Joseph: Ready to Be Humbled [Advent]
In this Advent series, we’ve been looking at some characters in the Nativity who demonstrated they were ready to speak – something my organization is on mission to help instill in the next generation. We’ve looked at the shepherds, Simeon and Anna, and (of course) Mary.
But today, I want to look at Joseph.
Joseph is a bit of a surprise in the Nativity story. He doesn’t usually get much attention in Advent sermons or devotionals – at least not as much as the others clustered around the manger.
In the first chapter of Matthew, we get a glimpse into Joseph’s character as he takes in the news that his betrothed is unexpectedly pregnant and must decide how he will respond. Understandably, he was shocked and troubled. Many assume that his distress was a result of not fully believing Mary’s story about her visitation from the angel Gabriel. That he may have suspected adultery.
There’s another interpretation of Joseph’s reaction that has been widely accepted. In fact, some highly respected theologians like Thomas Aquinas propose this: Joseph, knowing Mary’s character and the Messianic prophecies, may have believed in her divine conception and simply felt unworthy to be a part of God’s plan.
Joseph did not wish to send Mary away so that he could take another wife, or on account of any suspicion, but because he feared to cohabit with such holiness out of reverence; which is why it was said to him, Do not fear to take Mary as your wife (Matt 1:20).
When I really reflect on what it must mean to live at home with God in the flesh – well, to say it sounds intimidating is an understatement.
Then the angel visited Joseph. No matter what was going through his mind when he got the practically-unbelievable story from Mary, his actions ultimately demonstrated his faith. His obedience to God and commitment to protecting Mary and the unborn Jesus set the stage for his role as the earthly father and guardian of the Holy Family. When the angel came, Joseph was ready to speak and ready to say “Yes.”
Joseph was ready to speak because:
- he was a “just man” (v. 19), with a strong and committed faith.
- he was a devout Jew who knew the profound weight of the Messianic prophecies.
- he didn’t react impulsively or rashly, but planned to divorce Mary quietly to protect her reputation.
- he showed wisdom and compassion for Mary.
- he was willing to learn that he was wrong, and that he should pivot his response.
- he was open to divine guidance, willing to act on the angel’s message from God (v. 24).
Joseph was a man of great character, and certainly God blessed his readiness by empowering him to “cohabit with such holiness.” Even when presented with a situation that defied human understanding, Joseph was able to respond in a way that was not rash, was exceptionally obedient, and that empowered him to protect and mentor Jesus throughout his childhood.
What about you? Are you nurturing your heart and faith in a way that empowers you to heed divine guidance? Are you able to learn and accept that your first response isn’t always the best, and that you need to pivot? What are some ways Joseph’s humility and obedience inspires you?
