An Obedient Servant

But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Matthew 1:20-21

The Bible tells us that Joseph was a descendant of David and a carpenter. Described as a "righteous" man, he kept the laws of God. He must have been compassionate and kind, as well. Betrothed to Mary, who is carrying a child that is not his, he does not wish to disgrace her by making her condition known publicly. Then he is told by an angel in a dream that Mary's Child is the Son of God and that Joseph is to call Him Jesus. Little is spoken of Joseph after that, but his obedience to God and faithfulness in carrying out his fatherly responsibilities to the Messiah are a wonderful example to all of us.