Lessons from Joseph: The Forgotten Man of Christmas

An Ordinary Man

Today our focus turns to the life of Joseph — not the Joseph known for his amazing technicolor dream coat found in the book of Genesis. This Joseph has an important role in the Christmas story. While the Gospel of Luke tells us about Mary's experience, the Gospel of Matthew centers on Joseph. Despite this, Joseph is often described as the forgotten man in the story of Jesus' birth. Let's take him out of the shadows, examine his life, and discover what we can learn from his example.

Joseph lived in Nazareth and worked as a carpenter. Although carpentry was an important trade, it was neither highly paid nor particularly prestigious. Like Mary, Joseph was a descendant of King David, and he was a good man. Matthew describes him as someone who "always did what was right." He's often identified simply as Joseph who married Mary — a description some men might be uncomfortable with.

One might wonder: why wasn't Joseph a king, or a priest, or a prophet? Eugene Peterson observes that in our time, the trivial and evil feed the appetite for gossip. In a journalistic culture, neither goodness nor righteousness make the headlines. In today's secular world, so focused on celebrities and victims, we often fail to recognize God at work in ordinary, sometimes unlikely people. Saints frequently go unnoticed.

Christmas gives us a timely reminder to appreciate how God works through ordinary circumstances and everyday people. Joseph teaches us that throughout history, God has used ordinary people — people like you and me — who quietly make themselves available for God's purposes.

A Spiritual Man

Joseph discovered that Mary, to whom he was engaged, was pregnant — and he knew he was not the father. This was a scandalous situation, especially in that cultural context. Joseph, described again as a man who "always did what was right," knew the Jewish law required him to divorce Mary. He decided to do so privately, hoping to spare her from as much disgrace as possible.

However, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, encouraging him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. The angel explained that it was by the Holy Spirit that she had conceived:

She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Later, Joseph received another message from God in a different dream (Matthew 2:13). He was receptive to these messages, even though they contradicted everything he was feeling. Joseph acted according to God's instructions, despite the cost to his reputation.

How did Joseph receive these messages as being from God? He was familiar enough with Hebrew prophecy to make the connection. Joseph's example reminds us that God has a purpose for each of us, and being available for God's purposes means listening for God's voice and knowing His word.

In Matthew's account of Jesus' birth, God communicates in many ways — a star, angels, dreams, prophecies, and scriptures. Each encounter invites the recipient to be expectant and to look beyond what dazzles and distracts.

An Obedient Servant

When Joseph woke from his dream, he did as the angel instructed and married Mary. By doing so, Joseph brought Mary and the unborn child under his protection and care. He set aside his reputation to follow God's instructions precisely.

Most of us don't need an angel to tell us what to do. The loving and wise choice is often clear. However, knowing what to do doesn't always mean we follow through. Joseph's life was marked by obedient action.

As someone once said, Joseph never announces, pronounces, or denounces. In the gospel record, Joseph never speaks a single word. His witness is evident in what he does — not in words, songs, or prophecies. Joseph made plans, considered his options, awoke from his dream, married Mary, and named their son Jesus. Motivated by love for God and Mary, Joseph accepted a role that brought misunderstanding and suspicion. Once God had spoken, the opinions of others no longer mattered to him.

Joseph's Legacy and Our Calling

There's little doubt that Joseph of Nazareth had a profound impact on Jesus' early life. It's worth noting that the boy entrusted to Joseph would later teach his followers to call God "Father."

In a real sense, God continues to entrust His Son, Jesus, to each of us. We are called to protect and carry the truth of Jesus wherever we go, even when it comes at personal cost. Every time we serve the physical needs of another person, it's as if we're doing that for Jesus — as Matthew writes about in chapter 25. As the church, we're called together to make up His body on earth.

Which of Joseph's qualities will you ask God to develop in your life this Christmas?