Joseph and Jesus

This is not the Joseph of the New Testament.  This Joseph however, is part of the story of the Messiah. Where does he fit in?

Most of us know the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors; his dreams of being given primacy over his siblings as well as his parents. Plus, his rather brazen attitude of being his father’s favorite son.  His brothers decided to teach that kid a lesson, selling him to some passing traders and telling his poor father Jacob, he was killed by an animal.  They pulled out that hated coat, now covered with an animal’s blood, and showed Jacob proof of his death.  Of course we know the real story…..and how God was working to assure the survival not only of Joseph but his whole family.

Although Joseph is highly regarded both by Jews and Christians Joseph is not without his own “dark” side.  Wouldn’t it have been  much better for Joseph, after revealing his true identity to his brothers, just to send the supply of food back to Judah instead of requiring the whole family immigrating to Egypt?  He also enslaved the Egyptians themselves to Pharaoh by giving them food in exchange for their bondage.  And after 400 years the people required a Moses to lead them back home!

However, God in His wisdom used this man to bring about a new nation of people, bound together by His commandments and laws.  They were a special people, and they were to be dependent upon God.  In His own knowledge and foresight the Messiah would come through these people.   God himself was to take the form of a perfect sinless Adam and that His coming was to remove the curse that had fallen on all mankind so many years before…..the sin nature that prevails in the all human beings.

God chose the new Adam to be a replica of man himself.  He would not come full blown in a man’s body but would come as a human baby!  Really? Seems that this new man/God would better come upon the scene as an earthly prince, ready to combat the evils of society and show the world how God wanted them to behave.  A new super hero!

No, God had other plans.  He brought the Messiah to the world’s stage, through a young, virgin Jewish girl.  She was given the role of mother which was not of her choosing…. but she was God’s chosen.

So, as much as I am not a fan of Joseph, he indeed played his role in God’s plan. All the pieces of the puzzle fall in place.  The twelve tribes, the enslavement, the exodus, the kings, the prophets, the young virgin mother……..all leading up to the birth of God’s “design” and revealing of His plans for mankind. A Savior that would be the ultimate sacrifice for sin, and ushering in the kingdom where there would be no more death.

Yes, the Angels did sing to those shepherds in the fields.  “Glory to God in the Highest and peace on earth to all mankind.” Joseph played his part.