The Family of Jesus: Regarding Joseph

​Matthew 1:19a ~ “And her husband Joseph, being a just man…”
 
Much is made of the characters who are a part of the coming of the Messiah, the LORD Jesus Christ. With the pronouncement of the prophet, John, the visit of the angel to Mary, the pregnancy of Elizabeth and the subsequent rendering mute of her husband, Zechariah, there are whole chapters, and rightly so, dedicated to these individuals. But what of Joseph? There is much we can learn of this man, and much that this man’s character and demeanor can teach us in our faithfulness to the LORD Jesus Christ. Today, let us learn from the man named Joseph. Our entire text will be Matthew 1:19-25, and we will take it in sections. Let me encourage you to read this portion of Scripture even now before we begin.
 
First, we learn that Joseph held a high regard for the law of God. Our opening text declares it clearly, that Joseph was a “just man.” What had happened? What would elevate the sense of needed justice in the heart of this man? Simple—Mary had been found pregnant, and they had not finalized their marriage. Being a just man, it is clear that Joseph understood the ramifications of the situation he observed. As far as the law was concerned, Mary was subject to public ridicule, condemnation and ultimately execution by stoning. We read in John 8:3-5, “The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’”
 
Matthew 1:19b ~ “…and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”
 
Next, we learn that Joseph was also a man who remembered mercy. We read that he was “unwilling to put her to shame.” How much like the heart of God did Joseph conduct himself toward his betrothed. Where he could have had Mary stoned to death, he chose mercy instead. Public shame and ridicule were the expected response but he determined to offer her a quiet out, to extend a gentle hand instead of a heavy blow. We read of God’s mercy in Habakkuk 3:2, “O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”
 
Matthew 1:20-21 ~ “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”
 
We continue and see that Joseph was one who willingly received the word of God. In a supernatural encounter, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying...” In the night, God sent an angel who spoke to Joseph. And as he listened, his heart was open to the wonder of God’s providence and purpose. Despite the apparent conflict with his own understanding, he not only heard but received God’s word. This requires a willing trust in God despite our own understanding. Even as Proverbs 3:5-6 declares, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
 
Matthew 1:24-25 ~ “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”
 
Now comes the crux of the matter—Joseph responded by faith. What a simple statement, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” The entirety of the life we see of Joseph, though it is minimal, is one of determined faithfulness to the LORD, and his actions demonstrate it. From his willingness to receive Mary as his bride to his desire to honor the condition of Jesus’ birth, he shows that he believes God’s word and surrenders his life in active obedience to God’s purpose. Consider the word given by the prophet in 1 Samuel 15:22, “And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’”
 
Much of the life of Joseph is a mystery. We know not much of his life as a carpenter, nor do we see how he led his family when they escaped to Egypt. But what we do see is illuminating to us in regard to our own walk with the LORD. For we must also have a high regard for God’s law, and yet we must remember mercy—even as the LORD has been merciful toward us. We must receive God’s word and respond by faith in obedience to His commands. Beloved, in our walk with Christ, we would do well to follow the LORD as Joseph did.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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