Matthew 1:24-25

New International Version

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

For Encouragement 

Nobody gives him much attention. Why should they? His wife has carried the baby Jesus. Mary was divinely chosen to be the mother of the Messiah – God incarnate. It was divine favor. Joseph, therefore, had to play second fiddle to his wife, as every attention rested on Mary. However, Joseph had a rich pedigree, too.

Matthew traces his ancestry to Abraham (Matthew 1:2-16). Like Paul, he could call himself a Hebrew of Hebrews. Luke adds that he belonged to the house and line of David, which made him a royal of Judah. That’s immense. But that is not all. 

Joseph is one of the finest gentlemen you could ever talk about. The Holy Spirit calls him a righteous man, and that is not a common thing. Few people in biblical history have earned that badge of honor. Impressive!

Consider yourself in Joseph’s shoes when Mary, his betrothed, told him she was pregnant. The shock of it, even to a modern man. He had every reason to make noise – much noise that could have drawn her the death sentence – but Joseph remained calm about it and made a righteous decision. 

Righteous people consider the glory of God above all things, which gives them the latitude to consider the interest of others (Phil. 2:4). Therefore, Joseph decided to divorce Mary quietly, not wanting to expose her to public disgrace (Matthew 1:19). What unselfish character – a gem!

Joseph showed humility, bravery, and obedience when God told him to take Mary home to be his wife (20). Though the baby Mary was carrying was of divine origin and historic, his reputation mattered, too. He had to deal with the gossip and the insults that came with it. Yet, he considered it an honor to bear the shame and public ridicule to protect Mary for God’s glory. What a challenge to the modern-day Christian!

Tenderly, Joseph lived with Mary through the pregnancy. He took her to Bethlehem and lived through the humiliation of housing her in a sheep pen and receiving the Savior in a manger. He stayed in tune with the Lord, did whatever He told him to do, and lived where God told him to live. 

Another significant fact to note about Joseph. Keeping silent about the nature of the pregnancy was not an easy feat. But God gives grace to those who determine to honor Him. The first thing I will ask Joseph when we meet in heaven is how he felt raising the boy Jesus, knowing He was divine. How did he feel instructing and training him as a carpenter, when he knew the boy was God incarnate? Fascinating!

Today, let us stop to thank God for Joseph and learn from his life – loving, humble, brave, obedient, caring, considerate, discreet, God-fearing, and trusting. That, my friend, is a worthy challenge to take.

Glory to God.