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JOSEPH THE “FORGOTTEN” FATHER

As we reflect on the birth narratives, Joseph is sometimes forgotten because the spotlight falls on baby Jesus and his mother Mary. But there is much in Joseph to appreciate and emulate, both as a believer and a human father. He is described as a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) who did not want to embarrass Mary who was pregnant. He was responsive to divine instructions given through a dream, and carefully obeyed them (even though they ran counter to his personal inclinations Matthew 1:20), taking Mary home to be his wife (Matthew 1:24) naming the baby accordingly (Matthew 1:21). Not only did he bring Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:4-6), he found a safe though unusual place for her to give birth (Luke 2:7). 

During this critical period, it seems dreams were an immediate means of receiving urgent orders from God, therefore Joseph had to be alert, discerning and prompt in obeying. After Matthew 1: 20, dreams were mentioned three more times in the first two chapters of Matthew’s Gospel, at 2: 13-14; 2: 19-20 and 2: 22-23.

 

Luke 2:22 also tells us that “when the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” They took their spiritual responsibilities as parents seriously.

 

Luke 2:40 “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him.”  When we see a child displaying wisdom and grace we praise the parents, for it is the parents who shape their child. This surely required prayer, love and patience not only from Mary, but also Joseph the leader of the family. Joseph must also have passed on his skills as a carpenter to Jesus as he grew up.

 

“Because Joseph was also a carpenter, this means that Jesus was likely His father’s apprentice. People called Jesus a carpenter (Mark 6:3), and He was known as a carpenter’s son (Matthew 13:55). It might sound crazy that God incarnate was taught to build things by a human man, but it seems that in this, as in all other aspects of His earthly life, Jesus submitted Himself to the humility of being human.” (Lesli White)

 

By the time Jesus was crucified, Joseph had probably passed on, which has led Bible scholars to believe this is why Jesus commended his mother to John, the beloved disciple (John 19:26-27). The son showed the same caring qualities as his human father did.

 

We do not have recorded words in Scripture that Joseph spoke, but his actions spoke louder than any words could have. Looking at how Joseph led Mary and cared for her, obeyed God promptly, and shepherded his family, we see a godly man whose life was used by God for the awesome purpose of raising the Son of God, during his early earthly years. Fathers today have much to learn from this unique father.

 

Ps Graham

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