Matthew 1:16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
Except for a few speaking lines in the annual church Christmas play, Joseph does not get much attention from Christians. People don’t really think of him as doing much of significance. Yet he had one of the most important ministry’s in the Bible – parenthood.
Too often we forget that being a parent is a ministry. God commands parents to train their children (Proverbs 22:6). Too many parents have abdicated this position. They expect schools and churches to train their children. Teachers, pastors, and Sunday school teachers should be there to support and reinforce parents, not replace them as sources of learning.
God gives parents the responsibility to teach their children about God and His commands (Deuteronomy 6:7). Parents are instructed to be constantly teaching; in the home, when traveling, and before going to sleep. A parent should be constantly looking for opportunities to teach their children about God, godliness, and holy living.
Joseph was God’s choice to be the human father of Jesus just as Mary was chosen to be His mother. God chose Joseph to be the man who would model godly living and teach Jesus what it means to be a man. God used Joseph to build the foundations which led to Jesus growing into the man He became.
The Bible tells us that Joseph was a just man (Matthew 1:19) who obeyed God (Matthew 1:24). These are qualities that every parent should strive to exemplify. Parents should diligently set an example for their children to follow so that children can see what the Christian life is supposed to look like.
We have no record of Joseph being a great evangelist, or prophet, or teacher. He never wrote scripture or performed a miracle. He did raise sons who did these things though (in addition to Jesus, James and Jude wrote the biblical books named after them). Even if you never do “great” things, only God knows what plans He has for your children and grandchildren. Your ministry could be to set the foundations for them.
Awesome Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to the blessing of investing in the lives of others. Thank You for giving us children, both physical and spiritual, to teach, guide, and train. Please give us the wisdom and insight to raise them in a manner that honors and pleases You.