This passage does not tell us how Joseph found out that Mary was with child, only that he found out. In this time, a betrothal was like already being married. This commitment was not to be taken lightly or to be broken without good reason. 

Joseph’s perspective and all appearances say that Mary had sinned against him and their vow of betrothal. He did not have any other information to base his thoughts on, so he had to go with assumptions. I can only imagine the shock he must have felt and the emotions he experienced. Was he hurt, angry; did he feel betrayed? 

We see Joseph’s integrity and his concern for Mary as he decided to send her away quietly and to protect her reputation. He did not want revenge as so many people feel entitled to when someone hurts them, especially in as deep a way as Mary must have hurt him. He chose compassion when he could have had her publicly shamed and stoned, being the one to cast the first stone.

Pondering all of this, he falls asleep. An angel of God appears to him with a message, an explanation of what was happening and why Mary was with child. This angel further explains to him that he should not hesitate to marry Mary as planned. Joseph, accepted what the angel told him. He did not question or debate it, but simply trusted and obeyed the message from God, even though he had never heard of someone having a child in this way.

With complete and proper information, and having the whole picture, we see Joseph’s perspective change and he now is willing to progress with the marriage, honoring God’s plan for their lives.

Just as Joseph needed to be careful making assumptions that could have negatively affected their lives and the world, so must we be also be careful to seek full and accurate facts before making decisions when faced with difficult information. We must be sure that we have the proper and accurate perspective, just as Joseph needed.

Lord, please show me where I need a corrected perspective according to your word and help me to make those changes you show me. Amen

Eleanor Chew

Extended Scripture: Matthew 1–2 (NKJV)