A Just Man

We know very little about Joseph, the husband of Mary

One thing we do know is that he was a just man! Matthew wrote of the birth of Jesus: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took unto him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called his name JESUS (Matthew 1:18-25).

He would not make a public example of Mary

This is a familiar passage to Bible students. There are many lessons to be drawn from the text, but our focus is on Joseph. When he learned that Mary was pregnant, his immediate response was to break off the engagement. He knew the child was not his, and at that moment he could think of only one possible explanation. Yet, being a just (honorable, righteous) man, he would not make a public example of Mary, but would privately break off the engagement.

Not vindictive

Unlike many today, Joseph was not vindictive. Nor did he plan to humiliate Mary. Just men do not behave that way. Fortunately, before he had opportunity to carry out his intentions, it was revealed to him that the child Mary carried was of the Holy Spirit. Joseph went through with the marriage. He raised Jesus as his own. It was a decision he never regretted.

We need more just men

Often, it is those with the greatest personal sins who are most intolerant of the sins of others. However, just men know when to publicly expose a sin and when to do deal with it privately. We need more just men like Joseph.

— Roger

FEBRUARY 5, 2012