Joseph had every right to accuse and seek justice for what he assumed was a personal betrayal and breech of the betrothal contract. He didn't because he was a man who showed compassion while obeying the law. What better man was there than Joseph to be the foster father to Jesus? In these few words found in Matthew, I see a foreshadowing of the greatest story every told! For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Joseph, Jesus' Foster Father
Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
"Just or righteous," in Jewish tradition is often interpreted as a person who as a person who is a devout follower of the law. If Joseph were "righteous" or "just" in that sense, he would be forced to accuse Mary of being unfaithful and then let her suffer the consequences of her sin--both shame and punishment. Certainly, that is not the understanding of "righteousness" that Joseph exemplifies. Joseph's actions suggest that a righteous person is not one who blindly lives by the letter of the law, but one who in following the intent of the law is able to show compassion for the other." -Justin W. Tull
Joseph had every right to accuse and seek justice for what he assumed was a personal betrayal and breech of the betrothal contract. He didn't because he was a man who showed compassion while obeying the law. What better man was there than Joseph to be the foster father to Jesus? In these few words found in Matthew, I see a foreshadowing of the greatest story every told! For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Joseph had every right to accuse and seek justice for what he assumed was a personal betrayal and breech of the betrothal contract. He didn't because he was a man who showed compassion while obeying the law. What better man was there than Joseph to be the foster father to Jesus? In these few words found in Matthew, I see a foreshadowing of the greatest story every told! For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
