Sermon Tone Analysis

Jesus’ parents were chosen for their character and obedience

Mary

In the lineage of King David

Poor - Turtle doves instead of lambs for sacrifices at the sanctuary

Young, single, virgin

Lived in a remote city in Galilee - Nazareth

Highly favored by God - dignified

Obedient to God

Engaged

When once became engaged it was as good as being married already in terms of committment

In order to break the engagement, one had to obtain a divorce

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you...”

It is a new thing created in the earth (Jer.

31:22), concerning which we must not covet to be wise above what is written.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

Lessons From Mary

Anyone can be an instrument of God no matter your life circumstances

We decide our response to God

Trust God no matter what it looks like

Those in whom Christ is formed will show it: it will be found to be a work of God which he will own.

Now we may well imagine, what a perplexity this might justly occasion to the blessed virgin.

She herself knew the divine original of this conception; but how could she prove it?

She would be dealt with as a harlot.

Note, After great and high advancements, lest we should be puffed up with them, we must expect something or other to humble us, some reproach, as a thorn in the flesh, nay, as a sword in the bones.

Never was any daughter of Eve so dignified as the Virgin Mary was, and yet in danger of falling under the imputation of one of the worse crimes; yet we do not find that she tormented herself about it; but, being conscious of her own innocence, she kept her mind calm and easy, and committed her cause to him that judgeth righteously.

Note, those who take care to keep a good conscience may cheerfully trust God with the keeping of their good names, and have reason to hope that he will clear up, not only their integrity, but their honour, as the sun at noon day.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

Joseph

In the lineage of King David

Carpenter or craftsman

May have been much older than Mary

Lessons From Joseph

He was a man of integrity

He could have had Mary stoned to death (Deut.

22:23-24)

Decided to divorce her quietly

By faith, he believed God (James 2:23)

“Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.

He was even called the friend of God.”

At the height of our perplexity, God sends the Word we need to liberate us from our trouble!

Obedience brought the gift