Christmas Responses: Joseph

​The second character in our nativity set is opposite Mary and is her husband. He teaches us to respond with submissive obedience this Christmas.

JOSEPH — SUBMISSIVE OBEDIENCE (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23)

​The first evidence of Joseph’s submissive obedience is found in Matthew 1:18-25.

• Verse 19 gives us the Spirit’s evaluation of Joseph’s heart—he was “a just man and unwilling to put her to shame.” In other words, Joseph is righteous and just, equitable and fair, kind and gracious.
• But now, in his integrity, he is understandably also concerned and confused, thoughtful and contemplative (vv. 18-19). This woman that he loves and trusts is now pregnant—he knows that the child is not his, and yet she “swears” that it is no one else’s. In fact, if it were not for his honorable fidelity, he would think her crazy, for she is providing an explanation that both shatters fixed natural law and goes against the grain of fantastical imagination, for they were commoners. And so, all things “considered” (v. 20) and all grace extended, Joseph comes up with a solution to “quietly” end the relationship (v. 19).
• However, before he finalizes his decision, the Lord informs him in a dream that Mary’s pregnancy is indeed miraculous and pure and prophetic, and he is instructed to marry her (vv. 20-21).
• So, this young lay carpenter, knowing full well the awkward and scandalous implications of marrying an already pregnant woman, simply “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (vv. 24-25). He was told to “take” Mary to be his wife and to “call” her son “Jesus.” Immediately after waking from sleep, he “took” Mary to be his wife, and when the child was born he “called his name Jesus.”
• Perhaps even more compelling in its evidence of his submissive faith is the text’s record that “he knew her not until she had given birth to a son.” He didn’t attempt any kind of human manipulation or “cover up.” He simply surrendered his anxiety and control to God in full obedience, which becomes characteristic of his life.

The second evidence of Joseph’s submissive obedience in found in Matthew 2:13-23.

• In Matthew 2:13, the verbs of command given by God to Joseph are “rise,” “take,” “flee,” and “remain.”  Joseph’s obedience is point for point in verse 14: he “rose,” “took,” “departed,” and “remained.” Again, in verses 20-21, he is commanded to “rise,” “take,” and “go,” and he follows in complete, step-by-step obedience.

Application: Two applications can be fleshed out at this point:

First, there is little doubt in my mind that Mary’s humble faith and Joseph’s submissive obedience fueled each other. This godly couple teaches us that our complete obedience will be in proportion to our faith in God’s revelation, specifically the gracious “Good News” of His Son Jesus.

As we grow in our understanding of and reliance upon God’s Gospel revelation, our obedience will follow suit. We must, then, be in our Bibles—learning God’s precepts, mining His wisdom, rehearsing His gospel—so that our lives might be characterized by the obedience that glorifies God, assures our own souls, and “adorns the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10).

Second, we can’t help but wonder at the impact that Joseph’s submissive obedience had on his children. While we know that Jesus was God and did not sin (and, I believe, was not able to sin), the Scripture still speaks of His “learning” obedience (Hebrews 5:8) and “becoming” obedient (Philippians 2:5-8). Undoubtedly, He learned obedience, in part, by watching His dad.

We often muse while observing a child, “Like father, like son.” This was the case in Joseph’s home. While his life may not have been long (many Bible scholars believe he died during Jesus’ childhood), his inscripturated legacy is lasting—he submissively obeyed God! In fact, according to Matthew 1-2, Joseph obeyed God in the same way we teach our children to obey—quickly, sweetly, and completely. Indeed, his walk talked loudly in his home, and I think his children heard it and learned obedience.

Therefore, it is no wonder when he had a major moment of disconnect with his son, Jesus, in Luke 2:48-50 (a moment in which many 12-year-olds would complain, “My parents don’t get me! They don’t ever understand! They’re so old and outdated!”), that Jesus understood his position and “went down with [His parents]…and was submissive [lit. subject; cf. Luke 10:17, 20] to them” (Luke 2:51; a response that led to growth, v. 52). Indeed, “like father, like son.” Is this true in your home?

This Christmas, let the gospel empower you afresh to submissively obey God, even when it is shameful, confusing, or difficult. Joseph obeyed God, knowing that this baby would save him from his disobedience (Matthew 1:21); so may we also obey, rejoicing that Christ does the same for ours!

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Mary: Humble Faith
Joseph: Submissive Obedience
Shepherds: Enthusiastic Evangelism
Wise Men: Lavish Worship