“Blasphemous Preaching”

Monday, January 29, 2018

My preacher teaches that Joseph and Mary were not married when Jesus was born, and today he said that Jesus was a "bastard".  I am sorry to write that, but it's what he said.  I teach Sunday School and had just taught that Joseph and Mary were married (Matthew 1:18-25), and I need to tell him we can not be teaching two different Bible teachings.  Would you tell me please if Joseph was married to Mary, and should I correct my preacher about using such strong language when talking about Jesus?  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Horrified

Dear Horrified,

Joseph was definitely married to Mary, and the term your preacher used was both incorrect and vulgar.  As you said, Matt 1:18-25 clearly teaches that Joseph married Mary.  Joseph planned on putting her away before their marriage because he found out she was pregnant (Matt 1:19).   Understandably, he was unwilling to continue their engagement.  An angel appeared to Joseph and explained the entire circumstance to him and told Joseph to take Mary as his wife (Matt 18:20).  After the visit from the angel, Joseph went forth and made Mary his wife (Matt 18:24).  As further proof, Jesus’ genealogy describes Joseph as “the husband of Mary” (Matt 1:16).  Ask your preacher how he reconciles his teaching with these plain Bible verses.

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