In the beginning of Matthew, there is a lineage of Jesus. Throughout scripture, various prophecies foretold of a coming King who would reign forever, who would save us all, and who would bring us back in to grace of God. Those prophecies specifically tell who was coming- and his lineage.
"Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1)
"Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD ....When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom" (2 Samuel 7:5,12)
From Shem to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to Jesse and his son David, all the way through the generations until we get to Joseph.
"And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." Matthew 1:16
It is Joseph's heritage that fulfills the prophecy of Jesus' birth. It is Joseph family line that dates back through David and Jesse and Isaac and Abraham and Shem. And yet, not a drop of Joseph's blood runs in the veins of Jesus. It is only through adoption. It is a powerful testimony that God uses earthly adoption to bring about heavenly adoption.
Joseph's adoption of Jesus is clearly God's design. How does that change your view of adoption? Reflecting on the scriptures above, what stands out to you?