Joseph's role in the birth and life of Jesus seems relatively minor according to the Gospel records. On the other hand, I find it very interesting that Matthew records Joseph receiving angelic messages in four dreams. The first we easily remember; the angel assured Joseph that Mary was with child by the Holy Spirit; Joseph was to name the baby "Jesus" for he would "save his people from their sins."
The next three dreams were given to Joseph for direction. The first was direction to get out of Bethlehem because Herod was hunting for the "One born to be King of the Jews". The second and third guided Joseph back from Egypt to Palestine and then away from Bethlehem to Galilee. Each time Joseph, in faith, obeyed God's messenger.
After recording Joseph's obedient response to the dreams, Matthew mentions Joseph no more. Luke, however, gives us the childhood Temple scene. You remember: Joseph and Mary lose their twelve year old son, thinking he is with friends or relatives. When they return to Jerusalem they find Jesus in the Temple "discussing theology" with astonished Jewish teachers. Mary rebukes her son for causing "your father and I" anxiety. And Jesus responds: "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Luke 2:41 - 52
I have always been impressed with Joseph's faith and obedience. Although he is called upon to play a secondary role, he faithfully plays it well.
What caught my attention especially this morning is the moment in the written narrative at which Joseph fades from the Gospel story stage. Mary, his mother, is mentioned at several points in each of the four Gospels. But not Joseph. He disappears once the words of Jesus are recorded: "I had to be in my Father's house". Apparently the authors want no confusion in the ongoing story as to Who is the Father of Jesus. Yes, Joseph played his faithful part in the life of the human/divine Jesus. But all who read the Gospel accounts are reminded many times that God in heaven was the One who delighted in his divine/human Son and the Son delighted in, and obeyed his Father.
The next three dreams were given to Joseph for direction. The first was direction to get out of Bethlehem because Herod was hunting for the "One born to be King of the Jews". The second and third guided Joseph back from Egypt to Palestine and then away from Bethlehem to Galilee. Each time Joseph, in faith, obeyed God's messenger.
After recording Joseph's obedient response to the dreams, Matthew mentions Joseph no more. Luke, however, gives us the childhood Temple scene. You remember: Joseph and Mary lose their twelve year old son, thinking he is with friends or relatives. When they return to Jerusalem they find Jesus in the Temple "discussing theology" with astonished Jewish teachers. Mary rebukes her son for causing "your father and I" anxiety. And Jesus responds: "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" Luke 2:41 - 52
I have always been impressed with Joseph's faith and obedience. Although he is called upon to play a secondary role, he faithfully plays it well.
What caught my attention especially this morning is the moment in the written narrative at which Joseph fades from the Gospel story stage. Mary, his mother, is mentioned at several points in each of the four Gospels. But not Joseph. He disappears once the words of Jesus are recorded: "I had to be in my Father's house". Apparently the authors want no confusion in the ongoing story as to Who is the Father of Jesus. Yes, Joseph played his faithful part in the life of the human/divine Jesus. But all who read the Gospel accounts are reminded many times that God in heaven was the One who delighted in his divine/human Son and the Son delighted in, and obeyed his Father.
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