Today's reading

Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? –Matthew 13:55 NIV

December 19, 2023

Joseph—Jesus’ Earthly Father

Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? –Matthew 13:55 NIV

We know very little about Joseph, the man God chose to be the earthly father of Jesus. According to the Bible, Joseph was a descendant of King David. He was a carpenter in Nazareth and a righteous man who was well respected. When he first was told about Mary’s pregnancy, he planned to divorce her quietly. He didn’t want to expose her to public disgrace or the possibility of being stoned. Joseph didn’t understand the plan God had for him until an angel appeared in a dream. The angel instructed him not to be afraid and to take Mary home as his wife because the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. This humble man immediately accepted his role, even with the possibility of severe humiliation. With strong convictions and beliefs, Joseph walked in obedience. Not knowing all the details, he acted in faith. Even though little may be known about Joseph, we see a model of character, faith, integrity, and obedience in a man whom our Heavenly Father saw fit to raise His Son.

prayer focuses

Pray that you will clearly recognize when the Lord is speaking to you.

Pray that, like Joseph, the Lord will strengthen you to walk in obedience to His plan for your life.

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about the

Author

Rosemary Valentino

Rosemary has been a Christian for forty years and loves the Lord. She is blessed with a loving husband, two children and five grandchildren. She is humbled to be able to write devotions and share God's word. She gives Him all the glory.