Joseph Persevered Faithfully

The Bible discloses only a few more traces of Joseph's life, but they are worth considering closely. We read that Jesus  "continued subject to them"-his parents.  We find also that  "Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men."  (Luke 2:51, 52)  what do those words reveal about Joseph?  several things.  We learn that Joseph continued taking the lead in his household, for his perfect son  respected his father's authority and remained in subjection to it.

We also learn that Jesus continued to grow in wisdom.  Joseph surely had much to do with his son's progress in that regard.  In those days, there was a time-honored proverb among the Jews.  It asserted that only men of leisure could become truly wise, whereas tradesmen such as carpenters, farmers, and blacksmiths "cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken."  Later, Jesus exposed the emptiness of that proverb. As a boy, how often he had heard his adoptive father, humble carpenter though he was, teach effectively about Jehovah's "justice and judgment"!  No doubt, on countless occasions. 

We may also see evidence of Joseph's influence in Jesus' physical growth.  A well-care-for boy, Jesus grew into a strong healthy man.  Further, Joseph trained his son to be skilled at his physical work.   Jesus was known not only as the carpenter's son but also as "the carpenter."  (Mark 6:3) So Joseph's training was successful. Family heads wisely imitate Joseph, caring for the peaceful well-being of their children and ensuring that they can support themselves.

Once we reach the point in the Bible record where Jesus is baptized at the age of 30, we find that Joseph is no longer part of the story.  The evidence suggests that Mary was a wisdom by the time Jesus began his ministry.  Yet,  Joseph left a clear mark-a sterling example of a father who protected his family, provided for them, and persevered faithfully to the end.  Any father, any family head, or any other Christian would do well to imitate the faith of Joseph.

Next time: THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF STEP FAMILIES

The Watchtower, 2012