Joseph :: essays research papers

Joseph     Joseph was born in the royal line of King David, but in his date the descendents ofDavid no longer held power or wealth. He left his ancestral home of Bethlehem in Judeato become a builder and carpenter in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. There he met Maryand became engaged to her. When she became pregnant before their marriage, he wasuncertain as to what he should do. He finally decided to match off the engagement inaccordance to the Law but do to so quietly, so that she would not be subjected to chargesof adultery and quite possibly a death sentence. However, an angel appeared to him in adream and explained to him that perfection Himself was the father of Marys child, and thatJoseph should not be afraid to marry her. Joseph accepted the angels message and the willof God and married Mary. After Marys son was born, Joseph named him Jesus, as he andMary had been told by the angel. He raised Jesus as his own son, and likely trained him incarpentry. T he Gospels make no mention of Joseph during Jesus adulthood, and so it islikely that he died before Jesus ministry began.     By marrying Mary, disrespect her pregnancy, and by accepting and naming Jesus,Joseph became Jesus father in the eyes of the Law and by raising Jesus and caring forHim, he became his father in all ways but one. Therefore, while God is sincerely yours the Father ofJesus, Joseph can also be called His father. The Gospels call Joseph a "just" and"righteous" man, and his righteousness can be shown in his acceptance of Gods will,despite inconvenience and public scandal the care he showed to his wife and Son and his