INTRODUCTION: It is great being able to learn from other people’s successes and failures especially when it comes to the task of honoring God in your marriage. We are going to learn from some seasoned mentors in the following weeks. Please prayerfully consider these married couples from the Bible. Study them, discuss them, and learn from them.
Joseph and Mary
1. Read the following passage together.
Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 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. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
2. The word describes Joseph as a just man who was trying to do the right thing when God revealed to him what the right thing was for him to do. How concerned are you, as a couple, about doing the right thing? Come up with some examples?
3. What has God been teaching you lately about some of the things that concern you?
Conclusion: We will be adding Joseph and Mary to our ALFC lovescape as an example of a married couple that locked in their love and were faithful to their marital commitment. Stop by the display in front of the church and remember the lessons learned from their lives.