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Week 1 / He Came Near in the Manger (The Miracle of Christ’s Birth)
Joseph’s Step of Faith
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
SOAP: Matthew 1:22-23
"This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” (NET)
Into the Text
Joseph had plans for his life. Yet one conversation with his fiancée, Mary, shattered his world and his dreams. Mary was pregnant and not by him. He must have felt heartbroken, shocked, and unsure of what to do next.
Joseph was a kind man. Instead of reacting in anger or out of shame, he contemplated ending the engagement quietly. He didn't want Mary to be disgraced.
But then—God came near.
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. The child in Mary's womb was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. This child would be named Jesus, and He would save His people from their sins.
Without arguing or hesitation, Joseph obeyed and did what the Lord commanded. He took Mary as his beloved wife and chose faith over fear, commitment over comfort, and quiet obedience over explaining what couldn't be explained.
Joseph’s story reminds us that God's nearness is often accompanied by a simple instruction, a whisper to obey, or an opportunity to trust Him even when we don't understand. When God comes near, He may disrupt our plans, but it’s never without purpose.
Like Joseph, we are invited into God's greater story. We may not always fully understand what God is calling us to, but God sees our quiet faithfulness and our steps of obedience. And He promises to be with us every step of the way.
He is Emmanuel—God with us.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for showing me that faith can be steady, quiet, and full of trust. Help me to be one who chooses faith over fear, commitment over comfort, and obedience over understanding. Amen.
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About this Plan
In a world that often feels cold, chaotic, and distant, this study brings us back to what our hearts long for most—a Savior who draws near. From the cradle to the cross to the promise of His return, Jesus has always come close. Not to condemn but to rescue. Not to remain distant but to dwell with us. In this Bible study, you’ll journey through key passages of Scripture that reveal the nearness of Christ at His birth, in His mission to save sinners, through His sacrifice on the cross, and in the hope of His glorious return.
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