Topical Bible: Joseph: Husband of Mary: Jesus Born To

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Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph, a central figure in the New Testament, is best known as the earthly husband of Mary and the legal father of Jesus Christ. His life and role are primarily documented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where he is depicted as a righteous and obedient servant of God.

Lineage and Background

Joseph was a descendant of King David, which is significant in fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage. The Gospel of Matthew traces Joseph's genealogy back to David, emphasizing his royal heritage (Matthew 1:1-16). This connection establishes Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of David, a key aspect of Messianic prophecy.

Betrothal to Mary

Joseph's betrothal to Mary is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. According to Matthew 1:18-19 , before they came together, Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, described as a just man, initially planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace. This decision reflects his compassionate nature and adherence to the law.

Divine Revelation and Obedience

Joseph's course of action changed following a divine revelation. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, for the child conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-21). The angel further revealed that the child would be named Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins. Joseph's immediate obedience to the angel's command demonstrates his faith and willingness to participate in God's redemptive plan.

Role as Protector and Provider

Joseph's role as protector and provider is evident throughout the early life of Jesus. After Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, Joseph was again visited by an angel in a dream, warning him of King Herod's intent to kill the child. In response, Joseph took Mary and Jesus and fled to Egypt, ensuring their safety (Matthew 2:13-15). This act fulfilled the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son."

Upon Herod's death, Joseph was instructed by an angel to return to Israel. He settled in Nazareth, a town in Galilee, where Jesus would grow up (Matthew 2:19-23). Joseph's actions underscore his role as a diligent guardian, ensuring the fulfillment of God's purposes.

Carpenter and Family Life

Joseph is traditionally identified as a carpenter, a trade he likely passed on to Jesus (Matthew 13:55). This profession not only provided for his family but also symbolized humility and hard work. The Gospels do not provide extensive details about Joseph's life beyond Jesus' childhood, and he is notably absent from the narratives of Jesus' public ministry, suggesting he may have died before this period.

Legacy and Significance

Joseph's legacy is one of faithfulness, obedience, and humility. As the earthly father of Jesus, he played a crucial role in the divine plan of salvation. His willingness to embrace God's will, despite personal and societal challenges, serves as a model of righteousness and devotion. Through his actions, Joseph exemplifies the virtues of trust in God and commitment to family, leaving an enduring impact on Christian thought and tradition.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 1:25
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Statement of the Reason Why the Enumeration of the Ancestors of ...
... the human generation of Christ, mentioning His ancestors from Abraham downwards,
and carrying them on to Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter i a statement of the.htm

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise...
... to which, except in the words printed in italics, it is strictly parallel in
construction, reads thus: "Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, who of ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ii the birth of.htm

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... for a long journey, and go with her husband to Bethlehem ... room for them in the inn,
Mary and Joseph had to ... Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm

Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... Jacob; 16. And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born
Jesus, who is called Christ.'"MATT.1.1-16. To begin a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogical Difficulty and Insists that ...
... tribe of Levi, could be given to a husband of the ... In this way, by the marriage of
Joseph's daughter in the ... which Joachim is called the father of Mary, I should ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogical.htm

And Joseph Having Come to a Feast with his Sons...
... has: And when Joseph, worn out with old age, died and ... She called her Mary, and gave
her to Alph??us to ... And her second husband having died, Anna was married to ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 42 and joseph having.htm

The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... king. And very soon after these wise men had gone away, the Lord
sent another dream to Joseph, the husband of Mary. He ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of jesus the.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... privily [The law of Moses gave the husband the power ... Joseph feared as a son of David
that this marriage ... as a man lest he should share Mary's apparent disgrace ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

The Nativity
... her first-born son: and he called His name JESUS.'"MATT.1.18 ... in on him after he was
bound to Mary, and in ... As a 'just man' and 'her husband,' Joseph owed it to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the nativity.htm

Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... 15 and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus [the name ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm