Joseph: A Model Of Character In Jesus’ Life
Embodying Faith And Integrity In The Story Of Christ
Feel that chill in the air? Christmas will be here before we know it! This holiday holds special significance to stepfamilies because the central figures in the story of Christmas are stepfamilies themselves. When you look at the figures in a nativity scene, you see one of the first blended families in recorded history!
Even if you aren’t Christian, you can still see Joseph as a role model because his role in the story of Christianity is that of a model stepfather. His actions show us how to be a loving stepfather, regardless of our exact situation.
Joseph’s role in the story of Jesus’ birth often stands in the background. While he may not have as many verses dedicated to him as other figures, his quiet strength and character traits are worth reflecting on. Understanding Joseph’s qualities gives more profound insight into why he was chosen for such a significant part in Jesus’ life and what lessons we can learn about being better parents.
Righteousness and Integrity
Righteousness and integrity are two essential characteristics that stepfathers should possess. In the biblical sense, righteousness involves living in alignment with God’s laws and maintaining a strong moral compass. Joseph exemplifies this quality through his initial reaction to Mary’s pregnancy.
According to Matthew 1:19, Joseph was described as a “righteous man” who did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace. His decision to quietly end the engagement showed both his integrity and compassion. Joseph’s actions reflect an understanding that righteousness is not just about adhering to rules but also acting with kindness and empathy toward others.
Joseph’s integrity extends further when he chooses to follow God’s direction, even when it means changing his plans. His decision to stay by Mary’s side and accept the role of father to Jesus showcases a deep commitment to doing what was right, regardless of public opinion or personal cost.
Obedience and Faithfulness
Joseph’s life is marked by an unwavering willingness to follow divine instructions– not because he was afraid of punishment, but because he had faith. In Matthew 1:20-21, when an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and explains Mary’s miraculous pregnancy,
Joseph doesn’t hesitate to change his course of action. He immediately takes Mary as his wife and embraces his role as Jesus’ earthly father. It doesn’t matter to him that Jesus isn’t his biological son; he commits to raising Jesus as best as he can.
His faithfulness continues, as seen in Matthew 2:13-15, where he quickly moves his family to Egypt after another angelic message warns him of impending danger. This wasn’t a small task, especially considering that Joseph and Mary couldn’t even understand the language in Egypt. Joseph would have had his carpentry skills, but he left behind his tools, workshop, extended family, and friends– all he had was his wife, the baby, and faith that things would work out.
Joseph’s actions remind us that faithfulness is demonstrated in our choices, even when those choices come with sacrifice or uncertainty. Joseph becomes an example of faith in action by trusting God’s guidance and prioritizing his family’s safety and well-being.
This is a lesson we can apply to our lives whenever we think about making family decisions. Should we stay here or move away? Should I keep this job or apply for a new one? Joseph listened to his heart and did what he knew was right, and he believed in the strength of his convictions.
Compassion and Kindness
Joseph’s story is also a testament to compassion. Faced with news that could have brought shame, he handled the situation gently. Instead of reacting angrily or frustrated, he sought a way to protect Mary. This level of empathy speaks volumes about his character. Compassion in the biblical context often means showing deep concern for others, which Joseph did by ensuring Mary’s safety and well-being.
His kindness didn’t end there. Throughout Mary’s pregnancy and the early years of Jesus’ life, Joseph provided a stable and nurturing environment. He supported Mary through challenging times and was responsible for being a father figure, creating a household where Jesus could grow up feeling loved and protected.
Diligence and Hard Work
As a carpenter (Matthew 13:55), Joseph was a craftsman who understood the value of hard work and perseverance. His trade required patience, skill, and dedication, traits that likely influenced the environment in which Jesus was raised. Joseph’s role as a provider highlights the importance of diligent work and the effort it takes to support a family.
Joseph’s dedication to his work wasn’t just about earning a living; it also demonstrated the importance of responsibility and the pride of completing a task well. This diligence was part of the foundation on which Jesus grew up, learning firsthand the value of work and commitment from Joseph’s example. Joseph’s life teaches that hard work is an expression of love and responsibility.
Leadership and Guidance
Joseph’s role as the head of his household meant guiding and teaching Jesus during his formative years. And it wasn’t always an easy parenting relationship! If we look at the story of Jesus in the temple, in Luke 2:41–52, Christ disobeyed his earthly parents by staying behind when the family’s caravan was leaving Jerusalem.
It took them three days to find Him, and can you imagine what that must have felt like? Imagine the panic and fear you would feel if one of your stepchildren went missing in a big city and it took you three whole days to find them!
We know Joseph and Mary were anxious and didn’t understand why Jesus did this. Afterward, the family went home, and Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
It’s reasonable to think that Joseph played a significant role in that growth. As a good stepfather, he would have taught Jesus about their faith, shared stories of their ancestors, and instilled values that would shape Jesus’ early understanding of the world.
As Joseph modeled, leadership was not about seeking control but guiding with patience and intention. His influence likely helped shape Jesus’ early experiences and understanding of faith, kindness, and the importance of community. After all, in Matthew 13:55, his community first identifies Jesus not by name, not by his preaching, but by who He is to them—the son of the carpenter.
Humility and Selflessness
Joseph is a perfect example of humility. He was chosen for an extraordinary task but did not seek recognition or fame. Much of what we know about him comes from brief mentions in the Gospels.
Joseph never focused on elevating his status; instead, he prioritized the needs of Mary and Jesus. This selflessness is the essence of servant leadership: leading by putting others first.
Joseph: Embodying The Virtuous Stepfather
Joseph’s example teaches that true strength is found in quiet acts of faith and love. By following in his footsteps, we can learn to act with integrity, support those around us, and lead humbly. His story encourages us to reflect on how to bring these qualities into our daily actions and relationships.
As we seek to embody the virtues Joseph demonstrated as a stepfather, we find a path that guides us toward being better parents, leaders, and members of our communities. His legacy reminds us that faithful, compassionate, and diligent living impacts those around us in ways beyond what we can see.
Do you have any stepfather role models? Tell us about them in the comments! And for more advice and tips on being a great stepfather, check out the Support for Stepdads blog!
