Christmas series,

1. Hope for An Impossible Rescue
Matthew 1:18-25

2. Imagine if the “Christmas Story” were written,
directed and cast as AN ADVENTURE DRAMA

3. The Agents (v18-19)
• Mary
– A great agent, “servant”
– Pregnant outside of
marriage
– In contact with a secret
agent, the Holy Spirit

4. The Agents (v18-19)
• Joseph
– Working with Mary, but
felt betrayed
– Planned to cut associations
with her, quietly
– Is she a double agent?!

5. The Agents (v18-19)
• Mary and Joseph were DISPATCHED on
assignment from God with an impossible
mission. (Mt 1:18-19)
– This was something unheard of, strange
– It was outside their area of comfort, expertise
– It seemed impossible, to say the least

6. Contacts Made (v.20-21)
• Contacts were made with the heavenly
INFORMANTS who delivered the secret
mission message. (Mt 1:20-21)
– The message and mission have heavenly
endorsements
– The challenge is to “not fear”
– The mission is a daring rescue,
utilizing another new agent

7. Contacts Made (v.20-21)
• Jesus
– He will be born, by Mary
and the Holy Spirit
– He will “save his people
from their sins”

8. The Plan (v.22-23)
• The mission had been PLANNED for a long
time and represented careful attention to
detail. (Mt 1:22-23)
– This plan has been around at least as long as
Isaiah (cf. Isa 7:14)
– The new Agent has a code name, “Immanuel”
– The presence of this baby had a big significance

9. On the Move (v.24-25)
• The agents accepted the mission and put
OPERATION RESCUE in to motion. (Mt 1:24-25)
– Mary and Joseph refused to allow their own
rights, privileges or desires to ruin the plan
– They were dedicated to strict obedience,
everything by the book

10. The Exciting Conclusion
• The Christmas Story describes a most daring,
wonderful RESCUE of sinful men, from their
just punishment, by a perfect REDEEMER.

13. The Excitement Continues
• The Christmas Story describes a most daring,
wonderful RESCUE of sinful men, from their
just punishment, by a perfect REDEEMER.

14. Confident Christmas Conclusions
• The rescue plan begun at Bethlehem was
executed perfectly by Jesus, our Redeemer, at
Golgotha.
• The rescue was part of a greater universal
plan – God’s glory and eternal praise.
• God is still in control of minute details and
logistics.
• There is hope -- the impossible is what God
does best.

15. The Excitement Continues
• We have been called to be His AGENTS of
reconciliation. (Col. 1:25-28)

17. If you want more….
• Col 2:15, Eph 4:7-10 – jailbreak!
• Mt 26:1-5 – plot to assassinate Immanuel
• Mt 26:14-19 – a mole!
• Mt 26:36-56 – capture during a raid into the
hideout
• Mt 27:27-31 – torture of the captive
• Mt 27:33-43ff – public execution