josh whitehead

Mary had the baby, but Joseph was awesome too! There – I said it. Tonight in our small group we discussed another person of the Christmas story. Joseph. There’s not a ton of background given about him, but Scripture says some amazing things about his character. Check out Matthew 1 -

¹⁸This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  ²⁰But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream…. (NIV)

Joseph was a righteous man. He was a man who sought after God and kept His commands. But, he was also a humble man. Here’s how we know it – Joseph had every right to get angry and under the law divorce Mary, making a public spectacle of her and her family.

Not Joseph.

After hearing all of the information about the visitation of an angel and the ensuing pregnancy “through the Holy Spirit, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” He left the house that day and reassured her dad – I will not disgrace your family. But he had not made up his mind. Honestly, I think he probably walked home praying, “God, please say something.” He thought it through at least 10,000 times, and “after he had considered this, and angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.”

Joseph was an awesome man of amazing integrity, humility and compassion. I’m a man (hope that didn’t surprise you) that wants the heart of Joseph. Look at what else Matthew 1 says -

²⁴When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (NIV)

It was the most humbling experience of all – he married a woman that from outside appearances had cheated on him.

God, will you give me the heart, humility and honor of Joseph.