Joseph of Nazareth
Guardian of Jesus and Husband of Mary
Name Information
- Meaning: "He will add" or "God increases"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew (Yosef)
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Joseph of Nazareth, a righteous man from the line of David, was chosen by God to be the earthly guardian of Jesus and husband of Mary. Though not Jesus’ biological father, he protected and provided for Him as his own son. Joseph displayed remarkable obedience, taking Mary as his wife and following God’s guidance in dreams to safeguard the child.
⏰ 1st century BC–AD
Roles
- Carpenter
- Guardian of Jesus
- Husband of Mary
Relationships
- Wife: Mary
- Son: Jesus
- Ancestor: David
Story
Initially planned to divorce Mary quietly when she was found pregnant, but obeyed the angel’s word to marry her.
Took Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre.
Raised Jesus in Nazareth, teaching Him the trade of carpentry.
Disappears from the later gospel accounts, likely having died before Jesus’ ministry.
Spiritual Significance
- A descendant of David, fulfilling the royal lineage for the Messiah.
- Obeyed the angel’s command to take Mary as his wife despite misunderstanding.
- Named Jesus according to God’s command, affirming Him as Savior.
- Protected the family by fleeing to Egypt and later settling in Nazareth.
Christ Connection
Joseph’s role as guardian safeguarded the Messiah’s early life.
What We Can Learn
- Obedience to God sometimes requires courage and sacrifice.
- Faithful fathers protect, provide, and lead their families in righteousness.
- Even those in seemingly hidden roles have eternal significance in God’s plan.
Memory Verses
Joseph… did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
— Matthew 1:24
Key Passages
- Matthew 1–2
- Luke 1–2
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