Joseph

Joseph

By: Vashti Graham

Artist Description:

Joseph was a descendant of King David, which fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David’s line. When Mary was found to be pregnant, Joseph originally planned to divorce her quietly (to protect her from public shame), showing mercy and kindness. Joseph listened to God’s direction through dreams. Each time, Joseph obeyed immediately.

Scripture References:

Matthew 1:20 “‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…’”

Matthew 1:19 “‘Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.’”

Matthew 1:20–21 First Dream: An angel told him to take Mary as his wife because the child was from the Holy Spirit. "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:13 Second Dream: Flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod.

"When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.'"

Matthew 2:19–20 Third Dream:“Return to Israel after Herod’s death." "After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”