Joseph, Husband of Mary
Little is recorded in Scripture about Joseph.
This is probably because God wanted us to focus on Jesus’ real father, God the
Father. However, even with limited reference, he is a character that plays a
distinctive role in the life of Christ, and is someone that we can learn from.
“Now the birth of Jesus
Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before
they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her
husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was
minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of
David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in
her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call
his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was
done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,
saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden
him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth
her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:18-25)
Key Characteristics.
1.
He was of Royal lineage. He was of the line of
David. The genealogy in Matthew is based on the Solomonic line through Joseph,
Jesus’ legal father, and it confirms Christ’s right to the throne of David. The
genealogy in Luke is based on the lineage of Nathan, brother to Solomon and is
the line to Mary, thus showing that Jesus had right to the throne from either
‘parent.’
2.
He was Responsible for
his family.
He had a job. This may seem laughable to some to focus on, but we will never be
men of honor if we are deadbeats. There are too many men content to sit idle
and draw public assistance, or worse yet, allow their wife to work and support
the family.
3.
He was a Righteous man. The Bible records him
as a “…just man…” (Matthew 1:19)
a.
Made
worship in the Temple a priority. 80 mile
trip, we know he made it at least twice.
b.
Made
giving to God a priority. Didn’t use taxation as an excuse. Still made the
required offering for the birth of a male child.
c.
Familiar
with Scripture. Recognized OT Prophecy that the Angel spoke of.
d.
Responded
immediately when God gave him direction. Three times.
4.
He was a Reasonable man. The Bible tells us he
was… “… not willing to make her a public
example, was minded to put her away privily.” (Matthew 1:19) He did not
respond in haste to the news that his intended was with child, but he “…he thought on these things…” (Matthew
1:20)
He was not as concerned with vengeance as he was with doing the right thing, so
he thought about what he was going to do before he did it.
5.
He was Reliable in
service.
There are four levels of service that we can engage in
a.
The
first is Discipline; or serving because you have to.
This is how we make our Children obey; it is a ‘do it or else’ mentality. If
the only reason you are serving God is because you are afraid of judgment, you
will never be a Man of Honor.
b.
The
second level of service is Duty; or serving because you
ought to; this is when you are serving because you know you should.
However, this can often lead to struggles over what our duties entail. If the
words “That’s not my job” ever come out of your mouth, you are not on the path
that leads to being a Man of Honor. Jesus, talking to the disciples, said “…likewise
ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We
are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke
17:10)
c.
The
third level is Debt, or serving because “I owe you…”
While this is a slightly higher ideal than “I have to,” it is similar to duty,
in that it denotes with it a grudging willingness based on an expectation. When
Paul wrote to the Romans, he stated “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by
the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) he
wanted them to understand that at the least it is reasonable for a Christian to
give their lives to Christ, seeing as He gave His life for them. This is the
highest level that most Christians attain, but it is not the highest one they
could attain.
d.
The
final level of service is Delight; or serving because you
get to. It is in this mindset that we see Men like Joseph shine out
above all others. They have, like the house of Stephanas, “…addicted
themselves to the ministry of the saints,” (I Corinthians 16:15) It is only if we can
attain that level of dedication, that we have a chance to be Men of Honor.
6.
He Resigned himself to
obscurity. He
understood that it was not all about him, it was about Christ. He raised Jesus
for God, prepared Him, literally, for His ministry. I believe that he fully
understood, like John the Baptist who said, “He
must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
What have we learned?
1.
A
Man of Honor is Righteous. (Philippians
3:9)
2.
A
Man of Honor looks for opportunities to serve others.
3.
A
Man of Honor considers a matter prayerfully before reacting.
4.
A
Man of Honor does not seek vengeance, but seeks God’s will.
5.
A
Man of Honor obeys the clear instructions of God.
6.
A
Man of Honor is willing to let the focus be on Christ and not themselves.
