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Joseph's Character: A Portrait of Righteousness
The nativity story reveals Joseph as a righteous and just man who lived faithfully before God. While often overlooked in the Christmas narrative, Joseph's response to discovering Mary's pregnancy demonstrates remarkable character. Rather than reacting with anger upon learning his betrothed was expecting a child, he responded with love and compassion.
Under Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 22), Joseph could have demanded Mary's death or subjected her to public divorce, which would have left her destitute. Instead, he sought to handle the situation quietly to spare her from public shame - a response that went far beyond cultural norms of the time. This wasn't merely about avoiding embarrassment; in that culture, such a situation meant life-altering humiliation.
Divine Mission and Purpose
God revealed a three-fold mission to Joseph through an angelic messenger:
- The Reality of a Person: Joseph was called to be the earthly father to the Messiah Himself
- The Revealing of Purpose: The child would be named Jesus and would provide salvation from sin
- The Announcement of God's Plan: This fulfilled ancient prophecies about the coming Messiah
This divine assignment carried both incredible honor and significant personal cost. Joseph would bear shame in his culture, yet he embraced God's plan without hesitation. As Paul later wrote in 1 Timothy 1:12-16, God often chooses unlikely servants to demonstrate His grace and patience.
Obedience in Action
Joseph's response to God's call exemplifies true servanthood through:
- Immediate Submission: He did exactly what the Lord commanded without debate or delay
- Genuine Humility: He accepted public shame and misconceptions about Jesus's birth
- Complete Surrender: He placed God's will ahead of his own rights and comfort
As 1 Samuel 15:22-23 declares: "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."
Lessons for Today's Believers
Joseph's example challenges believers to examine their own response to God's calls, particularly in three areas:
- Responding when God challenges our ego
- Showing mercy to those who have hurt us
- Being generous with our resources when God prompts
The Christmas season provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate our own obedience and surrender to God's purposes. While the world may overlook Joseph's role, his life demonstrates that true servanthood often means faithfully fulfilling God's assignment regardless of personal cost or public recognition.
Rather than seeking prominence, Joseph embraced his supporting role in God's redemptive plan. His example reminds us that authentic Christian service isn't about recognition but about faithful obedience to whatever mission God assigns us.