Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Introduction: Is anything “Broken” in your life? Seems like things are “Breaking” all the time! Can you fix what’s “Broken”? The Gospel of Matthew gives us an account of Things that were “BROKEN” in Joseph and Mary’s pre-marital life. When things are “BROKEN” in your family or life, what do you do? Check out the three (3) CHRISTian responses when things are BROKEN:

1. When do we need to RESPOND when things are “BROKEN” and need fixing? (Matt 1:18-20)

“18 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. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But 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.”

** Joseph’s Dilemma

Mary’s pregnant. He knows he’s not the father.

** Joseph’s Dream 

God dispatched an angel to help facilitate the repair.

2. How do we need to RESPOND when things are “BROKEN” and need fixing? (Matt 1:20-23)

“But 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. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 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. “

** Joseph needed some time to process this problem.

** God had a remedy for the problem.

3. Why do we need to RESPOND when things are “BROKEN” and need fixing? (Matt 1:22-25)

“22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 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. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

** Joseph needed reminding of God’s purpose and plan for his life.

** God’s solution to fixing the problem was to send His Son, Jesus as the Savior of the world.

Conclusion: Have you noticed our Lord uses us at times to be the catalyst of “fixing” the broken pieces of the puzzle! What are you facing today that our Lord may be wanting to use you to “FIX” the problem? Please follow the process which was demonstrated in Joseph’s life.

And then, ultimately, God the Father’s plan will unfold because of the Son, Jesus Christ, and its made possible thru the power of the Holy Spirit.