Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus started life together as a family because of a dream. And they stayed alive because of another one. What should you be dreaming about your family?

NOTES AND NEXT STEPS

Matthew 1:18-25    +  Message 1 from the series “Dreamer”

Joseph dreams a different family life.

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. 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. (Matthew 1:18,19)

Why hadn’t God told Joseph?

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. 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.” (Matthew 1:20,21)

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11)

God’s family (1 Thessalonians 4:10)

We have something better than a dream. We have the whole story of Jesus.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEPS

1. Read Matthew 1:18-25. Reflect on traits or values of Joseph you’d like to imitate.
2. What isn’t God clarifying for you right now? Write down 2 things you’re learning from it.
3. God has put someone in your life who needs a church family. Share this message with them and tell them about our CrossLife value of “family.”
4. Meditate in prayer this week, at least 10 minutes every morning, on Jesus wanting a different family and in his grace choosing you.