Joseph of Nazareth - Church News
When unexpected events come into our lives it is often difficult to cope with such unforeseen or surprise happenings. Some people under these circumstances lose their moorings or even abandon the original goals they were seeking before the unintended events faced them.
But such was not the case with Joseph of Nazareth, whose life took an unanticipated turn of events as the time drew nigh for the earthly advent of Jesus Christ.Joseph, a carpenter by trade, was of the royal lineage of David. Had Judah not been under Roman rule, Joseph would have ruled as her rightful sovereign. He was engaged to one of his city's most beautiful maidens, his cousin Mary. Their fathers were brothers, and this was expected to be a joyous family event.
Under Jewish law marriage took place in two steps. First was the espousal or betrothal, and then later came the more formal marriage ceremony. The espousal carried with it the fullest sense of responsibility. So serious was this time of betrothal that it could only be broken by a process akin to divorce.
It was during this sacred period of commitment to each other that Mary received a surprise visit from the Angel Gabriel, who announced to her that she had found great favor with God. And then he said:
". . . Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS." (Luke 1:31.)
Because she had not yet married Joseph, Mary questioned the angel how such a thing could be. "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35.)
With humility, the young virgin, perhaps 15 or 16 years of age, accepted the angel's message and did, indeed, conceive the child of God.
But then came the task of telling Joseph. This must not have been easy, for the supposition is that after she informed him she quickly left Nazareth and went to the land of Judea to be with her older and wiser cousin Elisabeth, the wife of Zacharias. The angel Gabriel had told Mary of the miraculous pregnancy of Elisabeth, who was to bear John the Baptist.
With Elisabeth and Zacharias, Mary must have felt secure for both of them had received witness through the Spirit that Mary was to bear the divine Christ child.
For about three months while Mary was in Judea, Joseph wrestled with his unexpected problems.
In his agony and uncertainty Joseph must have wanted to believe Mary's account because of his love for her. However, the scripture states, "Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily." (Matt. 1:19.) Under Jewish law this meant that he would give her a letter of divorce in the presence of two witnesses rather than make it a matter of public knowledge and possible gossip.
One can only imagine how Joseph must have pondered and prayed, how his faith was tested to the utmost, and how he went through the refiner's fire. But his faith triumphed, he passed the tests, and the Angel Gabriel then came to him and declared:
"Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." (Matt. 1:20.)
How welcome these words must have been to the troubled Joseph. Now he knew. There was no doubt. He bade Mary to return and they were married immediately. But the scriptures assure us that Joseph honored the condition of Mary and "knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son. . . ." (Matt. 1:25.)
Under Jewish law a man could consider an adopted son his own if he taught him a handicraft or trade. Undoubtedly Jesus learned carpentry from Joseph. The scriptures also affirm: "And he served under his father, and he spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him." (JST Matt. 3:25.)
Joseph was a faithful husband to Mary. He was a valiant mortal parent to Jesus. The Lord had called him to a special mission, and every indication is that he fulfilled it with diligence and honor. How glorious it would have been to hear him bear his testimony about the events surrounding the birth and early life of Jesus.
Like Joseph of old we, too, must cope with unexpected events. When they occur and our faith is tested, it would be well for us to exhibit the courage, persistence, and valiance of Joseph. With such faith and determination we, too, can do all that God expects of us and conquer the unexpected problems of life.
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