Key Takeaways
1. Joseph: A Carpenter Called to an Extraordinary Task
He was ordained by the Almighty God to be the earthly father to His one and only Son.
A divine calling. Joseph, a humble carpenter from Nazareth, found his life irrevocably altered by a divine calling far beyond his imagination. Descended from King David, he was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus, a responsibility that spoke volumes about his character and heart. This selection was not random but a preordained step in God's eternal plan, highlighting Joseph's integrity and faithfulness.
A man after God's heart. Joseph embodied the "Matthew 1 gold standard for men," characterized by justice, consideration, and unwavering obedience to God's directives. His quiet strength and deep devotion were the qualities the Almighty sought in the man who would raise His Son through childhood and adolescence. This profound trust placed in a simple carpenter underscores God's preference for humble hearts.
Preparation for purpose. Even before the miraculous announcement, Joseph's life was being shaped for this unique role. His carpentry skills, his move to Nazareth, and his friendship with Eli, Mary's father, all converged to place him precisely where God intended. His personal conviction to decrease so God could increase, symbolized by his lowercase "i" in personal writing, reflected a life dedicated to honoring the divine.
2. Faith Forged in Doubt and Public Scrutiny
My heart was broken! I hadn’t really heard much else after she said the word pregnant.
Initial shock and betrayal. Joseph's world shattered when Mary, his betrothed, announced her pregnancy, claiming it was by the Holy Spirit. His immediate reaction was heartbreak and a sense of betrayal, leading him to consider a quiet divorce to spare her public disgrace. This human response highlights the immense challenge of accepting a truth that defied all natural understanding and societal norms.
Angelic confirmation. Joseph's internal struggle was resolved by an angel of the Lord who appeared to him in a dream, confirming Mary's miraculous conception and instructing him to proceed with the marriage. This divine intervention transformed his doubt into unwavering faith, solidifying his commitment to Mary and the extraordinary child she carried. The angel's message also revealed Jesus's identity as Immanuel, "God is with us," fulfilling ancient prophecy.
Facing societal judgment. Despite divine confirmation, Joseph and Mary faced ridicule and suspicion from their community, including Rabbi Jacob, who denounced their story as blasphemy. Their decision to trust God meant enduring malicious whispers and false accusations, a testament to their courage and conviction. This period of public scrutiny strengthened their reliance on God and each other, preparing them for the unique path ahead.
3. God's Unconventional Provision for His Son
Thank you, Achim, for allowing Mary and Jesus to stay in your home, and thank you for the care I know you will provide them.
Rejection by family. Upon arriving in Bethlehem for the census, Joseph and Mary were met with harsh rejection from Joseph's cousin, Achim, who refused them entry into his home due to Mary's pregnancy. This unexpected familial coldness forced them into a stable, a stark contrast to the welcome Joseph had anticipated. It underscored the theme of the Messiah's humble beginnings, even among His own kin.
Miriam's compassionate intervention. Achim's wife, Miriam, however, showed compassion, offering the stable for shelter and later moving Mary and the newborn Jesus into a secluded room in their home. Her kindness, despite her husband's disapproval, was a crucial act of provision, ensuring Mary and Jesus had warmth and comfort. Miriam's actions demonstrate God's ability to work through unexpected individuals to meet His children's needs.
Refuge in a foreign land. Following an angelic warning about Herod's plot to kill Jesus, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt, finding refuge in the bustling city of Alexandria. There, God provided for them through Alim, a Jewish merchant, who offered Joseph work and a home. This period in Egypt, reminiscent of Abraham and Jacob's sojourns, highlights God's consistent use of Egypt as a place of safety and provision for His chosen.
4. The Humble Arrival of the King of Kings
As I laid Him in that manger, Mary began to sing the song I had heard her sing many times before: “With all my heart, I praise the Lord, and I am glad because of God my Savior."
Birth in a stable. The Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah, was born not in a palace but in a humble animal stable in Bethlehem, laid in a manger. This profoundly simple birth defied all expectations of a king's arrival, emphasizing humility and accessibility. Mary's song of praise, even in these circumstances, reflected her deep faith and joy in God's salvation.
Worship from the unexpected. The first to worship Jesus were not kings or religious leaders, but a group of shepherds, who received an angelic announcement of His birth. Their immediate and reverent response, leaving their flocks to find and adore the baby, highlighted God's choice to reveal His Son to the humble and outcast. This scene beautifully illustrates the reversal of worldly status in God's kingdom.
Tributes from distant lands. Later, Parthian magi, guided by a star, traveled from Babylon to worship Jesus, bringing precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey and worship, though initially misunderstood by King Herod, confirmed Jesus's royal identity and universal significance. The magi's detour, divinely orchestrated to avoid Herod, further protected the infant King.
5. Divine Wisdom and Sinless Nature from Infancy
He was – and would always be – a delight to Mary and me. We marveled, simply by looking at Him.
A sinless child. From the moment of His birth, Jesus exhibited a unique, sinless nature, unlike any other human child. He never cried for His own way, threw a temper tantrum, or spoke a disrespectful word. This inherent purity was evident in His calm demeanor and all-knowing eyes, which seemed to penetrate the very soul.
Profound wisdom from a young age. Even as a toddler, Jesus displayed remarkable wisdom and understanding, often speaking with an authority that transcended His years. He delighted in His Heavenly Father's creation, exploring the world with a playful yet reflective spirit. His ability to look into one's soul, even as an infant, hinted at His divine insight.
Engaging with the Scriptures. At twelve, Jesus's profound knowledge of the Scriptures was on full display when He remained in the temple, engaging in deep discussions with the rabbis. His questions and answers amazed them, demonstrating an understanding that challenged and even surpassed that of the religious leaders. This event foreshadowed His future ministry and His deep connection to His "Father's business."
6. The Complexities of Raising the Son of God
It will be hard for His brothers or sisters to grow up with the knowledge their older brother is the Son of God.
Unique parenting challenges. Joseph and Mary faced the unparalleled challenge of raising the Son of God alongside their own children. They grappled with how to explain Jesus's divine identity to His younger siblings without causing intimidation or resentment. Their prayers for wisdom in this delicate task underscored the extraordinary nature of their family life.
Sibling dynamics and jealousy. As Jesus's younger brothers grew, particularly James, they struggled with His sinless perfection and profound wisdom. James confessed to secret jealousy, feeling inferior and questioning why their family lived in humble circumstances if Jesus was the Son of God. This human struggle highlights the difficulty of comprehending divinity within the context of everyday family relationships.
Jesus as a model brother. Despite the internal struggles of His siblings, Jesus remained a humble, gracious, and compassionate older brother. He taught them practical skills like carpentry and swimming, instilled a love for the Scriptures, and modeled selfless service. His unwavering love and consistent character, even when His brothers wrestled with His identity, demonstrated His divine patience and grace.
7. Trusting the Father's Perfect Timing
Jesus didn’t say He couldn’t heal our father; He said He wouldn’t heal our father –because it wasn’t the right time!
Joseph's accident and family's plea. When Joseph fell through a synagogue roof, breaking his legs and developing a life-threatening fever, Mary and James desperately pleaded with Jesus to heal him. They knew His divine power and expected an immediate miracle, especially given their years of sacrifice in raising Him. This moment tested their understanding of Jesus's mission and authority.
"It's not the Father's time." Jesus's response, "It is not yet the Father’s time," was deeply unsettling to James and initially to Mary, who felt betrayed. He explained that He could only do what He saw His Father doing, emphasizing His complete submission to divine timing and purpose. This profound statement revealed that Jesus's power was not for personal convenience or immediate relief from suffering, but for the Father's greater plan.
Acceptance and ultimate trust. Despite their pain, Mary eventually understood and accepted Jesus's words, recognizing that God's plan transcended their immediate desires. Joseph, in his final moments, echoed this sentiment, charging his family to trust the infallible Father and Son, even more than they trusted him. This acceptance of divine timing, even in the face of death, became a powerful lesson in faith for the entire family.
8. The Power of Witness and Unlikely Believers
We have come to tell you we believe in your God, Jehovah, and we believe in His Son!
Shepherds' testimony. The shepherds, after witnessing the angelic host, became the first human witnesses to Jesus's birth, sharing their incredible story with Joseph and Mary. Their simple, heartfelt testimony, though not immediately believed by all, was a powerful confirmation of the divine event. They were dumbfounded that others, especially religious leaders, were unaware of the Messiah's arrival.
Magi's journey and belief. The Parthian magi, guided by a star, traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, recognizing Him as the "King of the Jews." Their journey and the precious gifts they brought served as a powerful, albeit misunderstood, witness to Jesus's royal identity. Their subsequent divine redirection, avoiding Herod, protected Jesus and further affirmed God's hand in their expedition.
Alim's family's conversion. In Egypt, Joseph and Mary's testimony, combined with the news of Herod's massacre of Bethlehem's male children, led Alim, Nena, and their son Khati to believe in Jehovah God and His Son. Alim's initial questions about God's unconventional choices were answered by Joseph's explanation of fulfilled prophecy. Their conversion demonstrated the transformative power of personal witness and divine intervention, even in a pagan land.
9. Family: A Pillar of Support in a Divine Journey
Clopas, you have stood by my side all your life, and you have never wavered in your trust and support.
Brotherly acceptance. Joseph's younger brother, Clopas, and his wife, Mary, provided crucial support and acceptance, believing Joseph and Mary's miraculous story without hesitation. Their immediate trust contrasted sharply with the skepticism of Rabbi Jacob and cousin Achim. Clopas's integrity and love for God made him a steadfast ally in their extraordinary journey.
Relocation for support. Clopas and his family demonstrated their commitment by moving to Nazareth to care for Eli and support Joseph and Mary upon their return from Egypt. This selfless act provided a vital family presence and practical assistance, ensuring the carpentry trade continued and Eli was looked after. Their willingness to uproot their lives for their family's divine calling was a profound act of love.
A growing, supportive household. As Joseph and Mary's family grew with the birth of James, Joseph, Jude, Simon, Mary, and Salome, their home became a bustling hub of love and mutual support. Despite the unique challenges of raising the Son of God, the children learned to care for one another, study the Scriptures, and honor their parents. This extended family unit, including Clopas's family, formed a strong foundation for Jesus's upbringing.
10. Joseph's Enduring Legacy of Faith and Fatherhood
Jesus, Jehovah God has permitted me to be Your father, as well, and has ordered all our steps for You to be Mary’s and my son here on earth – and for all these gathered around this bed to be Your family.
A faithful earthly father. Joseph embraced his role as Jesus's earthly father with profound dedication, teaching Him carpentry, instilling a love for the Scriptures, and modeling righteousness. He prayed daily for the wisdom to father a sinless Son, recognizing the immense privilege and responsibility. His commitment to Jesus was unwavering, treating Him as his own son while acknowledging His divine nature.
A life of obedience and trust. Joseph's life was a testament to unwavering obedience and trust in God, even when faced with doubt, public scorn, and personal suffering. From accepting Mary's miraculous pregnancy to fleeing to Egypt and raising a large family, he consistently adjusted his life to align with the Father's plans. His final words to his family emphasized trusting God and His Son above all else.
Leaving a legacy of faith. In his dying moments, Joseph blessed each of his children and charged Jesus to care for Mary and the family. He reminded them of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting the Father's timing, even in death. Joseph's legacy is one of quiet strength, profound faith, and a father's love that pointed his entire family, including the Son of God, to their Heavenly Father.
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