Joseph and Mary are another believing example of a married couple who did God’s will. In their lives we see: Mary’s immediate obedience to God, God’s care for Joseph’s concerns, how they obeyed the law they knew to fulfill a prophecy about the Messiah, God encouraging them by other faithful believers, God showing Joseph how to protect and care for his young family, their teaching Jesus the Scriptures so he could grow in God’s grace, and God blessing them with a big family.
Mary’s Immediate Obedience
A young girl, probably in her early teens according to Eastern culture in her time, was visited by an angel. She was engaged to be married, but had not started living with her husband. This angel had some marvelous, and yet potentially disturbing news.
Luke 1:26-33:
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Unlike Zacharias who showed his unbelief by questioning the angel, Mary immediately trusted God’s messenger and only asked how it would come to pass. The angel told her about Elisabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. But Mary would be different. She would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God! Mary truly believed that nothing was impossible with God, who had given her barren relative the joy of bearing a child. Now she would do the same as “the handmaid of the Lord.”
Luke 1:34-38:
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
God Cares for Joseph’s Concerns
Mary rejoiced at this miracle beginning to grow inside her body. But her engaged husband was now put in a very awkward position. If a woman was found with child before coming together with her husband, she could be stoned to death. Or the husband could write a bill of divorcement and put her away. Joseph had learned of Mary’s pregnancy and was trying to figure out the right thing to do. God sent His angel again, to get Joseph on the “right page” with Mary about this great and wonderful news that would bring salvation for all people.
Matthew 1:18-23:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Joseph knew the scriptures and had probably read this prophecy in Isaiah. Now his very own engaged wife was the virgin who “shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son.” His name would mean that God was actually with His people in the life of His only begotten Son. Joseph responded to this heavenly vision and stood by Mary in this great and consequential challenge.
Matthew 1:24,25:
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Joseph and Mary Obey the Law and Fulfill God’s Prophecy of the Messiah
Joseph and Mary lived in Galilee in a world where the Roman Empire held political sway over the lives of Judeans. Caesar Augustus wanted all people in his realm to pledge their allegiance to him. Although Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth of Galilee, they traveled south to Judea to the small town of Bethlehem, the city of David. That is because both Joseph and Mary were of the lineage of King David. Joseph was through David’s son Nathan [Luke 3:31] and Mary was through David’s son Solomon [Matthew 1:6, 16]. The word “husband” should be translated “father” in Matthew 1:16.
Being obedient to the Roman civil law that they knew, they went to Bethlehem, their family home, to be enrolled in this Roman registration. In 3 BC [when many scholars think Jesus was born], Caesar Augustus turned 60, it was the 25-year anniversary of his reign as Emperor, and also the 750th anniversary of Rome’s founding. Joseph and Mary had gone through the betrothal and wedding ceremonies and were now husband and wife. They both went to Bethlehem because they were both descendants of David.
Luke 2:4-7:
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn [not her only begotten, she had other children] son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes [strips of cloth indicating royal birth], and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
God’s promise to all people, beginning with Adam and Eve after the fall [Genesis 3:15], had now come to pass. And God would show Joseph and Mary how important their obedience had been. He sent angels to tell meek and humble shepherds about the birth of His Son. And these shepherds found Joseph and Mary with their newborn son!
Luke 2:15-21:
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
What great news! The shepherds immediately acted on the angel’s message and found these first-time parents with their new son. They even saw the “swaddling clothes,” which were only left on the newborn for a few minutes. The shepherds couldn’t keep this miraculous story to themselves, and heralded it abroad. Mary kept all of these great truths in her heart. She would need to remember God’s calling in the years ahead, culminating in her seeing Jesus crucified. Like the shepherds, Joseph and Mary glorified God for the great privilege they had in nurturing and caring for His Son.
God Encouraging Them by Other Faithful Believers
Joseph and Mary not only obeyed Roman law, they did their best to follow the Mosaic Law. That is why they presented Jesus in the Temple at the appropriate time. And once again, God sent messengers to encourage them in their great calling.
Luke 2:22-38:
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna were an answer to Joseph and Mary’s need for encouragement. And God allowed these two elderly believers, who had been so faithful to serve Him, the privilege of actually seeing the Messiah before they died. When we obey God’s will, everyone who does so gets blessed!
God Shows Joseph How to Protect and Care for His Young Family
Zoroastrian priests, called Magi, had come from the Persian Empire to find the newborn King of the Judeans. The Prophet Daniel had been in charge of these priests long before, and had told them what astronomical signs would herald the Messiah’s birth. When they approached King Herod, he was shocked at this news. He asked where the Messiah was to be born and found the answer—in Bethlehem. He sent the Magi there to find the child and return to him. But God warned these devoted priests to return to Persia another way. Herod then decided to kill all young boys born about the same time as Jesus, who was now less than a year and a half old. But God warned Joseph about Herod’s plans.
Matthew 2:13-15:
And when they [the Magi] were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Look at Joseph’s protection and care of his family. He immediately obeyed God when time was of the essence and meant life and death. God showed Joseph where to go. Once again, his faithful actions fulfilled a prophecy about the Messiah, God’s Son. When it was safe to return home, God let Joseph know. But on the way back to Judea, God warned him to move to Nazareth. This was a logical place to live since he and Mary were from that region. This also was a fulfillment of prophecy that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:19-23:
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Teaching Jesus the Scriptures So He Could Grow in God’s Grace
This return to Nazareth is also recorded in Luke’s gospel, with added insight about Jesus’ early years.
Luke 2:39,40:
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
And the child grew, and waxed strong…filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Joseph and Mary raised Jesus to know that he was God’s Son and the future Redeemer of mankind. They would have taught him so many scriptures about himself and what he was to do. Jesus was filled with God’s wisdom, which only comes with a respect for God and His Word. God’s grace was fully upon His Son. Luke also shows how amazingly Jesus had grown by the time he was twelve. Joseph and Mary took their pre-teen on a visit to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Luke 2:41-52:
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour [grace] with God and man.
Jesus was subject to Joseph and Mary, as an obedient Judean son. He knew that God had given him the best parents available, including a mother who believed to conceive by the Holy Spirit. As he obeyed his parents, Jesus increased in wisdom and maturity. God’s grace was upon him, and people began to see that there was something unique and godly in this young boy. Think of all the situations where Jesus learned, for Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” With the help of loving parents, Jesus walked with God and always did his Father’s will.
God Gave Joseph and Mary a Big Family
We saw in Luke 2:7 that Jesus was Mary’s “firstborn” child. But she and Joseph had at least six other children. The Bible doesn’t say when or how Joseph died, but Mary and her children were still alive during Jesus’ ministry.
Matthew 13:53-56:
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
And when he was come into his own country [Nazareth], he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
Mark 6:1-3:
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country [Nazareth]; and his disciples follow him.
And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
The Bible mentions Jesus’ brothers: James, Joses, Juda, and Simon. Jesus also had at least two sisters [since “sisters” is plural] living in Nazareth. Look at how God blessed Joseph and Mary with such a large family. That is similar to Hannah, who had three sons and two daughters after she lent her firstborn son, Samuel, “to the Lord.”
1 Samuel 2:20,21:
And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife [Hannah], and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.
And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Like Samuel, Jesus grew up before the Lord in a large, loving family with godly parents who taught him the scriptures. May we be worthy parents of the children the Lord gives to us.
