Winter Quarter: Unit I, Lesson 2 – Teachers

As a result of experiencing this lesson, you should be able to do these things:

• Remember the story of the angel’s announcement to Joseph of Jesus’ birth.
• Rejoice that the birth of Jesus fulfilled God’s promise to be with His people.
• Live with greater awareness of God’s abiding presence.

Angel (verse 20)—Greek: aggelos (ang’-el-os): a messenger of God.

Christ (verse 18)—Greek: Christos (khris-tos’): the Anointed One, “Messiah” (NIV), Christ.

Espoused (verse 18)—Greek: mnésteuó (mnace-tyoo’-o): betrothed; “pledged to be married” (NIV).

Prophet (verse 22)—Greek: prophétés (prof-ay’-tace): a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of the divine will).

Righteous (verse 19, NASB)—Greek: dikaios (dik’-ah-yos): correct; righteous; by implication innocent; “just” (KJV); “faithful to the law” (NIV).

Save (verse 21)—Greek: sózó (sode’-zo): to save, deliver.

Sins (verse 21)—Greek: hamartia (ham-ar-tee’-ah): sinful deeds; failures.

• Refer to the Townsend Press SS Commentary Teacher’s Edition for an additional lesson plan with word studies, insights on teaching adults, learner matrices, etc.
• Review last week’s student assignments (“Your Life” and “Your World!”).
• This guide offers two options for leading your class.
• Review this week’s Adult/Young Adult student lesson.
• Review the Adult Resource Kit for supplemental lesson ideas.
• See pages 7 and 9 for lesson-planning tips.
• See page 6 for a student Personal Growth Plan.
• See page 103 (Faith in 3-D) for an explanation of how one can live out his/her faith in the world.

A newborn baby inspires us to wonder about the potential of every human life. How do we understand the designs of our lives? Joseph’s call to form a family with Mary suggests that God calls us to give hope to the world through our families.

When faced with a major situation they cannot understand or explain, many people panic or experience a sense of overwhelming despair. Amid the unexpected demands of daily living or other pressures, people are called to make tough decisions. Whatever the complexity or necessity, believers must never let any challenge compel them to contradict their faith or compromise their commitment to whatever is holy and just. Joseph and Mary were called by God to do something they had never witnessed or imagined. God called them to the challenging, awesome honor of raising Jesus, God’s only Son. Although it was an unspeakable honor, the weight and responsibility of the task should not be overlooked. Joseph ended the betrothal period ahead of schedule and took Mary as his wife. It was necessary to spare Mary and her family the public humiliation and shame of an unwed pregnancy.

Although the baby was conceived by the seed of the Holy Spirit, no one would have accepted or believed the explanation. Mary believed. Joseph believed. And by their faith and humility, God counted them worthy and prepared them to fulfill the greatest honor they would ever know—raising, knowing, and nurturing the Savior of the world. What a high calling! Yes, God called Mary, a virgin, to bear and mother the child; and He called the devout Joseph, as Mary’s husband and Jesus’ God-ordained earthly father. Together, the couple faced the joys and challenges of carrying out God’s unique will for their lives.

The name Jesus literally means “Jehovah saves.” Those who call upon the name Jesus—believing in His name, praying in His name, taking on His name by water baptism—find salvation in His name. More than just a name, Jesus Himself is our salvation. Significant Old Testament figures have variations of the name Jesus, rendered in Hebrew as Jeshua/Joshua, and representing the same meaning. After Moses, his successor, Joshua, led the people of Israel into the Promised Land. The name of the prophet Hosea is also a derivative of the same name. Likewise, following the Babylonian captivity, a remnant of Jews returned to Judah to rebuild the Temple, the community, and the walls of Jerusalem. Jeshua/Joshua, the high priest, was instrumental in rebuilding the Temple (see Ezra 3:1-3).

Joseph is a Hebrew name meaning “increase” or “addition.” Husband to Mary, Joseph was a man who waked righteously and faithfully according to God’s law, while showing a merciful heart. Matthew records Jesus’ emphasis on the righteousness/justice along with acts of undeserved mercy (see Matthew 5:6-7, 45; 25:37-40). While Joseph likely lamented hearing the news of Mary’s pregnancy, with understanding, he fully embraced God’s plan and the role that God had called him to concerning Mary and the unborn baby who would be the Messiah. Joseph had faith to believe the unbelievable; he accepted God’s explanation of Mary’s pregnancy and let the revelation of God’s purpose order his life (verses 19-20). Jewish historians document that Joseph died before Jesus began His ministry, but Joseph accepted and completed the assignment God had given him.

(Choose from the items below.)

1. Have you ever been invited to participate in an event or activity that ended up being bigger or more significant than you ever imagined?
2. How did you feel? Describe your reaction.
3. If time permits, briefly share your story with the class.

Believers trust that God is present even when they cannot know or explain what God is doing. In such times, like Joseph and Mary, they wait on their next instruction from the Lord, while standing firm on God’s Word. God does not always explain Himself, but He certainly will never leave or forsake those who trust in Him. God is present with us in every moment of fear and struggle, and He is constantly aware of whatever we may be experiencing. When frightened, confused, or overwhelmed, Joseph maintained His godly character. He did not act rashly or quickly, and he remained open to hearing and obeying the direction God gave him concerning Mary. God called Joseph to follow a challenging, unfamiliar, and often inconvenient path. Hearing God’s voice, Joseph rose to the occasion. As he learned to hear and discern the voice of God, the Spirit gave Joseph specific direction concerning God’s timing, God’s will, and whatever he needed to do to preserve his family’s safety and well-being. As they became sensitive and submissive to God’s voice and direction, both Mary and Joseph became the parents Jesus needed—ideal instruments of God’s purposes to bring forth His only Son into the world and to prepare Him to assume His role as the Son of God and Savior of the world.

God calls every believer to obedience, even when we do not understand the things that God does. God rewards those who seek Him; that is the responsibility of every human soul. Those who seek the Lord with their whole heart will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13). This is the assurance of multiple Bible promises: God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (see Hebrews 11:6). Those who seek to know who Jesus is may gain a clearer understanding of who He is by studying the meanings of His various names (e.g., Jesus, “God saves”; Emmanuel, “God with us”; Christ, “the anointed one”). Seeking to know God through His name leads to a particular revelation of the vast character and attributes of God. In every aspect of our lives, believers must learn to experience the abiding presence of God daily, in private devotion as well as in regular public worship gatherings.

ADDITIONAL EXPOSITORY INSIGHTS FOR THE TEACHER

Matthew 1:18-21

KJV

18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

NIV

18  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

19  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

21  “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

In ancient Israel, marriage vows were exchanged by a couple at the betrothal. Even though the betrothal was not equivalent to full marriage, ending a betrothal required a decree of divorce. The betrothal custom decreed an interval of time, usually one year, before the bride was to take residence in her husband’s house and the physical union was to be consummated. The betrothal period gave the man time to get his affairs in order so that he could spend quality time with his new bride. During her betrothal period, Mary was found to be pregnant. Jewish Law indicated that when a betrothed woman was found pregnant before marriage (and apparently guilty of the sin of fornication/adultery), she was liable to be condemned to death (see Deuteronomy 22:23-24). While the text does not deny or confirm, it may be that Mary did not explain the angelic visitation or the divine origin of her pregnancy to Joseph but, rather, chose to let God handle the matter. It is unlikely that anyone would have readily believed or accepted Mary’s story without a divine confirmation. Instead of making a public scene, scoffing or attempting to publicly disgrace Mary, Joseph determined that he would divorce her privately so as to avoid ridicule and a public scandal. Given that she would remain pregnant, it is not altogether clear what Mary’s fate might have been had Joseph divorced her. Nonetheless, Joseph’s proposed handling of the situation speaks well of his character and his regard for Mary. Knowing it was necessary to answer Joseph’s fears and suspicions,

God arranged an angelic visitation to give Joseph direction on how to proceed amid a complicated, puzzling set of circumstances. Greeting Joseph as a “son of David” (verse 20), the angel acknowledged Joseph as a descendant of the beloved and revered ancestor, King David. The angel also confirmed the Holy Spirit as the agent of Mary’s conception. There was no apparent need for further explanation. The angel speaks to all Joseph’s fears and concerns and delivers the name by which the child would be called: Jesus, Hebrew for “Jehovah saves.” The name Jesus pointed to the baby’s eternal purpose on earth—He would “save his people from their sins” (verse 21).

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student lesson for related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

Has God ever called you to do something that challenged traditional norms and popular opinion?

• Young Adult Questions:

Have you ever regretted having spoken or acted on a situation (based on appearances that turned out to be false) before praying and thinking it through? Give one example.

Matthew 1:22-25

KJV

22  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

NIV

22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

23  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

25  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Mary’s conception (verses 22-23) was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s messianic prophecy concerning the Virgin Birth (see Isaiah 7:14). Whether there was an earlier fulfillment of this prophecy in Isaiah’s time is neither discussed nor suggested. There is no Old Testament account concerning any other fulfillment of the prophecy before Jesus. While Jesus was not formally called “Emmanuel” as a proper name, the name captures the full essence of His existence, describing Him as the manifest presence of the incarnate God—Emmanuel, “God with us.” The birth of Jesus was the eagerly anticipated fulfillment of ancient prophecy. The people had long awaited God’s revelation and manifestation in the world. The prophet Isaiah declared that God would live among His people in human flesh. Even beyond the Crucifixion and Ascension, the concept of “God with us” endures. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, God’s Spirit can now rest and remain with every believer.

When the angel assured Joseph of the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph ended the period of betrothal and took Mary as his lawful wife, so that Jesus would be born as his legitimate earthly son. Despite what appears to be an early end to the betrothal, Joseph and Mary do not engage in sexual relations until after Jesus’ birth. Joseph and Mary enjoyed a regular marriage and family life, complete with four more sons and two daughters. Just as Mary was selected by God to be the mother of Jesus, so too was Joseph handpicked to be the adoptive father of Jesus. God knew the kind of man He wanted to raise His only Son. Joseph, a man of humility, faith, and integrity, nurtured Jesus from infancy to boyhood and through the adolescent years, teaching Jesus the foundations of Jewish religious life and the practical lessons of life and manhood. The Gospels record that Jesus grew in “wisdom and stature,” and joined Joseph in the carpentry trade.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

(Please review the appropriate student book’s related biblical exposition section.)

• Adult Question:

Have you ever refused to complete a spiritual task because you focused more on your own in- ability rather than trusting God’s presence with you?

• Young Adult Questions:

(1) Discuss a specific time when you felt God’s
presence. How comforting was it to sense that God was with you? Do you feel assured that He is still with you? Explain.

(2) Has God ever told you to do something that seemed strange or unusual—something people would surely misunderstand? Did you obey and do as you were told? Explain.

• Refer to Adult Book

(See student lesson’s “Your Life” section.)

— This week, set aside daily time for prayer and meditation, combined with the personal study of God’s Word. Seek guidance and under- standing of your unique gift from God and God’s plan to use that gift to serve others and glorify His name.

(See student lesson’s “Your World!” section.)

— Plan to connect with at least one person to pray about how both of you can, in God’s timing, use your respective gifts to make a difference for others.

• Refer to Young Adult Book

(See student lesson’s “Your Life” section.)

— Especially during trying times, we sometimes forget that God is with us. God never promised us a life filled with comfort, but God sent His Son, Jesus—Immanuel—to be with us. This is good news! It is certainly worth celebrating, not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year.

(See student lesson’s “Your World!” section.)

— Christmas is often celebrated by many as a time of giving of presents, but this totally misses the point. The point of Jesus’ birth was to save people from their sins. This Christmas season, pray for an opportunity to share that Jesus is truly the reason for the season.

The lesson topic for Sunday, December 20, 2020, is “International Honor for the King of the World.” The Devotional Reading is Exodus 1:8-22, and both the Background Scripture and the Printed Text are Matthew 2:7-15.

Lord, help us to align our will with Yours. We humbly submit ourselves to You, inviting You to use for Your glory all that we are, all that we can be, and all that we will ever have. Let Your will be done through us and use us to be a blessing. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

(December 14-20, 2020)

Monday, December 14: “Midwives Frustrate Pharaoh’s Decree” (Exodus 1:15-22)

Tuesday, December 15: “God Answers Solomon’s Dream” (1 Kings 3:5-14)

Wednesday, December 16: “Insight into The Meaning of Dreams” (Daniel 1:8-17)

Thursday, December 17: “In Christ, No Divisions Allowed” (Galatians 3:25-29)

Friday, December 18: “The Gracious Ruler Is to Come from Bethlehem” (Micah 5:1-5)

Saturday, December 19: “A Successful Return from Egypt” (Matthew 2:19-23)

Sunday, December 20: “Safe in The Midst of Danger” (Matthew 2:7-15)