God committed to him the care of His Son God committed to him the Savior of the world “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19; cf. Nah. 1:7)

He refused to have sex before marriage (1:18) He understood that marriage is the only honorable way for man & woman to “come together” (Heb. 13:4) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8; cf. 1 Tim. 5:22)

He was a man of character who had a “right” to take action against Mary but did not want to publicly shame her (1:19) He was torn between what the law demanded (Deut. 22:23-24; John 8:5) and his desire to protect his betrothed “He who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Prov. 11:13; cf. Phil. 2:4; Matt. 7:12)

He considered and “thought about these things” (1:20) He did not make rash judgments or abrupt action “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer” (Prov. 15:28)

He knew the significance of being called “son of David” (1:20) He knew Isaiah’s prophecy and what it meant (1:20-23) “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge” (Prov. 15:14; Psa. 119:66)

He accepted God’s explanation without question Even if it was difficult to comprehend, He took God at His Word “I trust in Your word…All Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right” (Psa. 119:42, 128; cf. 56:4, 10-11)

He immediately submitted and “did” what God told him to do (1:24) He saw his personal responsibility as assigned by God (1:21+25) He willingly subjected himself to ridicule, scorn, speculation from others “I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever” (Ps. 119:112; cf. 106:3)

He and Mary were abstinent until Jesus was born (1:25) He took Mary as his wife and named Jesus, giving Jesus true legal status (cf. 13:55; Jn. 6:42) “That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1, 8)

Are you?

Believe Jesus is God’s Son – John 8:24 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 3:19 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 Be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38 Live faithfully to your heavenly Father – Rev. 2:10