Jeff's Random Bible Thoughts

Matthew chapter one tells us the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But upon close reading, there is actually very little about the birth of Jesus; the focus of this chapter from vs. 18 to the end is very much about Joseph.

Very little is known about Joseph. We know he was a descendant of King David (Matthew 1:16) and that he was a carpenter (Matthew 13:55). But not much else is known. He doesn’t even have any recorded words in the Bible! Although we don’t know much about Joseph, the record tells us a lot about him. And although he doesn’t speak in the Bible, his actions speaks volumes of his character and faith in God.

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First, Joseph was a reasonable man not given to rash impulses. When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he could have saved his reputation at the expense of hers. But instead of rushing to action, Matthew 1:20 tells us he thought about these things. He gave time for God to reach out to him.

Second, he obeyed God. Four times in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 we see his obedience on display:

• 1:24: he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and, subjecting himself to shame and public scorn, took Mary to be his wife.
• 2:13: he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and uprooted his family and went to Egypt.
• 2:21: he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and uprooted his family again and returned to Israel.
• 2:22: he obeyed God’s warning and went to the region of Galilee.

Finally, he practiced his faith. He is showing obeying the Law of God on three important occasions recorded in Luke:

• In Luke 2:21 he had Jesus circumcised on the 8th day (ref. Genesis 17:10).
• In Luke 2:22 he brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice to the Lord (ref. Exodus 13:2).
• In Luke 2:41 we are told that every year Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover (ref. Deuteronomy 16:16)

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Even though we know little about Joseph, it was clear he was a devout man who loved Mary and loved God. And although we don’t have any record of his words, his actions speak to us loudly. We have much to learn from this humble, godly man, Joseph the carpenter.