CHARACTER STUDY ~ JOSEPH (MARY'S HUSBAND)

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This December, we have been looking at characters in the Bible that protected the lives of children. Today's character is Joseph the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The name Joseph is a Hebrew name that means God shall add or increase. He was the earthly or foster father of Jesus Christ. He is of the lineage of Judah.


Characteristics of Joseph:

✔ He is a gentleman both in spirit and in flesh. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she got pregnant with the Holy Spirit without Joseph's knowledge. Being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. It only takes a kind-hearted person to secretly put his woman away quietly as her act is an abomination. We need the spirit of gentleness to relate with others. 

✔ He encountered the angel of the Lord who explained Mary's situation to him. If we make our ways align with God's will for our lives, we will encounter Him.  

✔ He was obedient and did as was instructed to do. He took Mary as his wife and took care of her until she delivered.

✔ He is faithful and morally upright. He did not know Mary until she gave birth. This teaches us to be sexually pure and flee fornication and adultery. 

✔ He was involved in all the childhood rituals performed for the baby Jesus: dedication at the temple, circumcision, and purification rites. He was also supportive of the search for Jesus while he was at the temple discussing with elders.   

✔ His zeal for God made the Lord reveal to him the intent of Herod. He fled with the baby Jesus and his mother to Egypt for safety until the opportune time before they returned home. If we take good care of the things entrusted to our care, God will ensure they are preserved.  

✔ He was a carpenter. He had something doing as livelihood this is expected of us too to get busy with some work. 

✔ There was no mention of him as Jesus grew. Probably he might have passed on or been passive.


Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 1 & 2; Luke 2

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