Observations about Joseph from the Biblical Christmas Story

Last Tuesday at our Young Adults Gathering at Calvary
I had the opportunity to teach on the life of Joseph,
the earthly "father" of Jesus.

We observe Joseph's life in 3 main Biblical texts:
Matthew 1, Matthew 2 and Luke 2.

I read over these passages several times, praying that God would give me wisdom and insight
as I taught from these Biblical narratives. Here are a few of the things I observed as I studied Joseph's life.

Joseph was called a righteous man. (Matthew 1:19)

Mary had been away visiting her cousin, Elizabeth for 3 months (Luke 1) and more than likely told Joseph of the pregnancy after returning home.
(what fiancee would believe this story after having his future wife out of town for the past 3 months!)

Joseph's righteousness was displayed in his act of grace in deciding not to divorce Mary
when he found that she was pregnant and he was not the father. (Matthew 1:19)

God used 4 dreams to specifically speak to Joseph and confirm God's will in Joseph's life
(Matthew 1:20, Matthew 2:13, Matthew 2:19, Matthew 2:22)

In dream #1, As Joseph is given the huge responsibility of caring for the King of Kings, God reminds Joseph that although he is a everyday laborer (carpenter), his identity is as the "son of David" (Matthew 1:20)

Joseph's righteousness was further displayed in how he kept Mary a virgin until after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:25)

I wonder if the real reason there was "no room at the inn" (Luke 2:7) for Jesus' birth
was because Joseph's family considered him and Mary outcasts for becoming pregant during the betrothal period and simply didn't want to share a room with them.

Even though Jospeh was called a righteous man, he was still in desperate need of a Savior who would forgive him of his sins (Matthew 1:21)

Jesus true fatherly authority was not Joseph, but His Father in Heaven (Luke 2:49).

Joseph's life story fades away in the Gospels, we never hear about him after Luke 2,
as Jesus lifestory comes into prime focus.

I love this example. That is what we should want!
The spotlight on our lives dims and Jesus Name is the one people are left remembering
after they have spent time with us.

Like what John the Baptist says in John 3:
30"He must increase, but I must decrease.
31"He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth He who comes from heaven is above all. "