An ordinary man

Matthew 1:18-19 (click the link to read the passages)

Joseph was an inhabitant of Nazareth. A humble carpenter by trade, he was, like Mary, a descendent of King David (Matthew 1:20). He had a high reputation and was considered to be a good and honourable man (v. 19). Joseph has been described as ‘the forgotten man’ in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, but he was, of course, as the foster-father of our Lord, an important personality. Most men would have resented the title which he receives in the New Testament—“the husband of Mary” (see Matthew 1:16). Not Joseph, however. He knew his place and was content to remain where God had put him.

For thought and contemplation:

How sad that we often equate ordinariness with ineffectiveness. By far the majority of those whom God has used down the ages have been ordinary men and women who have become extraordinary because of their trust and faith in a great God. Has this something to say to you?

“He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Cor. 1:28-29, NIV)

A common carpenter

Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3

Carpentry, although an honourable profession, rarely brought riches. Doubtless Joseph’s skills would have brought him into contact with most of the villagers of Nazareth, as well as the surrounding towns, as he laboured in such tasks as building furniture, repairing buildings and making agricultural implements. Why God should choose such an ordinary man to be the foster-father of His incarnate Son is a mystery that we will never fully understand. It highlights once again, however, the fact that ordinariness is no bar to usefulness, and that even a common carpenter can, in God’s hands, become a man of great spiritual importance.

For thought and contemplation:

Isn’t it encouraging to realise that God is more interested in what we are than who we are, and that character is much more important to Him than our profession or academic brilliance?

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7, NIV)

A spiritual dreamer

Matthew 1:20-23

Mary, though engaged to Joseph, was carrying in her womb the baby Jesus. This was extremely difficult to comprehend, and as Joseph was a just and reasonable man, he considered how he might avoid making Mary a public example by divorcing her quietly.

While Mary is away in Hebron visiting her cousin Elizabeth, Joseph is visited by an angel who tells him in a dream that he must not be afraid to take Mary as his wife. The miraculous nature of the event begins to impress itself on Joseph’s heart, as he now realises that Mary is carrying in her womb the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

For thought and contemplation:

Question: How and why did Joseph understand the words of the angel? Answer: Because he knew the Old Testament prophecy concerning the promise of Christ’s coming! If God spoke to you today about a Biblical promise, would you know where to find it in Scripture?

“…no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21, NIV)

An obedient servant

Matthew 1:24-25

Now that Joseph’s problem concerning Mary’s pregnancy is resolved, he shows no hesitation in proceeding with the marriage ceremony. Thus Mary and her unborn child are brought under Joseph’s protection and care. Joseph, however, refrains from physically consummating the marriage until after the birth of Jesus. Here one can see again Joseph’s deep devotion to God. He laid aside his own physical desires in the interests of Mary’s condition, and followed to the letter the commands of the archangel Gabriel. What a glimpse this gives us into the reason why God selected Joseph to be the foster-father of His Son.

For thought and contemplation:

F.W. Robertson has pointed out, “It is not said, after keeping God’s commandments, but in keeping them there is great reward. God has linked these two things together, and no man can separate them—obedience and power.”

“…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 hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, RSV)

A protective parent

Matthew 2:13-15

Joseph’s life as a humble carpenter was disrupted by the evil designs of King Herod, who was bent on killing the infant King of the Jews. (See Matthew 2:1-12.)

At this time, Joseph receives another supernatural dream in which he is told to escape to Egypt with Mary and her Child, and to remain there until it is safe to return. Although he was made aware of God’s continual care by receiving His guidance through this dream, Joseph must have possessed great faith and resourcefulness to go and live in a foreign land with a young wife and a small child. This, too, lets in another ray of light on the character of Joseph, who protected Jesus as if He had been his very own son.

For thought and contemplation:

Take a blank piece of paper and make an outline of the ways in which Joseph was obedient to God’s commands. You might like to use this outline as the basis of a talk in the future. First, however, let it speak to you. Only then will it speak to others.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, RSV)

A considerate father

Luke 2:41-52

Having been told in another dream to return home, Joseph arrived in Nazareth and settled back into his normal routine. This included an annual visit to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast (v. 41).

When Jesus was twelve years of age, He was taken to the city by Mary and Joseph to be made a member of the congregation of Israel—as were all Jewish boys of this age. On the return journey Jesus went missing for three days, but was eventually found listening and talking to the religious teachers in the Temple. When Mary reprimands Jesus for staying behind, He replies in words that somewhat mystify them. Nevertheless, though not quite comprehending the meaning of His words, Joseph and Mary show a consideration that suggests they sensed God was at work in the heart and life of their beloved Son.

For thought and contemplation:

Question: What is the greatest attribute a parent can show to their offspring? Answer: Consideration. Children need to know you are on their side, not just on their back.

“My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching… For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way of life.” (Proverbs 6:20 & 23, NIV)