Bible Study - Matthew Chapter One
*We often hear of Mary’s character and humility as the “handmaid of the lord", but lets talk about the man who was worthy to be her husband.
I think we can learn a lot from the character of Joseph from the scriptures. When Joseph found out that his beloved fiancé was expecting a child I’m sure so many thoughts went through his head including confusion and deep hurt. According to law Joseph could have accused Mary of violating the marriage covenant and brought her to a public trial. Such a trial could have resulted in not only shame to Mary, but also a death sentence. He was not vengeful, but merciful even though he must have ached deeply. Instead of trying to hurt her like he assumed she had hurt him, he relieved her of the marriage contract quietly. See Mathew 1:19. He showed mercy. He showed love toward Mary. He showed compassion. He showed the very characteristics that Christ himself embodies. What a wonderful man Joseph must have been! He was the earthly father to our Savior and from these few bible verses we see why God entrusted him with such a sacred duty.
3 comments:
That is an excellent point. I, too, pondered over this portion of Scripture last month. That he acted so mercifully *before* he had any knowledge that Mary's child was of the Holy Ghost speaks volumes about this man's character.
Yep, that was cool but... he was
"minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."
Lets not cut him too much slack. He THOUGHT about divorcing her before he knew...
What I respect him for is that he THOUGHT before he ACTED. He waited. So many times we just ACT first, THINK later.
Emily
This is great info to know.
Post a Comment