Joseph was a just man. This is how the Bible describes him in Matthew 1:19 because of his action towards Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. Rather than put her to shame or demand for her execution, Joseph resolves in his heart to divorce her quietly. This is until the angel of the Lord appears to him and explains to him what actually transpired. After this, he takes Mary as his wife and the child she was to bring forth as his. In a very real sense, Joseph raises a child that is not his. He is, therefore, an example to all the men whose wives come into the marriage with a child or children. We need not discriminate against them because they are not ours biologically, but we should rather do what Joseph did – raise them up faithfully because God has entrusted them to us. What more? Joseph appears in the genealogy of Jesus, and we also never know how God can bless us through those children.

Mary, on the other hand, is a humble and virtuous young lady. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her and broke the news about Christ to her, she was perplexed, of course, but still submitted herself to God. She considered herself God’s maidsevant and was willing to do His bidding. This should be our attitude as well when God calls us to make tough decisions and choices. Even in the arena of family, we must be ready to carry the mandate of God and see it through. Mary was a simple peasant girl who submitted herself to the will of God, and through her the God-man  came into this world. We, too, can be used greatly of the Lord if only we submit.

1. What has been your most impactful topic this week?

2. In what ways can you be like Joseph and Mary?