I decided to write a little bit about the different people that are involved in the Christmas Story. Today I am going to talk about one who isn't mentioned that much but is such a great example, I am speaking of Joseph.
what do we know of Joseph? Joseph was the husband of Mary, who was the mother of Jesus. He was a carpenter(Matt 13:55). He was not the blood father of Christ, but was an earthly guardian of Jesus Christ. He was looked at and recognized by the Jews as his literal father. Joseph was of the house and lineage of David. Thus Jesus, not a blood descendant, was a son of David.
Joseph was espoused to Mary and when he found out she was with child, he wanted not to "make her publick" (Matt 1:19) He loved Mary and didn't want to embarrass her. He later received a visitation by an angel informing him that Mary would give birth to the savior of the world. He awoke and immediately took Mary as his wife. Joseph was an example of obedience, he submitted to the will of his Father in Heaven.
I am even more impressed when I think about how much responsibility was placed upon him. Who would the father choose as the husband to Mary and guardian and father of Jesus? After all, we know that a fathers role is to teach his child correct principles and be an example. This was the role that Joseph was to play for the child Jesus. Many people would become overwhelmed with this responsibility, many would have felt it to hard. But Joseph was willingly and submissive to every thing the lord asked of him. He was a true example of obedience and humility.
May we all become more like Joseph and do all that the lord asks of us, with love and humility.
That was really nice. I often wonder about Joseph. What a great man he was.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this little blog about Joseph, who was an ideal and strong servant of the God who always did the bidding of our Heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteWhile Mary was obedient to her husband, Joseph himself received revelations via the angel of the Lord.
"And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him."
-- Matthew 1:24
He would follow these instructions, and Mary would follow her husband. He was the ideal husband and ideal leader, because he was a servant of the Lord.
"But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life.
And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel."
Matthew 2:19-21
We can imagine Joseph teaching Jesus all the necessary and useful skills for him to grow strong and wise.
"And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
-- Luke 2:40
"And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
-- Luke 2:52
I always thought of Mary and Jesus...never really thinking of Joseph and what kind of person he had to be. Such faith, courage and love. This is a great post, it really made me start thinking!
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