The Character of Joseph
Yesterday we talked about Mary's brave "yes," but the Christmas story would have quickly fallen apart without the quiet, profound faith of another hero: Joseph. Poor Joseph! He receives the shocking news from Mary and then has to figure out how to respond. His character is a template for how we should handle unexpected, life-altering situations.
The Bible tells us that when he found out Mary was pregnant, he was a "just man" (Matthew 1:19, KJV). Because he was just, he knew he couldn’t marry her, but because he was also compassionate, he didn’t want to subject her to public shame or punishment. He decided to put her away "privily"—quietly, with dignity.
Joseph’s first instinct was to do the right thing gently. I think that’s an incredible lesson for us: even when we are dealing with confusion or hurt, our default should be grace.
But the story doesn't end there. God intervened. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and revealed the truth: "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" (Matthew 1:20, KJV).
And what was Joseph's response? Matthew 1:24 is one of my favorite examples of humble obedience: "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."
He didn't need a committee meeting. He didn't ask for a second dream. He didn't seek external confirmation. He simply woke up and did exactly what God commanded, instantly abandoning his own carefully made, compassionate plan for God’s far more radical one. He acted with absolute, unquestioning faith.
Joseph’s faith was marked by obedience, protection, and silence.
Obedience: He did what was asked of him, regardless of what his friends, family, or neighbors might think.
Protection: He protected Mary’s reputation and eventually their physical safety by fleeing to Egypt. He was the quiet, strong foundation for the Messiah’s human family.
Silence: We never read a single spoken word from Joseph in the Bible. He speaks volumes through his actions, not his announcements.
Think about the quiet acts of obedience God might be asking of you today. These actions might not receive any public recognition. They might feel ordinary. But Joseph proves that the most powerful, Christ-serving actions are often done without fanfare, simply because we trust the instruction we received from the Lord.
When the world throws a wrench in our plans—and believe me, it often does—let’s remember Joseph. Let’s strive to be a "just man" or a "just woman," full of grace and integrity, ready to act on God’s word the moment we wake up.