Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

I. The fact that Jesus is Savior can free us from disappointment.

A. The facts of Jesus’ birth are found in vs. 18: “When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” How incredibly disappointing for Joseph to discover his fiancée was pregnant! But Joseph had to get past his disappointment and figure out what to do next. Joseph resolved to divorce her quietly (vs. 19) with just a few witnesses rather than at a huge, public trial. But God intervened in Joseph’s life with a message from an angel (vs. 20).

B. The baby in Mary’s womb was not brought about by a man but by God the Holy Spirit (vs. 20). Joseph then was to go through with the marriage and call the baby’s name Jesus. Joseph would be the adoptive father of Jesus because only the dad who adopted a child could name the child. Since Joseph as the father was a son of David (vs. 20), Jesus also would be a Son of David. Jesus would be the ultimate son of David, the Messiah. The name Jesus means “The LORD is salvation” or “The LORD saves.” Jesus came to save us from our sins as the Messiah.

II. The fact that Jesus is God With Us can free us from disappointment.

A. Jesus would have another name, a nickname. This name would be a fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 that we read in vs. 23. Jesus would also be known as Immanuel: God with us. This Immanuel child, God with us, was also prophesied about in Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is one person with two natures. He is God. And He is human.

B. Jesus was and is human – just like us. So, if you need peace and comfort in your disappointment today, remember that Jesus is with you. And the fact that Jesus is God gives us hope in every circumstance and disappointment. The Jesus you trust in to save you said these powerful words in John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” Yes, bad things happen to God’s people in this world. But Jesus is always at work to take even those bad things and bring something good from them.

Application:
Jesus can relieve your disappointment as you come to Him as God and man.

Sources:
The Bible
Commentaries by J.C. Ryle, D.A. Carson and R.T. France.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) How were Joseph and Mary disappointed as they approached Christmas? How was their disappointment removed? 
2) What is the source of all humanity’s problems? What has God done to address those problems and the source of those problems?
3) Have you experienced Jesus as Immanuel – God With Us – in recent days? How can Jesus as Immanuel help you with your disappointments?