Joseph, the ultimate step-parent and father, allowed himself to be on the outside of Jesus’ story. He knew his role in Jesus’ life would be great, yet was fine taking the backseat when it came to the stories. He knew the only way he’d be remembered would be as Mary’s husband. Let’s face it, you think about him that way too. He was much more than that to the story and life of Jesus. Let’s take a look at Joseph’s story this month, and see his influence over Jesus and how he shaped the man and Savior we love.

When I read the story of Joseph and Mary, I cannot help but wonder at the role that Joseph played in Jesus’ life. I think it is very important because Joseph would have laid the ground work of Jesus as a human being. He would have shaped Jesus’ mind and made him the man that he grew up to be. Yes, God, was there and watching over Him, but Joseph was the father until Jesus grew up and was baptized.

Jesus was on the path to follow in Joesph’s footsteps. He was set to become a carpenter. I imagine Jesus has being restless and trying to rebel like all kids do at some point. But Jesus wasn’t just some lanky boy who wandered around aimlessly until he met John. NO!

Picture Jesus, not as a lanky boy, but as a strong and muscular figure. He was learning to be a carpenter! Carpenters didn’t just work with wood, but with stone and other things that were difficult to manipulate!

Joseph was responsible for more than Jesus’ career path. Joseph was the one who took Jesus to the synagogue and made sure that the religious teachings were upheld. He was the figure head for the family. He made sure Jesus was on the right path. Joseph was the one making the decisions and watching over Jesus.

The mother’s role is to nourish their family. They are the comforters. Mary was that for Jesus, and there was a very special bond between the mother and son, but when I read the stories, I also see a strong bond between Joseph and Jesus.

I’ve been reading a book, Ben-Hur, in it there is a scene where the main character is taken prisoner, and is forced to run behind the Roman’s horses as they are taking him to the slave ships. The Romans stop in Jerusalem and a crowd gathers around Ben-Hur. In it many people ran to Joseph to get his help and opinion on the boy that was captured. Then it was Jesus who stuck his neck out for the prisoner. He gave the prisoner water and bread, before the Romans tried to chase them off.

I admit, I don’t remember the scene like I should. But it stuck with me. It gave me an idea about Joseph and Jesus that I never thought of before. Joseph was the descendant of David, people looked to him as a leader because of that fact, and Joseph accepted that role while showing Jesus how to be humble and commander. The way Joseph acted in this scene, made me think of Jesus as he’s teaching and healing the sick. Jesus would not say a word if it was not warranted. But he would stand back and watch while showing his please or displeasure. That is what Joesph did in the scene of my book. He stood back and watched with pride as his son did as Joseph had taught him.

God is there through all of these encounters, through all of Jesus’s life. But the early years were Joseph’s to mold Jesus. Looking at Jesus the man I am sure there are a lot of similarities between Him and his step-father. I, also, think God had a hand in raising Jesus as he does with all of us, but together, God and Joseph made Jesus the man he is.

Look back the scriptures we’ve read together. Do you see Joseph in a new light? He isn’t just the man married to Mary who gave birth to the Son of God. He is so much more than that. He is apart of Jesus and the story of Jesus. Look closely, and write down what you think and your opinions as your reading. Can you picture Jesus’ life?