|
The Joseph we are about to study is a New Testament character. He was the husband of
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. He was indeed a noble man and certainly worthy of our study.
He has at times been identified as "The Man Of Wood And Nails." Surely we understand the reason
for this title. This Joseph and another Joseph were both associated with Jesus. This Joseph was at
the birth of Christ while Joseph of Arimathaea was at His death. Joseph's presence at the birth of
Jesus was a witness to his true love for Mary. They were to be married and she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost. God revealed this truth to him and he not only married Mary but assisted in the
upbringing of our dear Saviour. Let us consider the few verses of the Bible which tell of his life.
1. Joseph was "a son of David" and his family belonged to the city of David, Bethlehem. Matthew
1:20.
2. He was a carpenter by trade, making his living with his hands. It is reasonable to assume that
Jesus worked beside him as a boy. Matthew 13:55.
3. Joseph was an Israelite and a pious man, who was faithful in the ordinances of the Temple of
God. Luke 2: 22-24, 41-42.
4. Joseph was a kind and gentle man, treating Mary with charitableness during a time when many
men would have had her put to death. Matthew 1:19, Luke 2:1-7.
5. He was faithful in providing for the needs of Jesus to the extent that many assumed Jesus was his
son too. Luke 2:33, John 1:45, John 6:42.
Joseph is never mentioned in the gospels after Jesus was twelve years of age. At the time of
the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph apparently was not alive, so Jesus assigned the care of His mother
to John. As to why he died, we are left to wonder. However, we do not have to wonder about his
life. Nothing scandalous or evil is ever said of him. Evidentially he lived a quiet and unassuming
life during which he cared for his family and served God. That is certainly an example worth
following and such a life merits our gratitude to God for His abundant grace.
|
