“Joseph must have felt betrayed when Mary was discovered to be pregnant. Even so he was willing to protect her by arranging a private divorce (before just two witnesses, cf. Num. 5:11–31). The comment, “a righteous man” (v. 19), reminds us that righteousness is not stern insistence on the letter of the law, but is well flavored with mercy and compassion.”
The Bible Readers Companion, page 602
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)
This verse has always meant a lot to me Christina. I’ve been studying Matthew and again I am reminded of how kind Joseph was to Mary in spite of what he thought was the worst kind of betrayal. He always had her best interest in mind.
Thank you for sharing this sweet reminder.
Love you sister!
Well put. He always had her best interest in mind. Such benevolence. I pray for grace to do the same. Much love to you, too.
Christina, This just popped into my mind. We always focus on Mary as the chosen one who miraculously birthed the Messiah – and well we should. But God also too great care in providing the man who would be His only Begotten Son’s adoptive, earthly father. So, of course it makes perfect sense that God would create such a gem of a man as Joseph to raise His Son.
Wow. It is true — the scriptures tell us so much more about Mary, but we must also consider what grace was on display in Joseph’s life too. To think, he was crafted by God for the purpose of raising the Father’s Son. Wow.
“Righteousness is… well flavored with mercy and compassion.” Amen! I would like to see more of this, much more of this than I now see! Blessings to you, my dear sister in Christ!
Bless you, Petra. Although you will not be checking your computer, I pray God’s blessings upon you during your time away. Blessings to you my sister.