Joseph: his role and character Matthew 1:18-25 p. 889

Joseph in Nativity Scenes Joseph doesn’t have much to do in our typical nativity scene – this under-represents his role and character

Who was Joseph? Tribe of Judah Son of David From Nazareth Carpenter Betrothed to Mary

Embarrassing and Shameful situation for Joseph Mary became pregnant while still living in her father’s house Options for Joseph included stoning Mary (Deuteronomy 22:20-21), public trial to determine the father (Deuteronomy 22:22-27) or divorce her (Deuteronomy 24:1) Joseph thought about it and decided upon divorce. He could do this quietly, by simply writing a certificate of divorce

Joseph was gracious and considerate, even when wronged … but an angel provided more information As a wronged husband, Joseph could have made a public spectacle of Mary, but chose the quieter option “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20) Jesus “will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

Joseph paid attention to the dream … and obeyed He did not dismiss the dream, argue with the angel or ask for more information He simply did what the angel instructed him to do He provided legitimacy and protection for Mary, even at the risk of accusations that the child was his No sexual relations during pregnancy established the divine origin of Jesus and the virgin birth

Second, third and fourth dreams “Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you.” (Matthew 2:13) “Take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel.” (Matthew 2:20) “Don’t go to Judea.” (Matthew 2:22) In each case, Joseph listened and obeyed.

Family and Religious Life Carpentry business in Nazareth Brothers and sisters for Jesus were born (Matthew 13:55) Annual visit to the temple in Jerusalem for Passover (Luke 2:41) No mention of Joseph during Jesus’ public ministry

What we learn from Joseph: 1) Be gracious when wronged We don’t hurry to press our case “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:2) “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:17-18) Joseph teaches us to temper justice with mercy.

What we learn from Joseph: 2) Pay attention to dreams God speaks through dreams At least be open to the possibility that God is speaking to us in a dream Listen to that still small voice from God

What we learn from Joseph: 3) Be obedient to God’s Word James puts his father’s actions into words: “do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22) “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33) “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)

What we learn from Joseph: 4) “Always pass on what you have learned” “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds … Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19) “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Cor. 11:1) Joseph taught his family how to live by his actions

What we learn from Joseph: 5) Become one of Jesus’ people “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”. (Matthew 1:21) Jesus was born to be Saviour His death on the cross was the one sacrifice for all time for our sins (Hebrews 10:12)

What example of Joseph’s life do we wish to incorporate into our own? He may have been an ordinary guy, but he was faithful and obedient, and God worked his salvation for human kind through him