The Forgotten Participant in the Christmas Story

 

            Perhaps one of the most forgotten participants in the Christmas story is Joseph but that doesn’t make him any less important to God’s plan.  Just as God chose Mary, He also chose Joseph, as it would take a special kind of man to be the earthly father to the Son of God.

            We know that Joseph was from the small village of Nazareth, a place that was not held in high esteem by other Jews.  The disciple Nathaniel makes that clear when his brother, Philip comes to tell him that the Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth.  Nathaniel’s reply is “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1: 46 NIV84)

            He was a descendant of King David, thus fulfilling the Messianic prophecy according to the Jews' view of genealogy.  Since Jesus was referred to as the “carpenter’s son, we know that he was a carpenter by trade.

            Based upon the sacrifice that was offered when Jesus was presented at the temple, we also know that he was poor.  A lamb was the preferred sacrifice but the two doves or pigeons that Mary and Joseph offered could be substituted if you couldn’t afford a lamb.

            More importantly, we can surmise certain things about his character and his faith.  He must have been a good man because even before the Angel gave him the full story, he was ready to divorce Mary quietly rather than seek the penalty of stoning that would have been justified under the law.  His obedience, like Mary’s, was unwavering, as he accepted the news concerning the birth of the Messiah and then assumed his role as the earthly father of the Son of God, regardless of the “talk” that his decision would have invited.

            Did you ever stop to consider the weight that he carried?  He was entrusted with God’s own son!  He was responsible for the safety of a very pregnant Mary as they made the trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  Then, the only accommodation he could find was a stable.  We can only imagine his thoughts as he was forced to lay the baby Jesus in a manger.  At that moment, did he think that he had failed God?

            Along with Mary, he marveled at Simeon’s prophecy, and he was astonished when they found 12-year-old Jesus in the temple.  He must have been terrified in the days before they found Him, thinking that he had lost the Son of God.  Another failure?

            We know that he was protective of his charge and obedient to God’s leading.  When the angel told him of the danger, he immediately took his precious family to Egypt as God had directed.  Yet, we can’t help but wonder:  How much did he really understand? 

            The encounter at the temple after the search for the missing Jesus is the last mention of Joseph in Scripture.  The assumption is that he passed away sometime before Christ began His ministry, so we don’t know how long Joseph had to be Jesus’ earthly father.  We do know that he was obedient, faithful, and willing to take on one of the most challenging jobs God has given to man. 

            There will be times in each of our lives when we are called to difficult, challenging tasks.  May we have the faith of Joseph and may we be obedient, no matter what the cost!

Matthew 2: 13 - 14

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