Matthew 1:18-20 “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.”
While reading about the birth of Christ in preparation for a special holiday service, my heart was drawn to Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In most cases, Joseph gets minimal attention in the Christmas story behind Mary, the shepherds, the wise men, and even the evil Herod. In most Christmas plays, he’s a silent figure standing at the side of Mary after the birth of Jesus in the stable; he neither speaks nor sings! In spite of any visible notoriety on earth, he did catch the attention of heaven, for it was unto Joseph that God committed the care of His Son. If God would choose Joseph to care for Jesus through the formative years of His earthly life; there must be some admirable qualities worth of our attention.
While reading Matthew 1:18-25, I noticed on two occasions, the phrase, “Then Joseph” (vs.19 & 24). The word “then” is a continuative word meaning also, and, moreover, now; it emphasizes an act in the past with continual action in the present! The past activities of God were furthered and fulfilled by Joseph in the present. The manner of Joseph’s response exemplifies what God expects for one considered worthy of being the earthly father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please note a few things that governed Joseph’s human response. Joseph’s “then” was governed by his character; “being a just man.” The word “just” means conformable to right with respect to what is expected by the one who sets the rules and regulations whereby man must live, whether that be society or the Sovereign. Whether it was in the community or the church, Joseph’s was known for doing what was right for his character demanded it. Note that Joseph’s did that which was right when no one was looking, but God!
Joseph’s “then” was governed by his compassion, “not willing to make her a public example.” The word “willing” means not only to will something, but to also press on to action. It was not that he just chose not to be the buffeting wind that would force her into the open where she would receive the shame and ridicule of men, but he would take whatever action necessary to keep the winds of adversity from blowing. Governed by the heart, he would be an instrument of compassion and not condemnation; for love “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (I Corinthians 13:7).
Joseph’s “then” would be governed by his contemplation, “while he thought on these things.” Joseph was not rash in his decision making. The word “thought” is a compound word that means ponder or to think on. It was during this time of contemplation that his spiritual ear was open to a word from God, “behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying.” Note that during this time of contemplation that he gave God time to work before he sought out the counsel of men.
God was working and He would enlist the aid of a man to continue the work in the present. Who would be entrusted with the care of His son? He would find a man governed by character, compassion, and contemplation; He would find His man in Joseph the husband of Mary; “Then Joseph!”