by Dorcas Kulwa | 20 January 2020 08:46 pm01
BECAUSE HE WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN
Joseph, the husband of Mary, being a righteous man and unwilling to disgrace her publicly, planned to divorce her quietly.
While much attention is given to Mary, the mother of Jesus, there are profound lessons to learn from Joseph as well—the earthly father who raised Jesus. Today, by God’s grace, we will examine one of Joseph’s key characteristics that can guide us in pleasing God: righteousness.
Matthew 1:19-21 (NIV)
“19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’”
It is vital to understand that Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus. Jesus’ conception was miraculous, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, KJV: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee”), not by human means. Nevertheless, Joseph accepted Jesus as his own son, demonstrating obedience, righteousness, and faithfulness. A righteous person lives in integrity, acts justly toward others, and honors God in every aspect of life (Psalm 11:7; Proverbs 21:3).
At one point, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant before their marriage was consummated. Mary had kept the matter private, trusting in God’s plan. As the pregnancy became visible, Joseph faced a serious test of faith.
Mary’s situation was difficult. She could have feared social rejection, accusations of immorality, or even physical punishment. Yet, she trusted God, saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38, KJV). Her faith exemplifies submission to God’s will and courage in the face of the unknown.
Initially, Joseph intended to divorce her quietly, assuming infidelity. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, assuring him that the conception was by the Holy Spirit, not by human action, and revealed the child’s name. When Joseph confirmed this with Mary, she also confirmed it, validating the miraculous nature of the child.
Joseph and Mary resolved the matter privately. Public understanding, however, posed a challenge. How could Joseph announce this truth without being misunderstood, judged, or shamed? It required wisdom, patience, and discretion.
Joseph’s righteous character guided him to protect Mary and the child, even if it meant appearing wrong in the eyes of society. He endured potential ridicule, slander, and misunderstanding, displaying humility, patience, and obedience to God.
Matthew 7:6 (NIV)
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Accepting Christ sometimes means enduring misunderstanding, rejection, or shame. True discipleship involves sacrifice, humility, and courage.
Luke 6:22-23 (NIV)
“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you, and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”
Receiving Christ means being willing to face scorn, hardship, and misunderstanding. If following Him seems easy or brings universal approval, your commitment may be incomplete.
Joseph and Mary embraced God’s plan fully. Jesus’ birth in a humble stable in Bethlehem reminds us that God’s salvation comes in humility and obedience, not through worldly power or status (Philippians 2:5-8). The Savior came in humility so that we might be redeemed.
Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
If you want to surrender your life to Christ, renounce sin, and follow Him as Joseph did—with righteousness, humility, and faith—remember we live in the last days, and Christ is coming again (1 Timothy 6:14-16).
If you are ready, find a quiet place, kneel, and pray sincerely:
Prayer of Repentance:
“Father God, I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner and have committed many wrongs, deserving judgment. But You, my God, are merciful, and Your Word says You forgive all who love You. Today, I ask for Your forgiveness and help. I repent of all my sins sincerely, with all my heart.
I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and He is the Savior of this world. I ask that His blood cleanses me and makes me a new creation starting today and forever.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for receiving me and forgiving me. Amen.”
After praying, demonstrate your repentance through action: turn from sin, live righteously, seek fellowship in a spiritual church, study the Bible, and receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
Do these things, and the Lord will bless you abundantly.
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