Faith like Joseph
When we consider central characters of the Christmas story, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus take central stage. But sometimes, Joseph may seem a minor role. But as we study Joseph more, we recognize something important–Joseph had great faith. Can we have faith like Joseph?
Joseph
In the second chapter of Luke, we learn about the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem as part of the Roman census requirement. While there, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, because all the inns were full of other travelers.
We learn a few other things about Joseph from Luke:
- Joseph was a descendant of King David (Luke 2:4).
- Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married(Luke 2:5).
- Joseph was with Mary when the shepherds came to visit (Luke 2:16).
But there’s more to Joseph than what we learn from Luke.
Joseph was called to act as a father to a child that wasn’t his biological offspring.
Wow! That could be a real challenge to accept. What if we were asked to take on such a task?
Would we doubt that path of action?
Because Joseph was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:19)
Yes, Joseph had doubts, but Joseph had faith in his God.
But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
Faith Like Joseph
What can we learn from Joseph?
- Listen–Joseph listened to God’s Word sent to him in a dream.
- Obey–Joseph didn’t divorce Mary. He obeyed God’s directive to take her for his wife.
- Follow through–Joseph continued to honor God’s directive. He cared for Mary, named the baby Jesus, and nurtured Jesus as a father should.
Listen–Obey–and Follow through . . .
We can have faith like Joseph, too. And, like Joseph, we can serve God as we share the Good News of Jesus with others.
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay
Merry Christmas, my friends!
As is my custom, I’m taking some time away from blogging and social media during the Christmas season. I look forward to being with you in 2024. May God bless you and keep you safe and secure until we meet again.
One more thing . . .
If you’re not finished Christmas shopping, these options may be just what you need.
A Place at His Table, an inspiring and uplifting devotional by Jeannie Waters.
That Grand Christmas Day (and other wonderful children’s books) by Jill Roman Lord
Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle by Katherine Pasour. An encouraging Bible study/devotion with practical advice and achievable goals to foster wellness and quality of life.
Thank you Katherine. Those life principles of listen, obey, and follow through are life-giving character qualities we can apply to areas of “ordinary” daily living -such as the workplace and personal relationships- Obeying God’s commands in relating to the “one-another’s” in our lives, and keeping commitments. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Marilyn. I’m praying I can do a better job of following those same principles that Joseph exhibited. And as you remind us–as followers of Jesus, we need to show these Christian character traits in our everyday life so we can be role models for others. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Joseph is one of my favorite people in the Bible. Good gift suggestions, especially that last one!🙂
Joseph is one of my favorites, too. He had such an important role as Mary’s husband and earthly father to Jesus. His faith, obedience, and humility are a wonderful example for us. Thank you for your encouragement and wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
The two Josephs in the Bible are inspiring indeed. Thanks, Katherine. God bless and merry Christmas.
Thank you, Nancy. May God bless you as well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Joseph is one of those under appreciated characters in the Bible who has much to teach us. I am emboldened in my faith to see that he heard hard (socially awkward) news about his betrothed, got a word from God in a dream, and had the fortitude to go in a direction different from his flesh. Great way to end 2023!
I think you are right, Mary. In his humility, Joseph’s contributions are often overlooked, but he’s a wonderful role model for us. Thank you, Mary. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy 2024.
Thank you for breaking this down into three simple steps we can follow. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Diana, for your kind words. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a blessed 2024.
Joseph was chosen as much as Mary was. God had the perfect plan and chose parents who had a godly character who would raise His Son on the earth. Merry Christmas, Katherine!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Barbara. I agree! And what a wonderful role model Joseph is for us. Merry Christmas to You and your family, and a blessed and Happy 2024.
As an adopted child, I was thinking back to all that my adopted dad taught me and wondering how much Joseph taught his son, Jesus. I also found myself asking if I had the faith my adopted dad had to accept me and call me his son. I can’t think of any loving gesture he ever withheld from me, good and not so good.
And for those CHRISTmas gifts, how’d you know I have all of those under someone’s tree? 🙂 Merry CHRISTmas my blessed friend. Enjoy your well-deserved break.
It warms my heart to know that you were loved and nurtured by your adopted family. I expect your dad loved you, cared for you, and was a wonderful role model–like Joseph was to Jesus. You are a wonderful encourager and support for your author friends, J.D. Thank you, my friend, and sending you Merry CHRISTmas wishes.
I just caught up to read this Katherine! We were on the same page with our Joseph thoughts. Loved reading this. I also have been thinking of the role he played as earthly father to the Son of God. Thanks so much for highlighting these truths for our Christmas advent.
I enjoyed your Joseph message as well. Sorry to be so slow in responding. I took some much needed time away from my computer. Happy New Year, Sylvia and family.
I don’t think we fully consider what Joseph’s obedience may have cost him. What he did took a tremendous amount of faith. It’s evident God knew that and helped him by sending an Angel to tell him not to be afraid. Merry Christmas, Katherine.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Terri. Joseph’s story reminds us that God is always with us, granting reassurance and guidance when we are unsure of our next step. Happy New Year!
Obedience is the trait I’m focusing on during this week of Advent. How fitting is your post. Living in obedience to our Father is one important way we demonstrate our love for Him. To say we love Him and then refuse to obey Him contradicts our love.
Hoping your break leaves you restored and ready to fight the good fight in 2024!
I’m working on obedience, too, Candyce. It’s an ongoing goal for me, one I’ll continue to strive toward in 2024. Wishing you a blessed and Happy New Year.
Joseph displayed such an amazing faith even with so many unanswered questions. Enjoy your break. Merry Christmas Katherine
I had a great break, Yvonne. Thank you for your good wishes. Happy New Year!
Listen, obey, follow through–may we all strive to be like Joseph in our walk with the Lord. Thanks for an insightful post, Katherine! Have a blessed Christmas, my friend!
I’m still working on those traits that Joseph exhibited–it’s a continuous journey for me. I’m so thankful our Father is patient, merciful, and always willing to help me when I stumble. Wishing you and your family a blessed and Happy New Year, Kathy.
I appreciate Joseph. He was a man of faith and showed great fortitude. Wonderful thoughts for the season and all the time! Thanks, Katherine.
Thanks for your encouraging response, Debbie. Wishing you and your family a healthy, blessed, and Happy New Year!
I’m sure Mary was thankful for Joseph’s faith and that he listened, obeyed, and followed through. Merry Christmas, Katherine!
When God chose Joseph to be Mary’s husband it was truly a blessing for her. It’s wonderful to know that our Father is so faithful and we are so loved.