary was unfaithful, vv. 18-19.
- Two options Joseph had according to the law:
- a. divorce her publicly and shame her in court, or
- b. divorce her privately so as not to “disgrace her,” v. 19.
- An angel informed Joseph of God’s plan; Joseph obeyed.
B. Application–Obedience is an attitude that says, “I want to follow God.” Joseph’s actions reminds us that obedience does not afford us the luxury of being neutral.
Obey God in Spite of Society
A. Exegesis
- Joseph and Mary knew that society would not be accepting.
- Joseph and Mary submitted to God’s purpose and accepted the embarrassment from a society that would spread despicable rumors and count the months from marriage to birth.
B. Illustration
Several years ago at the end of my sermon, I extended an invitation for people to come to Christ. A young woman came forward and said, “I want to become a Christian, but I don’t want anyone to know it. Can I be baptized privately?” At first I thought she was kidding; unfortunately, she was serious. I told her if she was committed to Jesus Christ, others would know it. But if she was not committed to Jesus, all her praying and church attendance would not do her any good.
C. Application–Confession without conviction and obedience is dead.