Joseph (1:18-25)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 3: Joseph’s Story)

Joseph was probably about 25 or so and Mary around 16 when they were betrothed to one another. There really wasn’t any ‘dating’ or even ‘courting’ so much as there were arranged marriages. But that isn’t to say that ‘love’ wasn’t involved. A family would probably ‘set-up’ their son based on observed interest or personal request. Of course, Mary’s pregnancy created a gigantic problem for Joseph.

Joseph had to make a big decision

1. Marry Mary quickly
2. Privately divorce her
3. Publicly divorce her as an adulteress

The 2nd option was the middle position, which he decided to take. But the angelic announcement to Joseph caused him to take option #1. They were probably married very shortly thereafter.

Later on, Caesar called for a census to be taken. The census, it seems, solved 2 problems:

1. It quieted probable gossip in Nazareth
2. It fulfilled the prophecy of a Bethlehem birth


What do we learn about him prior to the birth?

1. He was from the line of David (Luke 1:27)

2. He was the son of Jacob (Matt 1:17)

3. He was a righteous man (Matt 1:19)

4. He didn’t act rashly (Matt 1:20)

5. God wanted him in the picture (Matt 1:20-21)

6. He was obedient no matter the personal cost
(Matt 1:24-25, Luke 3:23)

7. He followed the Roman law (Luke 2:4)


What do we learn about him after the birth?

1. He knew Jesus’ was a special child (Luke 2:16, 33)

2. He followed the Jewish law (Luke 2:22, 39)

3. He protected his family (Matt 2:13-15, 19-23)

4. He was thought of as a commoner (Matt 13:55)

5. He trained Jesus in handiwork (Mark 6:3)

6. He submitted to God as Jesus’ true Father
(Luke 2:49)

7. He probably died before Jesus’ ministry (Luke 2:34-35)