Joseph
Farm to Stage
I’ve always loved Christmas. There is just something magical about this time of year. From the music to the decorations to the TV specials to the food, it brings back lots of great memories. As a kid, we always went to my grandparent’s farm for Christmas. My cousins would all be there and we would play around the farm, help the men split and haul firewood, and occasionally help my aunts figure out a puzzle. We would open gifts, enjoy a smorgasbord of food throughout the day and campout on the living room floor for bedtime. It was awesome!
Back home church was always foundational growing up and Christmas brought children’s plays and the reenactment of the Christmas story. Most of the time I was either a shepherd or a wise man. We would dress up in our outfits and do our best to act the part. Until one year when I was cast as Joseph. A big step up from my usual role. Looking back, it was a pretty easy part to play. I didn’t have to talk much, and all the attention was focused on Mary and baby Jesus. As long as I didn’t trip over a donkey or knock baby Jesus out of the cradle, I was golden. At the time I didn’t give Joseph much thought. He was behind the scenes, following God’s direction and taking care of his family. No big deal, right? Wrong! Fast forward 40 years and I have a whole different perspective and appreciation for the role Joseph played in God’s plan to redeem mankind.
Joseph, Man of Great Faith
The Bible doesn’t tell us a lot about Joseph. Matthew 1 and 2 contains the lion’s share of the Joesph bio. We know that he was pledged to be married to a young virgin named Mary and that during that engagement Mary became pregnant. This would have been scandalous back then and even punishable by death. I can’t imagine the heartbreak and turmoil Joseph must have felt when he found out. His betrothed and future wife had cheated on him. But here in this lowest of lows we get a glimpse of Joseph’s character. Matthew 1:19 describes Joseph as a righteous man who intended to divorce her quietly so she wouldn’t be publicly disgraced. Immediately after considering this, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, explains the situation, and encourages him to take Mary as his wife. Once again, we see another side of the man. He believes the angel and obeys. I’m sure he had doubts and was apprehensive about the future. He would basically be telling his community that he was the father and that the purity of their engagement was broken. He, along with Mary, would face public shame and be looked down upon by everyone. Despite these challenges Joseph showed his bravery, love for Mary, and obedience to God’s plan.
Luke 2 gives us a more descriptive story of the birth of Jesus. Joseph and a very pregnant Mary are headed to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. While in Bethlehem the time comes for Mary to give birth. I’m sure Joseph was stressed and a little panicked as he looked for a place to have the child. I can remember the overwhelming flood of emotions I felt when Erin said it was time to go to the hospital. Those would have been amplified in Joseph’s situation. But he handled it like a pro. Not only did he find a manger for the child to be born in, but he also probably had to deliver the child. I’m sure it was a shocking experience in more ways than one!
The next time we see Joseph is in Matthew 2 and the visit of the Magi. A couple of years have passed, and they are living in a house. Once again Joseph has a dream where an angel tells him to pack up his family and head for Egypt as Herod is planning on killing all the boys 2 years and under in Bethlehem. Once again Joseph obeys and saves Jesus from King Herod. After Herod dies Joseph has a third dream where the angel tells him to return to Israel for it is safe. Jospeh obeys, settles in Nazareth and becomes a carpenter. That’s pretty much the end of the Biblical narrative on Joseph. However, there’s a few nuggets we as men can take away from the story of Joseph.
Final Thoughts
The first and most important thing is that Joseph was considered righteous by God. I mean he was selected out of all the other men to be Jesus’ dad. WOW! I’m sure he felt woefully inadequate to take care of God’s son. Can you imagine the pressure? But despite any doubts or misgivings he embraced his role and I’m sure was very influential in Jesus’ upbringing. The second thing that stands out was his willingness to be Jesus’ adoptive father. I can totally relate to that situation. When I married Erin, I also adopted her 3-year-old son Andrew. To say I was clueless, selfish and not fully aware of the responsibility I was agreeing to take on would be an understatement. But with a lot of prayer, a patient wife and the grace of God I grew into the role of husband and father. Through his obedience to God’s will for his life he played a pivotal role in helping Jesus develop into the man he became. The third thing I think is important is Joseph’s legacy. Not only did he help raise our Messiah, but he also raised James and Jude, Jesus’ brothers. They both played a big role in the early church and authored books in the New Testament. What a legacy to leave behind! Our pastor often mentions that boys naturally turn into their fathers. If Jesus, James and Jude are a reflection of Joseph than he must have been quite a dad.
As you celebrate Christmas this year take time to enjoy your family and reflect on the life of Joseph. Would you be described as righteous? Are you living a life that reflects your faith in God? Or are you one of those guys that tells your kids to do as you say and not as you do. Your kids will see right through you if you’re faking it. Are you seeking God’s will for your life? When God opens doors and shows you where to go are you obedient? We as men are called to shepherd our family. You’ll be a lot more successful when you follow God’s plan. What kind of legacy are you going to leave? One that will reflect Christ and be carried on from generation to generation. I pray that’s the case. Have a merry Christmas and great start to the new year!