Among the figures surrounding the birth of Jesus, Joseph conspicuously stands in the background. He speaks no recorded words in Scripture, but his life and actions speak volumes. Matthew describes him simply as “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19 NLT), and from this brief description we can deduce a portrait of character, obedience, humility, and faith. Joseph’s example shows that God often works most powerfully through those who are willing to honor Him quietly, faithfully, and often at great personal cost.
To call Joseph “righteous” in a first-century Jewish context meant far more than mere decency. It meant he was known for his faithfulness to God’s law, as well as his integrity and compassion. In modern times we would describe him as a “pillar of the community”.
When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, he knew the child was not his. The natural assumption, under normal circumstances, would have been infidelity. Yet Matthew tells us, “Joseph… did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly” (Matthew 1:19 NLT).
In that moment Joseph balanced justice with mercy. The Law allowed, and the religious authorities would encourage public exposure, but Joseph instead chose a path that protected Mary’s dignity. This reveals a heart shaped not only by the commandments of God, but also by the compassion of God. Joseph’s righteousness was not harsh or punitive. It was gracious, measured, and humble.
Joseph’s character shines even more vividly when God redirects his plan. “As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream” (Matthew 1:20 NLT). The angel tells him that Mary’s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructs him: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife” (Matthew 1:20 NLT). Accepting this command required great courage. It would have been so much easier for Joseph to write off the dream as a mere hallucination, but by taking Mary into his home, Joseph was knowingly embracing misunderstanding, suspicion, and social pressure. Yet his response was simple and immediate: “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded” (Matthew 1:24 NLT).
Obedience, for Joseph, was not a matter of convenience. It was an expression of trust. He obeyed even when he did not fully understand, even when obedience would cost him his reputation and his place in society. His quiet compliance echoes the spirit of Psalm 25:4-5 NLT: “Show me the right path, O Lord… Lead me by your truth and teach me.” Joseph quietly and consistently lived out this request. God showed him the path, and he followed.
Joseph went further and embraced his role as earthly father to Jesus with faithfulness and responsibility. The angel commanded him to name the child Jesus: “And you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NLT). In Jewish culture, naming a child was a father’s act—an act of acceptance and authority. In giving the name, Joseph publicly received Jesus as his own.
This act placed Joseph inside the very heart of God’s redemptive plan. His obedience ensured that Jesus was born into the line of David, fulfilling prophecy. As Matthew records, “All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet” (Matthew 1:22 NLT). Joseph’s simple faithfulness became an essential thread in the tapestry of God’s salvation story.
Joseph’s character continued to be demonstrated through the early years of Jesus’ life. When Herod sought to kill the child, God again spoke to Joseph in a dream: “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother” (Matthew 2:13 NLT). And once again Joseph “got up and left that night for Egypt” (Matthew 2:14 NLT). His obedience was immediate and sacrificial. He uprooted his family, left his homeland, and lived as a refugee—all to safeguard the life entrusted to him.
Later, after Herod’s death, God guided Joseph again: “Get up… take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel” (Matthew 2:20 NLT). Again Joseph is diligent in obedience and his faith is consistent. He listens, responds, and continues to protect and lead with wisdom and humility. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT captures the essence of Joseph’s life and character: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Joseph trusted, and God directed him.
Though Joseph left no spoken words in Scripture, his life is still an outstanding testimony to the power of a faith lived in obedience. His righteousness was not loud; it was steady. His faith was not theoretical; it was practical. His leadership was not domineering; it was protective and tender. Through him, God shows us that true greatness most often is clothed in humility.
Joseph may not have a speaking part in the heavenly drama of Christmas, but his character teaches us that God uses those who are willing to listen, those who are willing to trust, and those willing to obey—even in obscurity. In Joseph, we see a man whose quiet faith became an essential resource for the Savior of the world.
Be like Joseph!
Blessings (and joy) to you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://blog.salvationarmyconcordca.org