Joseph the Silent Saint

For our lesson today, I want to look at the life of Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, who is well known as the silent saint. What is there to learn from this poor carpenter whose role in the birth of the Savior is so important, that is often overlooked? Join me as we learn more about Joseph this Christmas season.

Gospel in the Air is a podcast ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church. We are located in Maui, Hawaii, USA. Our number is (808) 463-8859. You can also visit our website at www.cornerstonemaui.org or you can send your email to danibanggo@gmail.com.

Transcript

Episode 9
Joseph: A Silent Saint
Text: Matthew 1: 18-25 

© Dani Banggo 12/17/2023

Hello everyone! From the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii USA I want to greet you with a warm Aloha! I hope this devotional mediation finds you good and well as I share with you the gospel of grace that gives you eternal hope as you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. May you be enlightened with new insights for living as the Spirit of God reveals His passion for humankind to be saved, that is, that no one should perish but all will come to repentance.

Our devotional meditation is found in the book of Matthew 1:18-25. I will read to you the following verses:

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.
19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

My family and I enjoy watching movies about Christmas because they are not violent but promote strong moral values. It is good to watch a 30-minute episode before bedtime. There are many inspiring lessons of life that one can learn from them. But in all these movies, however, I have noticed that they have one thing in common; they have the same main character all throughout, which is Santa Claus! He is always there being portrayed as a gracious and a very loving father and a grandfather to all, especially among children. He is being portrayed as a man with a mission during Christmas to help save humankind. In other words, Santa Claus is identified with Christmas, as if without him Christmas is meaningless. No wonder Santa Claus is found anywhere during Christmas season in different forms and in various missions. 

But what is unusual is that seldom you see Jesus Christ lying in a manger with his mother, Mary, and father, Joseph, with the shepherds and animals around him in a lowly stable. Seldom do you see the portrayal of a throng of angels in the sky announcing the birth of the Messiah. Instead, it is more prominent to see Mr. Snowman and the reindeers sleighing around in the snow. For many in the business world, it is time for business opportunities to boom and to gain more profit. For some others, it is just a plain wonderful holiday to celebrate with family and friends and co-workers without Jesus Christ. 

For our lesson today, I want to look at the life of Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, who is well known as the silent saint. What is there we can learn from this poor carpenter whose role in the birth of the Savior is so important that we often overlook? 

Joseph is from an insignificant village called Nazareth in Galilee (Lk. 2: 4; 4: 16, 22). It is not even mentioned in the Old Testament. Nazareth in Galilee is isolated that even the Jewish historian Josephus did not include it in his list as one among those villages in Galilee suppressed by the Romans during the Jewish revolt of AD 66-72.[1]  Generally, they have a bad reputation considering the initial reaction of Nathanael when he learned of Jesus of Nazareth, asking, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (Jn.1: 46). Accordingly, life in Galilee was hard in the first century AD. Mostly inhabitants rely on subsistence level of farming or day laborers employed by the Roman king, Herod Antipas, on major construction projects such as building roads and construction of public buildings.[2]

There is nothing special about the social standing of Joseph except that he is known as a carpenter (Mt.13: 55). After the incident mentioned in Lk.2: 41-50 when Jesus was twelve years old, we could no longer read about him. According to a fine scholar, Ronald Youngblood, 

"Joseph would have been dead by then. We can only presume that Joseph did not receive any formal education and could not read and write with proficiency. His association with Jesus is the only reason why his name is widely known today otherwise he would have been lost to the annals of history.”[3] 

But despite his humble life, Joseph stood out among his contemporaries. He was a descendant of King David (Mt.1: 1-16), and therefore, a member of Israel’s royal line (a reason why they went with Mary to Bethlehem to register for the Roman tax census, Mt.2: 1; Lk.2: 1-4). Joseph was also a faithful person regarding his religion.  

The conflict: Ancient Jewish marriage

Regarding the ancient custom of Jewish marriage, it is their practice that marriages are arranged between parents, and this is possible when the girl has reached the age between twelve and thirteen. But during engagement they cannot yet live together although they are already considered as “husband” and “wife.” They must wait a year later to formalize their union as a married couple. Until then they can have sexual contact. But during the engagement the man has the legal right over the girl. He can divorce her if the latter is found guilty of committing adultery.[4]

One can only imagine how Joseph felt upon learning of the pregnancy of his fiancée. There could be no way for him to believe whatever the explanation is much even worse by claiming to be the work of the Holy Spirit! It must be mind-boggling! His faithfulness to his religion could have caused him to demand justice by applying the Law of Moses. According to the law of Moses it has been written that “If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death (Lev.20: 10); or “If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel” (Deut. 22: 22). 

But his love and compassion for Mary prevailed over his religion. To avoid embarrassment, he carefully planned to divorce her quietly. It was hard for Joseph to decide because while he was faithful to the Law of Moses, he was also merciful at the same time to Mary.  

The resolution: God intervened through a dream.

While he was contemplating to divorce Mary quietly God intervened through a dream. There could have been many men in the lineage of David that could be the adoptive parents of Jesus, but Joseph was singled out because of his remarkable compassion and incomparable faith. His unique character set him apart to raise and protect Jesus from his birth and early childhood. 

In the Bible there are only few men where God made known to them his plans through dreams. One among them is Abraham. In a dream God promised to him by saying, “Your 4th generation will come back here…” [that is in Canaan] (Gen.15: 12-16). Jacob is another example. In a dream God told him, “I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying…” (Gen. 28: 10-15). Added to the list of dreamers is Joseph. He dreamt about the sheaves, the sun, the moon and the 11 stars bowing down to him (Gen. 37: 5-9). And then King Solomon. In his dream the Lord told him, “Ask whatever you want…” (1 Kings 3: 5). And finally, Daniel, who dreamt about the four beasts coming out of the sea and the Ancient of Days seated on His throne (Dan. 7: 1-27). 

Joseph had nothing in his life to be counted and numbered with these few selected men of God in the Bible. But because of his faithfulness he was called by God to become the father of the baby Jesus, to care and to protect him and his mother, Mary. Not only that in his dream he was told by the angel of God to name the child as Jesus which is the Greek version of the common Hebrew nameYeshua, a shortened form of Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”.[5] In other words, the name “Jesus” means “Jehovah is salvation” or Jehovah, the Savior.”[6] This child is Jehovah Himself, coming to earth veiled that glory in a human body. No wonder Paul in his letter to the Christians in Colossae said this about the Lord Jesus, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Col.2: 9).

Jesus has never been called “Immanuel.” But He was always called “Jesus.” However, he is the ultimate “Immanuel” when he was born and lived among us (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; Jn.1: 14). Jesus promised to continuously be with us if we proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Grace. He said emphatically “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20 in part). 

The application: Joseph took Mary as his wife.

Accordingly, when Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. He never questioned God and he did not doubt his dream. He did not lose any minute but immediately upon waking up he proceeded with the marriage. He wanted to care for the baby and his mother. But while in that stage of their married life the Bible is clear that they never had any sexual contact until Jesus was born. Matthew was mindful to write this down in verse 25 to show that the child is not a product of fertilization. After the birth of the child, they had a normal married life. Jesus had at least four brothers and sisters. This is what Mark recorded in his book, “Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.’ They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him” (Mk.6: 3; cf. Mt.13: 55-56). Two of his half-brothers were James and Jude who eventually became pillars of the church. 

His call for a special mission goes with great responsibility. And we can see how he faced squarely those obstacles and challenges with wisdom and maturity by trusting God completely. He obeyed God at His word (in a dream) without reservation, and he saved the child and his mother from the evil plan of Herod the Great. He escaped them to Egypt, and they remained there until the latter’s death (Mt.2: 13-15). Immediately they returned to Israel and settled in Galilee in a town called Nazareth (Mt.2: 22-23). From there on we have no idea what transpired in the life of the family of Joseph since the Bible is silent during those early years until the child was twelve years old (Lk.2: 42). But what we can be sure of is that Joseph and Mary reared and nurtured the child, Jesus, with love and care under God’s guidance. No wonder “the child grew up healthy and strong…filled with wisdom, and God’s favor…” (Lk.2: 40). Perhaps, Joseph taught him the basics of carpentry because that was the only trade he could leave as a legacy to the young boy. Indeed, Jesus was a carpenter that he cherished and valued so dearly but was made as a mockery and a laughing matter from among his townmates (Mk.6: 3). Joseph made it a point that Jesus could have something to use as a means for his livelihood when he is grown up. And he did not fail because Jesus was identified with that humble trade. Joseph was a complete success. He was able to accomplish the mission God gave him to fulfill.   

If you come to think all of this, probably you would ask how could someone from an obscure and insignificant village be called by God? There could have been many others that are worthy candidates for such a call but why him? The answer is that Joseph is a definition of faithfulness and devotion to God. He is nothing but a humble person with a big faith and a compassionate heart. He might have nothing in this world, but he was the perfect choice of God for His eternal plan to be fulfilled. Perhaps, God has called you, but you responded with a question, “Why, why me, Lord?” Joseph is not exceptional in our standard considering his status in life especially his roots: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” But look, when Joseph was called by God, he did what he was asked to do without hesitation. He took God at His word.

Today, God is calling every believer for a special mission to be His mouthpiece in this darkened world. Perhaps you are a parent or a child, or an employer or an employee, or maybe you are retired by now or still active in duty, or probably you are married or single, a man or a woman. And the lists go on, but nevertheless, whatever your condition or status in life you have a purpose and a reason for living. You have a role to perform and a mission to accomplish because God has created you for a purpose. You are very special because He has called you in His service. Like Joseph, are you ready and willing to obey the Master? Can you honestly say from your heart that you are willing to respond to his call no matter what the consequence is? God does not wait for someone to become righteous before being called in His service. He does not need you to be righteous to be qualified. What God needs is the willingness to change his life and submit to His authority by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.  

Look at these people whom God has called to accomplish His purpose. Look at their lives before they were called into His service. Not even one of them is worth mentioning. Abraham is a liar. The same with Isaac; he too is a flagrant liar enriching himself at the expense of his own twin brother Esau. Noah is also known as a drunkard. How about King David who is called a man after God’s own heart? He is not only an adulterer but also a murderer. Samson is another man known as a great womanizer. And how about that woman of Jericho named Rahab who is a well-known prostitute, and Zacchaeus a self-confessed cheater? And then comes Paul, the persecutor and murderer of the first century Christian church. And finally, Moses, another unworthy candidate for the crime of murder. But look, God called them in His service, and they made a difference. By His grace their names are forever remembered and are written in the annals of great faith because of their willingness to make a change. And this is what matters most in the eyes of God despite their backgrounds. Today God is calling you in His service and what is your response? 

And for those who have not yet surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, God is calling you today. Jesus came into this world to find you in order to bring you back home into his kingdom in heaven. By doing this he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Phils. 2:7) Jesus Christ became a man like one of us, born in a lowly manger wrapped in swaddling clothes on that Christmas eve. Indeed, this is the reason why we have Christmas to celebrate. It is all about the love of God to you sending Jesus Christ, His Son, to save you and to give you eternal hope. 

How manyfold is the love of God that Jesus came into this world just because of you. He came that you may have life and that you may it more abundantly (Jn. 10:10). Christmas reminds you of your salvation. It reminds you of his great love. Why don’t you accept Him by faith? Open your heart to Him. God is waiting for you right now.

It is my prayer that you have been blessed today. Listen to this podcast, Gospel in the Air, and be encouraged in your daily walk with Jesus. Gospel in the Air is a podcast ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church. We are located in Maui, Hawaii, USA. You can also visit our website at www.cornerstonemaui.org. This is your host, Brother Dani Marantan Banggo saying, keep punching the good fight of faith. Mahalo!

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[1] Ronald L. Nickelson, Senior Editor, Jane Ann Kenney, Commentary Editor, and Margaret K. Williams, Activity Page Editor, NIV Standard Commentary Volume 27 (Standard Publishing: Colorado Springs, CO, 2020), 131.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ronald F. Youngblood, General Editor, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Consulting Editors Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Thomas Nelson: Dallas, 1995), 884. 
[4] Donald A. Hagner, Word Biblical Commentary Volume 33a: Matthew 1-13 (Word Books, Publisher: Dallas, Texas, 1993), 17.
[5] Donald A. Hagner, Word Biblical Commentary Volume 33a: Matthew 1-13 (Word Books, Publisher: Dallas, Texas, 1993), 19.
[6] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Thomas Nelson: Dallas, 1995), 1205.