Could God Have Trusted You?
The Christmas story is often told through angels, stars, and shepherds—but behind the miracle of Christ’s birth were two ordinary people trusted with an extraordinary responsibility. In this sermon, William Hunt walks through Matthew 1:18–25 to show why God chose Mary and Joseph to raise Jesus.
Joseph and Mary were righteous, not by perfection, but by faith (Romans 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Joseph showed integrity in protecting Mary, while Mary’s purity and humility positioned her to receive God’s favor (Luke 1:34; Proverbs 3:33).
They were also gracious, extending compassion instead of condemnation (Ephesians 4:32). Joseph chose mercy, and Mary walked humbly in grace (Luke 1:56). They were thoughtful, reflecting and meditating on God’s work rather than reacting emotionally (Matthew 1:20; Luke 2:19).
Their lives were marked by obedience—even when obedience was costly (Deuteronomy 5:33). Joseph did what the angel commanded, and Mary surrendered fully to God’s will (Luke 1:38; 1 Samuel 15:22). Above all, they were faithful, consistent in small acts of devotion that revealed their trustworthiness (Luke 2:22–24, 41; 1 Corinthians 4:2).
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”