Matthew 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Two days ago I preached on verse 21, but this verse also is very impressive. It speaks clearly of the character of Joseph, the man chosen to raise the Son of God. Mary tends to get most of the attention in this story, but Joseph was a huge player as well. Various words are used in English and Japanese to translate whatever the Greek word Luke used is to describe Joseph, but none of them entirely do him justice (even though the ESV uses “just” to describe him). Any man can imagine himself in this situation: you’re engaged, you haven’t been jumping the gun, and your fiancée turns up pregnant! Shock and disappointment don’t begin to describe it. That such a sweet, innocent girl as Mary would do such a thing! It’s hardly surprising that he wanted to call the wedding off, but that he wanted to do it all quietly, for minimum damage to Mary, speaks volumes. He was a man who put others ahead of himself, who did the right thing regardless of the cost to himself. God chose him well! That he responded as he did to the angelic dream described in the next verse speaks of his level of faith as well. Mary was a shining example of faith, but so was Joseph. Many have noted his similarity to Joseph the son of Jacob, who also had dreams from God, believed they were real, and acted on them. We don’t know many details about this Joseph, but I’d be willing to bet he was a very good carpenter/woodworker, very careful to do everything right for the sake of his customers. There’s a church in Mexico that has a very beautiful, technically very difficult, circular staircase that was built by a traveling carpenter who just gave his name as Joseph (Jose). Whether that was actually this Joseph, sent on a special mission, is not something that can be stated definitively, but it certainly seems to be in keeping with his character.

We’re back to the matter of fathers. Joseph wasn’t Jesus’ biological father, but he certainly filled the role beautifully. We have no record of when God took him home, but he was there during Jesus’ formative years at least. My father went home when I was a young father myself, when he was what now seems the very young age of 64. It seems odd that I’m 13 years older than that right now! He was a magnificent example to me, though imperfect. I could make a long list of common character flaws that he didn’t have! I can only pray that my own parenting has been similar. I would be delighted to have more input into my grandchildren, but I can and do pray for them, entrusting them to the only One who can truly keep them safe. I can also seek to be faithful, a trustworthy person to all with whom I interact. Joseph is certainly an example worthy of emulation.

Father, thank You for Your plan of the ages. It uses so many different people despite their imperfections. Help me fulfill the part You have for me, for as long as You keep me here, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!