Joseph played an integral part in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Early on, Jesus was described as Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph (John 1:44-45). In the first two chapters of Matthew’s gospel, Joseph is the main character. At least four times God spoke to him in dreams giving explicit instructions for Joseph to carry out (Matthew 1:20-21; 2:13-14; 2:19; 2:22-23).
Shortly thereafter, Joseph disappears and is not mentioned again. The last known time when Joseph is alluded to as being alive is the account of Jesus at the temple at age 12 (Luke 2:41-52). Interestingly, neither Joseph nor Mary is mentioned by name in this passage. They are referred to as his “parents” and Mary is simply called his “mother.” (This is another indication that the veneration of Mary is an extra-biblical teaching).
What happened to Joseph? The most obvious answer is that he had died by the time Jesus began His earthly ministry. If Joseph was age 20 at the birth of Jesus, he would have been 50 years old by the time Jesus began His ministry. Age 50 at that time in Palestine would have been an old man. Beyond this, we have no good explanation of what happened to Joseph. We know neither about his death or when or how he died.
This is what we do know about Joseph. He was a good and godly man of faith and obedience. He stood in that long line of godly people who endured persecution and ridicule to serve and honor God. He was a man who did right in the midst of adversity.
Think about this: our Father specifically chose Joseph to raise the Son of God. God entrusted His Son to a man, and the man He chose was Joseph.
Joseph deserves our highest honor and commendation, but he was a man like we are.
Joseph should be the ultimate example of earthly fatherhood. He raised the Son of God.
He was not an absentee. At every place (like Jesus’ dedication in the temple), it was both Joseph and Mary who offered the sacrifice for this firstborn son.
May we men look to Joseph as the example for us. May we raise sons who will be men of strength, courage, and godly-living.
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5 Responses
Thank you. Important aspects of right and wrong worship are reveled to me in your message.
AMEN.
At the cross, Jesus entrusted John with the care of his mother Mary, so Joseph must not have been alive. Why John and not Jesus’ other brothers?
I assume He wanted one of His followers (his brothers were not at the time). Also, He said, “these (His followers) are my brothers and sisters.”
Thank you. There have been many questions as to what happened to Joseph. He was a Godly , good man and special . Pray for Lakeside, as the Pastor search committee is searching. I recommend you.
Happiest New Year to you and Martha.