What about Joseph?

We don’t know much about the earthly father of Jesus. His name was Joseph. We know he was a carpenter. We don’t know how old he was when Jesus was born. We don’t know how old he was when he died or how he died. We can read his ancestry back to David.

He wasn’t wealthy or influential. He wasn’t powerful or a man of earthly consequence. But he was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus do we can conclude he was a man of high character.

Matthew 1:19

So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

He was a righteous man and a gentle man. We know this because when he found out Mary was pregnant he was going to do the right thing but he wasn’t going to humiliate or embarrass Mary. Too often we fall on one side of this or the other instead of living in the strength of both mercy and righteousness. Mercy might be an excuse to be a pushover. Righteousness might be an excuse for legalism and anger that makes a stand and humiliates the offender.

Joseph loved Mary and this was demonstrated by his actions. Even before he knew the whole story he was slow to anger. Once the angel gave him the full story he was willing to take heat from his family and the community.

Matthew 1:24

When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her

You know there were many around him chiding him for marrying her. Well meaning friends and family alike were talking about him, and probably to him. They doubted her story. They doubted his story. The next several months would be difficult beyond measure. Even after Jesus was born the stories would follow him. Look at this confrontation Jesus had with the Pharisees:

John 8:41

You’re doing what your father does.”
“We weren’t born of sexual immorality,” they said. “We have one Father — God.”

Joseph was willing to go through this because he loved Mary and he loved God. Joseph understood how easy it is to be obedient when you are certain of God’s leadership. He acted without hesitation and in spite of challenges.

We may not know much about Joseph, but we know enough to follow his example. Love others in righteousness, being both righteous and gentle. Love others in spite of difficulties and show them your love by your actions. Understand the ease of obedience when you are certain God is leading you. When you have a direction given the Lord, follow him without hesitation and in spite of every challenge.

Have a Merry Christmas!