Overlooked at Christmas – Joseph

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:18-21

In Scripture, Joseph had a non-speaking role.

He was a just man.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man…  Matt:1:19

Joseph wasn’t chosen because he was a smart man, a rich man, or a famous man; Joseph was chosen because he was a just man.

He was a humble, gracious man.

Joseph… not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. Matthew 1:19

He could have focused on the wrong and played the victim.

He chose a quiet divorce.

God didn’t want a man who would judge and humiliate people.

He was an obedient and courageous man.

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife. Matt. 1:24

He didn’t question the angel.

He named the baby “Jesus”.

He was a man with sacrificial faith.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” Matt. 2:13

He was willing to have his life redirected.

He was an earthly mentor to Jesus.

Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Mark 6:3

Joseph was a physical model of who God wanted Jesus to be.