An Angel Appears to Joseph
Joseph discovers Mary is with child before their marriage and plans to divorce her quietly, but an angel appears in a dream revealing that the child is from the Holy Spirit and will save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:18-25
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The Story
The birth of Jesus Christ came about in a manner that confounded human expectation and revealed the supernatural workings of God. Mary, espoused to Joseph, was found to be with child before they came together as husband and wife. In Jewish custom, betrothal was a binding legal relationship, though the couple did not yet live together. For Mary to be pregnant during this time placed her under suspicion of unfaithfulness, which carried severe social and legal consequences.
Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to make Mary a public example, determined to put her away privily—to divorce her quietly without public accusation or shame. This decision revealed Joseph's righteous character: he would uphold the law, yet show mercy. However, while he thought on these things, divine intervention altered his course entirely.
An angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.' The angel addressed Joseph by his Davidic lineage, a significant detail foreshadowing the royal identity of the child. The message was clear: Mary had not been unfaithful. The child within her womb was conceived by the Holy Spirit, a miraculous work of God.
The angel continued: 'And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.' The name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) means 'the LORD saves,' and the angel explicitly stated the child's mission—salvation from sin. This was no ordinary child, but the long-awaited Messiah.
Matthew noted that all this fulfilled the prophecy spoken by Isaiah: 'Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.' The virgin birth was not an accident of history, but the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign plan.
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel commanded. He took Mary as his wife, yet knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son. And Joseph called his name JESUS, obediently fulfilling the angel's instruction. Through Joseph's faithfulness and obedience, God's redemptive plan advanced, bringing the Savior into the world.
An Angel Visits Joseph in a Dream
Kids Version
Joseph was a carpenter who lived in a town called Nazareth. He was engaged to marry a young woman named Mary. In those days, when two people were engaged, it meant they were promised to each other, even though they didn't live together yet.
One day, Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby. But Joseph knew the baby wasn't his! He felt very sad and confused. He thought Mary must have done something wrong. Joseph was a kind man, though. He didn't want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone, so he decided to quietly break their engagement and go separate ways.
But that night, something amazing happened. While Joseph was sleeping, an angel from God appeared to him in a dream! The angel had an important message.
'Joseph, don't be afraid to marry Mary,' the angel said. 'The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. God made this happen! Mary didn't do anything wrong. She's going to have a son, and you will name Him Jesus. This special baby will save people from their sins.'
The angel also reminded Joseph about something a prophet named Isaiah had said many, many years ago: 'A virgin will have a baby, and He will be called Emmanuel, which means "God with us."'
When Joseph woke up, he remembered everything the angel had told him. He believed the angel's message and obeyed God right away. Joseph married Mary, just like he had planned. He took care of her while they waited for the baby to be born.
When the baby was born, Joseph gave Him the name Jesus, exactly as the angel had said. Joseph was brave to trust God, even when things seemed confusing. He didn't understand everything, but he knew God had a special plan. And that special plan was Jesus—God's own Son, coming to earth to save us!
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Scripture — Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. conceived: Gr. begotten
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. JESUS: that is, Saviour, Heb
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. they: or, his name shall be called
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Memory Verse
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”
— Matthew 1:18 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “An Angel Appears to Joseph” in the Bible?
Joseph discovers Mary is with child before their marriage and plans to divorce her quietly, but an angel appears in a dream revealing that the child is from the Holy Spirit and will save His people from their sins. This story is found in Matthew 1:18-25.
Where is “An Angel Appears to Joseph” found in the Bible?
“An Angel Appears to Joseph” is found in Matthew 1:18-25, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “An Angel Appears to Joseph”?
This story teaches children about Divine Revelation, Obedience, Faith, The Incarnation, Fulfillment of Prophecy. When Joseph finds out Mary is going to have a baby, he's confused and sad. But God sends an angel to explain that this baby is very special—He's God's Son!