BGBC 122924 ss final

Summary

This video script delves into the Christmas story, highlighting the divine nature of Jesus' birth through the lens of Mary and Joseph's engagement. It contrasts ancient betrothal customs with modern practices, emphasizing Joseph's role as a righteous and loving figure. Despite societal stigma, Joseph chooses mercy and love over public shame when confronted with Mary's pregnancy. The angel’s message to Joseph clarifies the divine origin of the child, fulfilling prophecy. The script underscores the theme of 'Love in Action,' demonstrating God’s eternal plan of salvation, starting from Genesis and culminating in the birth of the Savior.

Takeaways

• 😀 Engagement in biblical times was a serious commitment, almost akin to marriage, with no casual cohabitation like today.
• 😀 Mary’s pregnancy was a divine mystery; she did not tell Joseph, and the community likely assumed she was pregnant by someone else.
• 😀 Joseph is described as a 'just man,' demonstrating love and fairness by choosing not to publicly shame Mary despite the scandal.
• 😀 Joseph was prepared to quietly end the engagement, showing his deep care for Mary and an effort to protect her dignity.
• 😀 The angel’s message to Joseph confirmed that Mary’s pregnancy was the work of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
• 😀 Jesus' birth is the fulfillment of the prophecy that a virgin would conceive and bear a son, whose name would be Emmanuel ('God with us').
• 😀 Joseph obeyed the angel’s command to marry Mary, taking her as his wife despite the potential for public shame and ridicule.
• 😀 Joseph and Mary’s relationship before Jesus’ birth was not physically consummated, affirming the virgin birth doctrine.
• 😀 The Christmas story is part of a larger narrative that begins with the fall of man, showing how God's plan for salvation unfolded over time.
• 😀 God's love is highlighted through his actions—sending Jesus to save humanity, exemplified by Joseph’s obedience and Mary's trust in God's plan.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the full context of the nativity, connecting it with God’s long-term plan for salvation.

Q & A

How does the concept of engagement in biblical times differ from today's understanding of engagement?

In biblical times, engagement, or betrothal, was a serious commitment, often seen as legally binding, with no physical intimacy occurring between the couple before marriage. Unlike today's engagements, which may be seen as less formal or temporary, biblical betrothal was equivalent to a legal contract, and breaking it required formal proceedings, often involving public or legal ramifications.

What is the significance of the phrase 'before they came together' in the script?

'Before they came together' refers to the period when Mary and Joseph had not yet consummated their marriage. This is a key detail that affirms Mary's virginity, as the prophecy predicted the birth of Jesus would be a 'virgin birth,' emphasizing that no sexual intimacy had occurred between them before Jesus' conception.

What was Joseph’s initial reaction when he found out about Mary's pregnancy, and why was it significant?

Joseph's initial reaction was one of deep concern and potential sorrow. Despite his legal right to publicly expose Mary's pregnancy and humiliate her, he chose to handle the situation privately out of love and compassion. This reflects his character as a 'just man,' prioritizing kindness and justice over public shame.

What does the teacher mean by 'Love in Action' in the context of Joseph's response to Mary?

'Love in Action' refers to the way Joseph chose to act out of love for Mary, rather than out of anger or shame. Despite the circumstances, Joseph decided not to make her a public example or subject her to the legal consequences of her perceived actions. This decision showed that love is not just a feeling but an intentional choice, demonstrated through actions.

What role does the 'angel of the Lord' play in the story?

The angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream to reveal the truth about Mary's pregnancy, explaining that she had conceived by the Holy Spirit and that the child was the promised Messiah. This divine intervention reassured Joseph and directed him to accept Mary as his wife, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus' birth.

Why is it important that Joseph is described as a 'just man' in the scripture?

Describing Joseph as a 'just man' highlights his righteous character, his fairness, and his moral integrity. It emphasizes that Joseph was not impulsive or vengeful but thoughtful and compassionate in his decision-making, showing that he was not just any man, but one who lived according to God's will.

What does the teacher mean when he says, 'sometimes what happens in your home needs to stay in your home'?

This saying suggests that not everything in personal or family matters needs to be shared with the public. Joseph's decision to handle the situation with Mary privately is an example of protecting the sanctity of personal matters and not allowing external judgment to dictate his actions.

What is the significance of Joseph's decision to marry Mary despite the public shame and scandal?

Joseph's decision to marry Mary, despite the apparent scandal, is significant because it reflects his trust in God's plan and his commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with public misunderstanding. His actions directly support the fulfillment of God's prophecy, demonstrating obedience and faith.

What is the connection between the prophecy of the virgin birth and the fulfillment of God's plan?

The prophecy of the virgin birth is crucial to God's plan for salvation, as it foretold that the Messiah would come into the world in an extraordinary and miraculous way. The fulfillment of this prophecy, through Mary’s virgin birth, affirms that Jesus was truly the promised Savior, coming into the world to save people from their sins.

What does the phrase 'Emmanuel' mean, and why is it significant in this context?

'Emmanuel' means 'God with us.' It is significant because it highlights the divine nature of Jesus' birth, showing that God Himself entered the world in human form through Jesus. This name reinforces the theological truth that Jesus is not just a human child, but God incarnate, fulfilling God's plan of salvation for humanity.