The Overlooked Hero: Joseph’s Faith and Character in the Life of Jesus

Joseph, the husband of Mary, is often overlooked in the story of Jesus, but his character and faith played a significant role in the life of our Lord. A man of great faith, Joseph was entrusted by God in a generation that was declared to be without strength. As we read in Romans 5:6, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Joseph’s faith in God was demonstrated by his prompt obedience to every instruction given to him by the angel of God. Heaven trusted him to act accordingly.

Twice, Joseph had to shut down his business and relocate his young family for the sake of the young child, Jesus. During the course of these events, he kept his channels of communication with God open and active. Not once did he make a decision without consideration for the young child and without God’s leading.

As a just man, Joseph took full responsibility for being the father of Jesus, such that the public knew Jesus to be the son of Joseph. The circumstances of the immaculate conception of Jesus were kept away from the public’s knowledge, and Joseph took full responsibility for being the child’s biological father.

Joseph’s character was defamed, but he was unwilling to defend himself for the sake of righteousness. A child born out of wedlock was a stigma he had to live with, a cross he gladly carried. Many could have mocked him for false righteousness, but the righteousness of God demanded that he kept heaven’s secret a secret, or else the child could have been endangered and left to fight undue battles.

In Joseph, we have an example of how we are to conduct ourselves during seasons of hardship and sacrifice. Sometimes the demands of the righteousness of God may be uneasy on us, and it may require that we make uneasy decisions. It may demand that we go through seasons in the valleys. There may be demands to play the fool for the sake of God’s plans and righteousness.

Joseph’s faith and character are a testament to the power of faith and obedience to God. Young Jesus was weak, defenseless, and needed a guide, and Joseph filled in that responsibility. He was a man that lived for the sake of God and His kingdom, and his example serves as an inspiration for all.

Shalom!