At this time of year when we focus our attention on the birth of Jesus, something I’ve found to be true is that Joseph, the noble man who became Christ’s earthly father, doesn’t get much recognition. I find that sad.

The Bible doesn’t give many details about Joseph. We are told he was a righteous man, descended from Abraham and David. He was engaged to be married to Mary. When he learned Mary was pregnant, he decided to break the engagement, which was his right.

According to the religious law at the time, he could have publicly humiliated Mary. He could have even gone so far as to have her stoned for her perceived sin, and the embarrassment her pregnancy caused him.

But Joseph was a noble man. He would have none of that. He would divorce Mary quietly. His silence would cover her without any condemnation. I’m sure he understood hurtful, vicious, mean-spirited words and actions would probably be hurled Mary’s way. He loved her. He refused to add to her pain.

Here’s something I hadn’t thought about until recently. Perhaps it’s something you haven’t considered as well. Joseph was just as chosen by God to raise God’s Son as Mary was. Think about that.

God trusted Joseph. He knew Joseph’s character. God knew Joseph was a noble man who would take care, not only of the woman God chose to birth his Son, but also of his Son.

It takes a lot to raise a child who isn’t yours. When Joseph accepted God’s plan for his life, Joseph proved he was up to the challenge right from the start.

Joseph was a noble man who, from what we can tell, wasn’t upset about fading into the background of the Greatest Story ever told.

How do you view Joseph’s role in Jesus’ story?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus—because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21 (GNT)

You can find my December Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!