Pastor Pablo Russi
December 14, 2025
CHRIST IS NEAR
Week 2 - Christ Is Near in Obedience
Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed[b] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,
25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
POINT 1 | OBEDIENCE BEGINS BEFORE UNDERSTANDING
“She was found to be with child before they came together.” (Matthew 1:18)
“Joseph… resolved to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19)
Righteous people respond differently before they receive clarity.
Joseph obeys God before God explains Himself.
POINT 2 | GOD OFTEN SPEAKS ONCE, AND EXPECTS FULL OBEDIENCE
“An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream…” (Matthew 1:20)
“Do not fear to take Mary as your wife…” (Matthew 1:20)
“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” (Matthew 1:24)
Obedience is what we do when the angel (Direction from God) stops.
POINT 3 | OBEDIENCE OFTEN COSTS YOU WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL
Sometimes obedience does not clear your name, it reveals your trust.
Christ was near ...not because life was easy ...but because Joseph was faithful.
POINT 4 | OBEDIENCE MAKES ROOM FOR GOD’S PRESENCE
Matthew 1:23 “They shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”
Joseph's obedience made room for God with us.
Christ is near when obedience creates space for Him.
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