Joseph: Much More Than a Carpenter (Matthew 1:18-25)
Joseph Was a Religious Man (18-19) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 1. He became betrothed to a Jewish girl (18) a. a representative of the groom and the parents of the bride were involved in the process b. it was confirmed by oaths and presents to the bride and the bride’s parents (dowry) c. it was celebrated by a feast d. Often, it was customary to place a ring on the bride’s finger (sign of love and fidelity) e. to the Jews, betrothal was part of the marriage process f. a change of intent by either party was very serious g. an abrupt end to the betrothal could only be done through the man giving his wife a certificate of divorce h. a Jewish betrothal usually lasted for a year i. during that time they ...