Joseph gets a minor amount of attention in the birth story of Jesus, appearing in Matthew 1:18-25. In today’s vernacular we would say he has the part of a supporting actor. Mary, with justification, carries the lead, and the baby Jesus himself supplants all others upon his arrival. Nonetheless, I’ve often felt Joseph deserving of a little more press.
He appears to be a stable presence in the lives of Mary and Jesus. He is described in Matthew as “just” or “righteous”. I would suggest him to also have been kind, merciful or generous. Why? By rights Joseph could have caused Mary a lot of trouble when he learned of her pregnancy, and knew he wasn’t responsible. A betrothed woman accused of adultery could have been publicly tried and even stoned to death according to Duet. 22:23ff. Yet, even before his dream with its angelic visit, Joseph had in mind not to do this. Instead he planned to give Mary a writ of divorce in a quiet manner, releasing them from their bond to an unknown future.
Sure, this action may appear somewhat self-serving, as it washed Joseph’s hands of any more involvement, and would have surely exposed Mary – a young unwed mother to economic and social heartache. But wasn’t there something more in Joseph than just self-preservation? He does appear to be thinking of Mary, despite the disappointment he may have felt upon learning of her pregnancy.
The dream, of course, changes everything! It causes Joseph to reconsider the situation, and to reconsider his actions. It moves him from “giving up” to being “all in” with Mary in this divine assignment that’s come their way. Upon hearing of Jesus’ identity and divine origin, Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” This does appear to be the action of a “just” and “righteous” man. Rather than abandon his betrothed he embraces her and the unknown future they both now enter.
A key line in the Matthean telling of Joseph’s story comes in verse 21: She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus.” In Jewish custom it was the father’s role to name a child. We see that in the prior story of John’s birth, when at eight days old in the dedication and naming ceremony Zechariah is consulted as to the unexpected name of “John” being offered for his son. Though Elizabeth had spoken it, Zechariah as the father was the one to affirm it.
So, when Joseph names Mary’s baby “Jesus”, as the angel had commanded, it’s as though he’s adopting this child. Joseph is assuming the role he’s been chosen for, alongside Mary who had also been found to have “favor” with God. Joseph will go on to influence and shape Jesus’ understanding of a father. Yet none of this would have happened had Joseph not found the capacity to reconsider.
“Reconsideration” is not an especially faith known word, but maybe it should be. It has some kinship to “mercy” and “grace”. It’s about taking a fresh look, thinking it over, and offering a second chance. Those are actions oft associated with faith. Joseph is the latest in a long line of Biblical folk to offer this gift. His life is a foreshadowing of what a difference the Gospel can make.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…”. I submit that Joseph allowed his mind to be renewed through the dream, which led him to rethink his actions and offer all of us who follow Jesus the gift of reconsideration.
danielcash 