The influence of character

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
- Matthew 1:18-19

Jesus was born into a shame-honor culture. Mary being found pregnant before marrying Joseph would have carried enormous social implications for her, for her family, and for her fiancé.

Men in Joseph’s position would have only had a few options if their spouse or fiancé were found to be pregnant with someone else’s child.

  • The first option involved exposing her to the full force of the religious law: death by stoning (Lev. 20:10) or public humiliation (if the Roman government prevented the religious leaders from conducting executions).
  • The second option was the option Joseph decided to take before the angel intervened (which we’ll read tomorrow): to break the engagement contract and walk away from the marriage.
  • The final option would be to take her shame upon himself and endure with her the disbelief, scorn, and ridicule of their community.

Joseph didn’t ask for this burden, but he did the best he could to navigate this difficult challenge in a faithful way. In this crucible we see Joseph practicing compassion. He doesn’t allow his embarrassment and shame to erupt into fury and revenge-seeking. He shows mercy.

How do you think Joseph’s character – which we get a glimpse at in this passage – would come to influence his adopted son, Jesus? What does your character model for the children God has placed in and around your life?

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