GLORIA: JOSEPH – THE QUIET WORSHIPER

2025-12-21

Scott Bullman

Matthew 1:18-25 (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. 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.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

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.

Joseph was of the house and lineage of David

Luke 2:4 – 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David

This gives Jesus legal claim to the Davidic throne, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being a descendant of King David.

Joseph probably had family still living in Bethlehem

 Luke 2:7 – “She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (NKJV)

 “kataluma” = a room in a house.

The NIV more accurately translates this. “…there was no guest room available for them.”

Joseph was a Carpenter

Mark 13:55 – “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary?” (NKJV)

The Greek word translated carpenter is “tekton”.

tekton = a skilled craftsman / masterful artisan who possessed the abilities to envision what others could not see and then create with their hands a fabulous final product.

Joseph and Mary were Betrothed 

In those days, marriages were arranged

Marriage was more of a transaction. The woman was considered property and it was considered an exchange of goods.” Thus the “purchasing family” would pay a dowry.

Two forms of “dowries” provided to the woman and her family:

“mohar” – paid by Joseph’s father to Mary’s father

“mattan” – given by Joseph and intended for Mary.

After the dowries were confirmed and paid, an official document called the “ketubah” would be signed. It was a “marriage contract” detailing the groom’s obligations and the wife’s dowry, making the union official.

Mary is found to be pregnant

 18 After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.”

Joseph has a decision to make

 He basically had 3 options:

1. Expose her publicly
2. Privately divorce her
3. Marry her

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.

 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.”

God’s intervention always comes at the right time

God spoke to Joseph on 4 separate occasions by way of a dream.

1. Fear not, take Mary as your wife
2. Warning that Herod is trying to kill him
3. Herod is dead…you can go back home
4. Go back to Nazareth so that prophesy could be fulfilled.

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.

Joseph was obedient

Were it not for Joseph’s obedience, we wouldn’t have Christmas as we know it. He knew the voice of the Spirit and was quick to obey.

1. He married Mary…as the Angel commanded
2. He left Bethlehem for Egypt…as the Angel commanded
3. He returned to Israel…as the Angel commanded
4. He returned to Nazareth…as the Angel commanded, fulfilling the OT prophecy that the Messiah would be called “a Nazarene”

Obedience to God is seldom easy. Often the right thing is the hard thing. 

“Joseph was more than just a father… he was a mentor and an example of how to live a life of faith, work and humility.  His actions spoke louder than words shaping not only Jesus’ childhood but also the foundations of his future mission. He was a father who through the quiet strength of his actions helped mold the character of the one who would change the course of humanity.

 Joseph never sought glory or recognition. Instead, he invites us to embrace a life of service and faithfulness where impact is felt through small acts of love and obedience.

Joseph’s quiet demeanor was a powerful reminder that true greatness lies not in titles or status but in a life of service and obedience to God…not in being seen, but in making a difference.

With his calloused hands and generous heart, he reminds us that holiness is not reserved for extraordinary figures.  For even in silence there is greatness. Joseph shows us that a true legacy doesn’t come from applause but from daily faithfulness to God’s call!”

                                                                           adapted from Scripture Journey