Joseph Was Just Joseph

“Joseph was just Joseph” Matthew 1:18-25

1. Joseph was just Joseph

• He was unremarkable he was just average

• We may call him the average Joe

• “When we think of Christmas, we think of Mary, the manger, the shepherds, the angels. But Joseph? He’s often just in the background as Just Joseph.”

2. We read Joseph was

• “a just man” (Matthew 1:19). His righteousness His just-ness shaped the story of salvation.

• Joseph chose mercy over condemnation Mary was pregnant and they had not been together By law, he could have exposed Mary. Instead, he sought a quiet solution

• Joseph’s righteousness was not loud or showy. He didn’t seek attention.

3. We read Joseph was Just meaning he was proper, lawful, righteous, simple

• We may feel “just” ordinary —

• just a worker, just a parent, just a student. Just a believer

• God delights in the faithfulness of the “just.”

4. We find Joseph was just obedient

• Matthew 1:24 — “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”

• Joseph obeyed immediately. No recorded words, just action.

• He trusted God’s plan even when it defied human logic. Imagine the courage it took to believe Mary’s child was from the Holy Spirit. He takes Mary as his wife.

• He embraces the shame and whispers from others. He raises a Son who is not biologically his.

• He teaches Jesus the trade of carpentry. He protects his family when Herod threatens.

• He moves his household to Egypt in obedience to another dream.

• Faith is not always about understanding everything. It’s about trusting God enough

• God calls us to trust Him even when the path is unclear.

5. Joseph had a role in God’s plan

• Joseph s role was to protect Mary and Jesus Matthew 2:13–14 — Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt after the angel’s warning.

• Joseph embraced his role as guardian of Jesus, though not His biological father.

• He provided, protected, and guided — all in humility.

• Joseph wasn’t the lead actor, but without him, the story could not unfold. Supporting roles are essential.

• Our calling may not be glamorous, but it is holy. Faithfulness in small roles is greatness in God’s eyes.

6. In Conclusion, Joseph was just Joseph

• Joseph was “just Joseph” — but that was enough. His righteousness, obedience, and humility made him a pillar in God’s plan.

• God doesn’t ask us to be famous or extraordinary. He asks us to be faithful.

• Let’s Be “just” in your workplace, “just” in your family, “just” in your community — and watch how God uses your ordinary obedience for extraordinary purposes.

• Joseph was just Joseph his faith was strong enough that it was gentile

• Joseph was Just Joseph his faith obeyed when it didn’t make since

• Joseph was Just Joseph he had faith that chose mercy over judgment

• Joseph was Just Joseph when the spot light was on Mary Jesus shepherds kings he remained silent