Joseph: Four Lessons from the Christmas Story

Joseph: Four Lessons from the Christmas Story
(Read Matthew 1:1-25)

Joseph played one of the most important roles in the history of the world—He was the earthly father of Jesus Christ. We can gain valuable insights from Matthew’s account of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. Here are a few lessons from Joseph’s life:

1. God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Matthew 1:1-17 explains that Joseph was a descendant of King David. Centuries before, God promised David that his throne “would be established forever” (1 Chronicles 17:14). By the time of Joseph, the glory days of Israel’s kingdom were all but forgotten. The Jews had experienced military defeat, exile, and oppression from a series of foreign entities. Perhaps it looked like God was mistaken when he spoke of an eternal throne. He wasn’t. He used Joseph, David’s descendant, to establish a spiritual kingdom which will have no end. God was faithful to his promise to David, and He’ll be faithful to His promises to you.

2. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Royal blood flowed in Joseph’s veins, but he was nonetheless a simple carpenter. He was probably successful in his trade, but it would seem there was nothing remarkable about him. Jesus’ critics, for example, would later comment that he was a just a “carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55). Joseph probably never imagined that God would bestow such an honor on an ordinary man. You may consider yourself ordinary, but you never know what great things God may have in store for you!

3. God notices character, even if no one else does.
The Bible cleary states that Joseph was a “righteous man” (Matthew 1:19). Only this kind of man would be fit for the task of raising Jesus. God knew that he could trust Joseph because he was faithful in “little things.” If you bought furniture from him, you could be confident that he didn’t use cheap materials just to make extra profit. If he accidentally hit is thumb with a hammer, he refrained from yelling certain “colorful” expletives. He worshiped God and followed Him faithfully in these “little” things. God noticed—and He also notices you.

4. God is faithful to direct us if we seek Him with all of our heart.
When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, he decided to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19). Joseph apparently had a heart full of mercy, for according to Hebrew law, he could have publicly charged Mary with adultery. His decision was honorable and logical, but it was wrong. He was about to make one of the greatest mistakes of all time! God knew that Joseph was not acting out of deliberate disobedience. To make things perfectly clear, he sent and angel to explain his plan (Matthew 1:20-21). You do not have to worry about “missing” God’s will as long as you are honestly seeking Him with all of your heart. He will do whatever is necessary to make it clear to you.

Published by

Kevin

I am a follower of Jesus, husband, pastor, author, and caffeine addict. Please follow me on Facebook or Twitter. You may also want to consider subscribing to the RSS feed.

11 thoughts on “Joseph: Four Lessons from the Christmas Story”

  1. On point no. 4 – Just shows god looks in the heart and the motives therein even if sometimes our ways are not according to the ways of men.

    Blue

  2. when we can’t see anything, its always helpful to go back to His promises..

  3. if I may add,

    “God says, I will never leave you nor forsake you..”

    “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your paths straight.”

    These are what I hold on to right now 🙂

    God bless your life po!

  4. Im reading this post again. Medyo lumuha ako kanina. Kaunti lang naman.

    Translation: A few teardrops fell, just a few 🙂

    It does take eyes of faith to see what cannot be seen. It does help reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness in the past which HE can even exceed doing in the future, as long as we hold on to Him and not let go..

  5. Good morning, kuya kevin! 🙂
    I’m just wondering if I could actually post this article in our church newsletter? I would like to share this devotional to the rest of the congregation, okay lang po ba iyon sa inyo?

  6. Thanks po and may our good LORD bless you more abundantly in every aspect of your life and ministry… 🙂 though late, still, Merry Christmas po! 🙂

  7. Kat-Kat,
    You are more than welcome to share it–it would be an honor.

    Just mention kuyakevin.com in the newsletter if you don’t mind.

  8. Thanks heaps, kuya kevin! Thank you! Thank you! Of course, kuya, I will mention your blog. We actually have a section for recommended Christian resources and I’ve recommended your blog and your book as well. :)May I put your pic and the cover page of your book and a short info about you? Hope I will be able to see you personally kuya so i could give you a copy of our newsletter. Most of our contributors are part of our youth team. 🙂 GOD BLESS YOU! 🙂

  9. That would be great po! 🙂
    I’ll try to check your blog every now and then for any of your speaking engagement esp for your TLW seminars and see if I and the rest of our youth group could attend to any of your seminar. 🙂 Thanks again, kuya kevin! 🙂 Have a great day ahead and God bless you! 🙂

Comments are closed.