Storytrail -
Joseph
Now we know from Matthew’s gospel that, because he was a righteous man, when Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant he decided not to make a big fuss. This is what Matthew’s gospel says, “Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19)
The law of the land would have allowed Joseph to pursue punitive measures against Mary for breach of faith. But Joseph chose not to take this line.
For some people “being righteous” would have been to get their just deserts under the law. Not for Joseph. He understood that God’s teaching of righteousness is to show mercy and to treat people with compassion and respect; even though they might not have shown that to us.
Challenge 3
Do we seek to be righteous in this way?
We learn that the Lord then revealed the truth to Joseph, in a dream, of how Mary had conceived; and Joseph went on to take Mary as his wife.
Mary and Elizabeth
When Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to conceive the saviour of the world he also told her, “your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.” (Luke 1:36)
And so Mary rushed off to see Elizabeth. It was a good move. It was just what Mary needed. Luke tells “When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:41)
John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry started from the womb! These words from Elizabeth were an affirmation to Mary and Mary’s response was to throw off any confusion and uncertainty as she moved into a song of praise and prophecy which we call the Magnificat. (Luke 1:46-
Elizabeth’s greeting will have lifted Mary’s spirit and given her courage to face the time ahead.
Challenge 4
There are times in our Christian life when we may feel vulnerable, confused and unsure. At these times do we look for our own Elizabeth to help, guide and to encourage us -
And sometimes we may be called to be an Elizabeth. To walk with another for a part of their spiritual journey and give support and encouragement. Are we prepared to do that?