Life at the Time
It’s fascinating to explore the world that existed at the time of Jesus’s birth. The Roman Empire dominated the region and brought both wealth and tyranny to the area. On one hand, trade thrived and there was relative peace under King Herod, half Jewish by birth. On the other hand, the same man had multiple wives, concubines, children and relatives killed, based on his personal conspiracy theories, according to historian Paul Johnson and many others.
In this context, Joseph was a carpenter – “builder” is perhaps a better term, just like “leatherworker” is more descriptive of the apostle Paul’s day job. Nazareth, Joseph’s hometown, was where he met Mary and proposed to her. She would have been a teenager and they were preparing for a wedding approximately a year later. Carpenters had plenty of work in an empire obsessed with building concrete roads and buildings and they were set for a life of relative comfort, it seemed.
Choosing Kindness
Joseph was secure in his identity and leadership and trusted people freely. He understood that love is not controlling, but rather patient and hopeful (1 Cor 13:4,7). “For example, he allowed Mary – who wanted to confirm the words given to her by the angel Gabriel – to travel “alone” (i.e. as part of a caravan) to the mountains of Judea, about 140 km away, to visit Elizabeth (Luke 1:39ff). Mary is clearly a spirited, courageous person (this is one of 3 long trips she embarks on that year) and Joseph knows she can handle it. When she returns, Mary is pregnant, though, much to the surprise of Joseph. He is within his rights to divorce her publicly but chooses instead to do so privately, to avoid her “public disgrace” (Matt. 1:19). When an angel reveals that Mary has not been unfaithful, he marries her – a year early – and even waits till after the birth to enjoy a “honeymoon” with Mary! That is patience, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22)!
Hearing and Honouring
Joseph clearly loved the Lord and his wife, and he chose obedience to God even when it came with finger-pointing (locals would logically assume that Jesus was his natural son) and sacrificing his own needs. He embraced the bigger picture and honoured the Lord. This is a challenge to us as modern-day Christians: Are we prepared to stand up for what’s right in the face of lost income, criticism, social-media fall-out or ridicule, for the sake of the Kingdom? Being a friend of Jesus means that we embrace the truth that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). What an honour! In Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, we learn of Polycarp (+/- A.D. 162), who was urged by the governor to denounce Jesus and live. Instead, he replied (my paraphrase), “I have served Him for 86 years and He never once wronged me; how then can I blaspheme my King, who has saved me?” Oh, God’s goodness and mercy!
Joseph honoured the laws of the land, even under an unjust ruler (see 1 Peter 2 for more guidance) and took his family through for the census, 130km away. They would have walked, as using pack donkeys is slower and less safe for a pregnant woman. With no room in the Inn, they probably used a cave for the birth (of which there are many near Bethlehem) and Joseph would have needed to prepare the venue – I imagine a fair amount of sweeping was involved! Next, he acted as the “midwife” delivering the baby and later hosted shepherds and the Middle Eastern Magi, to the best of his ability. He certainly honoured the guests and led his family through some trying times (including fleeing for their lives) that must have come with many “why” questions from a young Jesus and his brothers.
When an angel warned Joseph in a dream to leave Bethlehem, he instantly obeyed. Many of us might have – like Gideon (Judges 6:1-40) – asked for serious confirmation (perhaps more than once).
I’m not even beginning to acknowledge how amazing Mary was in this – please note – since my focus is on Joseph’s role. But, Wow! There was a lot to learn and cope with in their first year of marriage!
Joseph the Partner
Joseph was used to following Jewish traditions – such as Mary’s purification ritual and Jesus’s circumcision (Luke 2:29) – and they definitely spent time in the Scriptures and in prayer, enabling Jesus to connect with his Heavenly Father and learn wisdom that he could chat to the synagogue leaders about. Joseph prioritised the voice of God over the voice of his own reason, the crowds and popular culture and instilled these values in his family. He would have taught Jesus how to pray, and Jesus taught us an even better way (Matthew 6:9).
We are told that Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for Passover each year (Luke 2:41), which means that his business was doing well enough that he could take 3 weeks off each year. There is wisdom here, whether it involves developing others and delegating responsibilities to them (multiple streams) or being able to offer such good work that we become “niche” and close our books early (becoming truly valuable) while we attend a trans-local Equip, for example. Yes, please!
There is a level of excellence that Joseph passed on to Jesus, who would have grown up in Dad’s workshop, possibly learning other industries, too, before beginning his ministry at age 30. Besides references to building, such as Matt. 21:42, Jesus the craftsman made a whip (John 2:15) before he cleared the temple. I imagine it was a very robust whip… and just imagine how awesome the places will be that He is preparing for us in Heaven!
Beyond the business aspects of Joseph’s craft, we always see him with Mary, encouraging the family to be at the social and cultural festivals, involved in temple life, helping to look for Jesus when the family “misplace” him at the temple, and being personally devoted to God. Joseph did not live to see Jesus begin his ministry, but his life is a testimony of grace, love and kindness that reflects the love of God the Father (Luke 11:13).
Where does that leave us?
Firmly in Joseph’s footsteps, I believe. Joseph was no superhero, yet his humble and willing heart allowed those around him to thrive. And we can serve the purposes of God in our generation: at work, at home or at play. We can mentor, lead, love and support; role-model, correct, inspire and improve. We can be “good soil” to nurture and establish those around us. Like Joseph, we are God’s “handiwork” – masterpieces made by the Master Craftsman – “so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10, NLT). Let’s embrace the wonderful adventure He is taking us on, and celebrate our Great King, who humbled Himself to become one of us so that we can become one with Him for eternity.
– Hylton Gudmanz