Reflection: Characters of Christmas: Joseph
Joseph and Mary were engaged. Back then young men married around the age of 18 to 20. Girls married upon reaching puberty. An engagement lasted 12 months. The engagement was as legally binding as a marriage. Therefore, if there were unfaithfulness, you divorced.
Matthew describes the dilemma that Joseph faced when he learnt that the woman to whom he was engaged was pregnant. Their hometown Nazareth was small – probably less than 400 inhabitants. In an honour/shame culture this would have been humiliating for Joseph. So, what did Joseph do? His response shows us his true character. Remember, at this point Joseph hadn’t learnt the truth about the pregnancy (Matthew1:20).
The law of Moses demanded divorce. Joseph, though, resolved to do so as discretely as possible. He didn’t want payback. While he believed Mary had sinned, he wanted to protect her reputation. Joseph was a righteous man and, therefore, understood that God demands mercy more than sacrifice. Joseph was a godly, loving man who is a model for every believer. While we’re obedient to Christ, the grace we’ve received is the grace we extend to others.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gracious gift of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Please help me to respond to this gift with a life of obedience and grace. Amen.