The first description that we find in the Bible of Joseph, the man who served as a father for Jesus in the legal sense, is that he was a just man (Matthew 1:19). Mary, his betrothed, is described as "highly favored" by God (Luke 1:28). These two, chosen to be the earthly parents of the Lord, could be said to be like David, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).
Not much more is written about Joseph in the Scriptures. In fact, he is not mentioned at all after the account of Jesus being in the temple at twelve years old (Luke 2:46). This leads to the likely conclusion that Joseph died sometime between this event and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry when the Lord was about thirty years of age (Luke 3:23). But the description of Joseph being a just man tells us quite a lot about him.
First, we see that being just is an attribute of God. In describing how God could pass over sins that were previously committed by people, the apostle Paul wrote, To demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26 NKJV). In this context, "just" is what is legally correct. God cannot overlook sins and be just, much like an earthly judge cannot overlook a crime and let the convicted man "off the hook." But God can be just if the penalty for that crime/sin was satisfied by his Son, which it was (Romans 3:24-25). Joseph was a man who kept the Law of Moses. Are we just in that we keep the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21)?
Second, Joseph, as keeping the Law, must have taught his household the word of God. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the forward tongue shall be cut out (Proverbs 10:31 KJV). As Jesus grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52), he had to receive a steady diet of the word of God from Joseph. Being a just man, he would be diligent to dispense this wisdom: You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV). Are we sharing with others what we have learned from the Bible?
Third, the memory of Joseph must have been comforting to Jesus and the rest of the family after his passing. Solomon wrote, The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot (Proverbs 10:7 KJV). Though we miss our loved ones who have departed from this life, it can be a blessing to remember the way they treated us with kindness, patience, and love. Their examples of being just is an encouragement for us to follow the path they took. We do not look back on them in shame, but in admiration. How will others remember us?
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him (Proverbs 20:7 KJV). Will we leave a blessing to our families? Let us be like God. Let us share the wisdom from above. Let us leave a godly example that others will desire to follow. Let us be just. Brotherly, Jamie
