Read Matthew 1:18–25

Many Christmas carols reflect the experience of Mary, but few explore the perspective of Joseph. Michael Card has written one beautiful example in “Joseph’s Song” in which Joseph asks: “Father, show me where I fit into this plan of yours / How can a man be father to the Son of God? / Lord, for all my life I’ve been a simple carpenter / How can I raise a king? How can I raise a king?”

Nearly all the descriptions of parents we read in Scripture reveal their flaws. Joseph is a remarkable exception. The portrayal of Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew highlights three characteristics. First, he was a godly man. Joseph’s initial reservation about following through with his betrothal to Mary did not spring from personal jealousy but out of a concern for righteousness (v. 19). Second, Joseph was compassionate. His initial desire when he thought that Mary had been unfaithful was not to humiliate her publicly but to divorce her privately. Third, Joseph was courageous. He obeyed God’s command to take Mary as his wife knowing full well that the circumstances of Jesus’ conception and birth might be misunderstood (v. 24).

Scripture never records any words spoken by Joseph. Mary’s words are recorded in the Bible, as are the words of her relatives Zechariah and Elizabeth (see Luke 1). Even Jesus’ extended family have a word or two recorded in the text (Mark 3:21). While not a man of words, however, Joseph is portrayed as a man of deeds: he hears and obeys God’s commands.

Although we cannot be certain about the date of Joseph’s death, we do know he was present for the first twelve years of Jesus’ earthly life (Luke 2:41–52). Jesus was referred to as “the carpenter” in Mark 6:3, hinting that he learned the trade at Joseph’s side.

APPLY THE WORD

What kind of father did God pick for His Son? He chose a man who cared about doing what is right, someone who was slow to speak and quick to hear. He selected a man who demonstrated his strength through compassion. Who doesn’t want a father like that? Who wouldn’t want to be a father like that? Thank God for the example of Joseph!

http://www.todayintheword.org