Early Life and Upbringing

Obedience and Submission: Jesus is depicted as being obedient to his parents. For example, in Luke 2:51, after the incident in the Temple, it is noted that Jesus "went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was submissive to them."

Learning a Trade: It is traditionally believed that Jesus learned carpentry from Joseph, who was a carpenter by trade (Matthew 13:55). This would have involved close daily interaction, with Jesus learning not just the skills of the trade but also values and discipline. Specific Instances

Birth and Early Years: Joseph played a crucial role in the early years of Jesus’ life. He was the one who took Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre (Matthew 2:13-23). This action shows his protective and responsible nature towards his family.

Temple Visit at Age 12: One of the few recorded interactions between Jesus and his parents is the visit to the Temple when Jesus was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52). When Mary and Joseph found Jesus discussing with the teachers, it illustrated a moment of transition, where Jesus began to express his unique identity and mission.

Joseph's Role and Influence

Role Model: As a father, Joseph would have been a role model for Jesus, teaching him Jewish customs, religious practices, and the moral and ethical guidelines of their faith.

Legal and Social Standing: Joseph provided Jesus with a legal and social standing within the community. This was important in the context of Jewish society, where lineage and family connections played a significant role.

Cultural and Religious Context

Jewish Tradition: In Jewish tradition, the father had a significant role in the religious education of his children. Joseph would have been responsible for teaching Jesus about the Torah and the Jewish faith.

Household Leadership: As the head of the household, Joseph's role would have included making decisions for the welfare of his family, setting a spiritual tone, and providing for their physical needs.

Summary

The interaction between Jesus and Joseph reflects a typical father-son relationship of that time, underpinned by respect, obedience, and the imparting of skills and values. While the New Testament does not provide extensive details, the glimpses it offers suggest that Joseph's influence was instrumental in Jesus' early life and development. For further reading, you can refer to the Bible Gateway for scriptural references and more detailed biblical accounts. Certainly, here's a more detailed account with additional scriptural references: Birth and Early Years

Birth and Flight to Egypt: Joseph is first introduced in the context of Jesus' birth. He receives divine messages through dreams, guiding him to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20-24) and later to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod's massacre (Matthew 2:13-15). This demonstrates Joseph’s obedience to God and his protective nature.

Return from Egypt: After Herod's death, Joseph is again guided by an angel in a dream to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-23). He decides to settle in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

Jesus’ Childhood and Adolescence

Obedience and Growth: Luke 2:39-40 describes Jesus growing strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God being upon him, suggesting a stable and nurturing family environment under Joseph’s care.

Visit to Jerusalem: At age 12, Jesus accompanies Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus remains in the Temple, discussing with the teachers, Mary and Joseph search for him anxiously. Upon finding him, Jesus expresses his sense of divine mission, saying, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). Despite this, Jesus returns to Nazareth and remains obedient to his parents (Luke 2:51).

Joseph’s Role and Influence

Carpentry Trade: Joseph is referred to as a “carpenter” (Matthew 13:55). It is likely that Jesus learned this trade from Joseph, which would have involved close daily interaction and mentorship.

Teaching Jewish Customs: As a devout Jew, Joseph would have been responsible for teaching Jesus the Torah and ensuring his participation in religious practices, such as attending the Passover festival in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41). Cultural and Religious Context

Household Leadership: Joseph, as the head of the household, would have set a spiritual and moral tone for the family, adhering to Jewish customs and laws. This would have included regular synagogue attendance and observing religious festivals.

Legal and Social Standing: Joseph provided Jesus with a legal lineage, being identified as the son of Joseph (Luke 3:23) and thus a descendant of David, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies. Final Years of Joseph

The Bible does not provide details about Joseph’s later years or his death. By the time Jesus begins his public ministry, Joseph is not mentioned, suggesting he may have passed away by then. This absence is inferred from instances where Mary is mentioned without Joseph (e.g., John 2:1-12, John 19:26-27).

Scriptural Summary

Obedience and Protection: Matthew 1:20-24, Matthew 2:13-23

Jesus’ Growth and Wisdom: Luke 2:39-40

Temple Visit: Luke 2:41-52

Carpentry Trade: Matthew 13:55

Lineage and Legal Standing: Luke 3:23

Joseph's role in Jesus’ life, though not extensively detailed in the scriptures, is portrayed as vital in providing a nurturing, stable, and devout environment for Jesus’ growth and early development.