Joseph: Did Jesus’ “Dad” Even Matter?

Throughout the life of Jesus, we saw Mary being very involved and present - on Mother’s Day, we took a bit of a look at the influences she had on Jesus by they example that she set for Him.

Mary agreed with and submitted to God in Jesus’ immaculate conception.

Mary was present at Jesus’ first miracle & at His other “meetings.”

Mary was present at the foot of the cross when Jesus gave up His life.

Joseph, on the other hand…we barely hear about.

Does this mean that Joseph, as a father, was inconsequential and unimportant in the life of Jesus?

John 1:44–46 NKJV

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

The reason that Jesus was in Nazareth was because that is where Joseph was from.

Though probably not intentional, this was also a mark on Joseph.

Let’s take a look!

A General Statement About the Importance of Father’s:

What I am about to share is not at all a judgement about single-family homes or to bring hurt to those who have gone through divorce, abandonment, abuse, widowing or anything else of the sort. My aim is to highlight the importance of natural & spiritual fathers and of our Heavenly Father!

The Bible tells us to not be ignorant of the devil’s strategies (2 Cor. 2:11).

Make no mistake about it,

The strategy the devil is trying to use to destroy entire generations is to minimize the effect of the father in the home & spiritual fathers in the church.

The Minnesota Psychological Association currently lists studies showing 10 adverse outcomes that may result from the absence of a father in a child’s life. (1) Perceived abandonment, (2) attachment issues, (3) child abuse, (4) childhood obesity, (5) criminal justice involvement, (6) gang involvement, (7) mental health issues, (8) poor school performance, (9) poverty and homelessness; and (10) substance use.

God knows this attack plan against fathers and family’s and is personally involved in & committed to being the answer!

God wants to adopt you into His family!

Romans 8:15–17 NKJV

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

This church & the men in it have come alongside families for years to provide Godly & fatherly influence as it has been needed and welcomed.

A Better Look at Joseph: The Little we know about him is impressive

Joseph had principles morals & convictions with gentleness:

Matthew 1:18–19 NKJV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Joseph was not going to marry a woman who appeared to be in adultery.

He was going to release her from their commitment privately instead of "putting Mary on blast!”

Screaming, “Whore of Babylon!”

Joseph listened to God:

Matthew 1:20–21 NKJV

20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:24–25 NKJV

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Doing what was right (God’s will) was more important than Joseph’s image & pride.

-Was Jesus going to look like him, etc.

Joseph left no room for anyone to mistake God’s miracle for his own doing.

Joseph was a businessman, teacher, & good with money:

Matthew 2:13–15 NKJV

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

The family journeyed to and from Egypt and stayed there for at least 3 years probably stewarding the treasures that the Magi gave to Jesus at his birth to sustain them.

Joseph taught & imparted to Jesus the skills of His trade.

Matthew 13:55 NKJV

55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?

Mark 6:3 NKJV

3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

Jesus had a treasurer, had enough to buy supplies for a feast, & it was normal to give to the poor.

John 13:28–29 NKJV

28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.

Just One Thing:

Spiritual & Natural Father’s - no matter how much might be written about you, be impressive.

We all can choose to allow the BEST Father to adopt us, teach us to be just like Him, & be THE Father in our home.

Discussion Questions:

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

What did you learn, or gain new perspective on, about Joseph that you didn’t have before? Share how that impacted you.

Please Read Romans 8:15-17 and share how this verse speaks to you and how allowing God to adopt you could possibly affect your life.

In what ways can you help to overcome the strategy of the devil & assignments he has against (natural & spiritual) father’s and family’s?