Joseph a father
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child (Luke 2:1-5, AV).
It is remarkable to see how God fulfils His prophecy that the Saviour would be born in Bethlehem. Joseph was key to this fulfilment.
Joseph was the lowly relative at the end of a long line of kings. He came from King David’s city, Bethlehem, and, in a stable, he witnessed the birth of the Saviour of the world. As a descendant of King David, Joseph was there to welcome into the world King David’s greater Son. He witnessed the Creator of the universe entering His creation. Joseph was there, too, when the shepherds arrived, who were to tell the story of the heavenly host announcing the birth of a Saviour: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, AV). It is striking that simple local shepherds witnessed the arrival of the Good, the Great, and the Chief Shepherd.
Eight days later Joseph named Jesus, “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21, AV).
Joseph was there with Mary when Simeon, who was told by the Spirit of God that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ, took Jesus in his arms (see Luke 2:28-33). Astonishingly, the One of whom it is said, “and underneath are the everlasting arms” rested in the arms of Simeon. Joseph and Mary were also the subjects of Simeon’s blessing, and they also heard Anna, the prophetess, giving thanks to God for their Son. All these occasions of joy verified in Joseph’s heart who Jesus was. These events must have encouraged him in his responsibility as the guardian of the Son of God.
This encouragement increased when the wise men arrived in Bethlehem at the house of Joseph and Mary. I suspect the house the wise men entered was very simple, but in that home they fell down and worshipped Jesus (Matthew 2:11). This was further evidence of the glory of Christ. First, Jesus was worshipped by His faithful people, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna. Then, Joseph received into his home Gentile wise men who worshipped Him before presenting their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God ensured His Son was welcomed into the world by men and women of faith. These events confirmed to Joseph and Mary the majesty of the Person who was their child. Joseph began to care for Jesus. It is astonishing that the Person who invites us to cast all our care upon Him (see 1 Peter 5:7) knew what it was to be cared for by this faithful man of God.
