CHARACTER STUDY OF JOSEPH (EARTHLY FATHER OF JESUS) - HUSBAND OF MARY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 1:18-25
"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife." (Matthew 1:24)
Supporting Texts: Luke 1:26-27, Matthew 2:13-23, Luke 2:41-52
INTRODUCTION:
Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and husband of Mary, was a righteous and humble man chosen by God to play a crucial role in the upbringing of the Messiah. Though he was not Jesus' biological father, God entrusted him with the responsibility of protecting, providing for, and raising His Son.
The Bible presents Joseph as a just man, obedient to God's instructions and faithful to his calling. His life teaches us important lessons on integrity, faith, and submission to God’s will, even in challenging situations.
1. JOSEPH WAS A RIGHTEOUS AND JUST MAN
a) He was committed to moral uprightness (Matthew 1:19)
Joseph is described as a just man, meaning he was faithful to God’s laws and lived with integrity.
b) He was compassionate towards Mary (Matthew 1:19)
When he discovered that Mary was pregnant, he planned to divorce her quietly to protect her dignity rather than expose her to public disgrace.
c) He obeyed God's voice in his decisions (Matthew 1:20-21)
Instead of following his initial plan, he listened to the angel’s message and accepted Mary as his wife.
d) He trusted God's plan despite uncertainty (Matthew 1:24-25)
Joseph believed God’s word and took on the responsibility of raising Jesus.
e) Biblical Example: Noah was also described as a just man who walked faithfully with God (Genesis 6:9).
2. JOSEPH WAS OBEDIENT TO GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS
a) He obeyed the angel's command without hesitation (Matthew 1:24)
Immediately after waking from his dream, Joseph married Mary as instructed.
b) He took Mary and Jesus to Egypt for safety (Matthew 2:13-14)
When warned of Herod’s plan to kill Jesus, he quickly relocated his family to Egypt.
c) He waited for God's direction before returning (Matthew 2:19-23)
Joseph did not act on his own understanding but waited for divine guidance before returning to Israel.
d) He followed Jewish customs in raising Jesus (Luke 2:21-24)
Joseph ensured that Jesus was circumcised and presented in the temple according to Jewish law.
e) Biblical Example: Abraham also obeyed God’s instructions without question, even when asked to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4).
3. JOSEPH WAS A LOVING AND RESPONSIBLE FATHER
a) He cared for and protected his family (Matthew 2:14-15)
Joseph fled to Egypt at great personal cost to ensure Jesus' safety.
b) He worked as a carpenter to provide for his household (Matthew 13:55)
He was a hardworking man who provided for Mary and Jesus through his trade.
c) He was present in Jesus' upbringing (Luke 2:41-52)
Joseph took Jesus to the temple regularly and guided His early life.
d) He set an example of faithfulness (Luke 2:27, 39)
His commitment to God influenced Jesus’ understanding of godly fatherhood.
e) Biblical Example: Mordecai also played a fatherly role in Esther’s life, guiding and protecting her (Esther 2:7).
4. JOSEPH DEMONSTRATED HUMILITY AND SELFLESSNESS
a) He accepted a supporting role in God's plan (Matthew 1:25)
Joseph understood that Jesus was the Son of God and humbly accepted his role as His earthly guardian.
b) He remained faithful despite limited recognition (Luke 2:33, 48)
Unlike Mary, Joseph’s role was less prominent, yet he remained devoted to God’s purpose.
c) He sacrificed his personal plans for God's will (Matthew 1:19-24)
Joseph’s life changed drastically, but he embraced his divine assignment without complaint.
d) He prioritised God's mission over his own desires (Matthew 2:13-14)
He left everything behind to obey God’s call to protect Jesus.
e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist displayed humility by acknowledging Jesus’ greater mission (John 3:30).
5. STRENGTHS OF JOSEPH
a) Righteousness – He lived with integrity and sought to do what was right in God’s eyes.
b) Obedience – He followed God’s instructions without delay or hesitation.
c) Faithfulness – He remained committed to his family and to fulfilling God’s purpose.
d) Responsibility – He provided for, protected, and guided Jesus as a father.
e) Humility – He did not seek recognition but faithfully played his role in God’s plan.
6. WEAKNESSES OF JOSEPH
The Bible does not explicitly record any moral failings of Joseph. However, his limited presence in Jesus' later life suggests that he may have passed away before Jesus’ public ministry began. Some scholars speculate that Joseph, being human, may have initially struggled with doubt when he learned of Mary's pregnancy, but his immediate obedience to God shows his strong faith.
7. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH
a) Righteousness and integrity bring divine favour
God entrusted Joseph with a great responsibility because of his upright character. We must strive to live honourably before God.
b) Obedience to God leads to divine protection and provision
Joseph's obedience ensured Jesus’ safety and fulfilment of prophecy. When we obey God, He guides and protects us.
c) True leadership requires humility and sacrifice
Joseph led his family with humility, putting God’s will above his own plans. True leadership is about serving God and others selflessly.
d) God often works through ordinary people
Though Joseph was a simple carpenter, God chose him for a significant role. We should never underestimate God’s ability to use us for His purposes.
e) Fathers play a vital role in shaping a child’s destiny
Joseph’s influence on Jesus' upbringing shows the importance of godly fatherhood. Parents must be faithful in nurturing their children in God’s ways.
CONCLUSION:
Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was a man of righteousness, obedience, faith, and humility. Though he played a background role, his impact was crucial in God’s redemptive plan. His life teaches us to trust in God, obey His guidance, and embrace our divine assignments with humility and diligence.
May we, like Joseph, be faithful stewards of the responsibilities God entrusts to us, knowing that our obedience contributes to His greater purpose.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live a righteous and just life that pleases You.
2. Father, give me the grace to obey Your instructions without hesitation.
3. Lord, help me to be a faithful steward of every responsibility You entrust to me.
4. Father, grant me the humility to serve Your purpose, even when unnoticed.
5. Lord, bless fathers and guardians to lead their families with wisdom and integrity.
