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“search the scriptures” John 5:39
There are twelve men named Joseph mentioned in scripture but only two of them were closely associated with the Lord Jesus here on Earth. The first Joseph, the husband of Mary, is recorded at the beginning of the Lord’s earthly life; the second Joseph (of Arimathea) is seen at the end of that life at Calvary! As far as we know, these two Josephs never met or knew each other and in many ways were completely opposite regarding their positions in life - yet both were to be used of God for a purpose at a specific time.
Both men were associated with Bible prophesies; the first Joseph’s obligation to visit the city of David, Luke 2. 4, ensured the fulfilment of Micah chapter 5 verse 2 concerning the birth of Christ, while Joseph of Arimathea’s provision of a dignified burial place fulfilled ‘with the rich in his death’, Isa. 53. 9, regarding the burial of Christ.
This Joseph was a young man and a carpenter by trade, Matt. 13. 55, and was of the descent/line of David, 1. 20. He had little status, as carpenters were not highly regarded in those times. Joseph and Mary would later raise a large family, 13. 55, 56, in very humble circumstances in the backstreets of Nazareth. The last mention of this Joseph in scripture is in connection to the Lord’s visit to the temple as a twelve-year-old boy, confounding the religious leaders, Luke 2. 41-51. He is not mentioned at the first miracle of turning water into wine at Cana of Galilee, while all the rest of the family were there; at Calvary, the Lord asked John to look after His mother after His death, John 19. 26, 27, so presumably Joseph had died by this time!
It seems he was a considerate and caring man and thought a lot of Mary, Matt. 1. 19, and didn’t act rashly, v. 20. He certainly was a man of faith and obedience. He had many trials and challenges in his life, but he asked no questions, made no complaints, and discerned that what was asked of him was the will of God and therefore submitted to it! Consider some of the situations that Joseph had to face:
In every circumstance, Joseph was willing and obedient. Are we willing to acknowledge and submit to the will of God for our lives? We have little detail of Joseph’s life, home, etc.; perhaps this is to turn the spotlight on Jesus’ real father! Joseph was legally, but not physically, the father of Jesus; he is recognized as one of His parents, Luke 2. 41, and unwisely called ‘thy father’, v. 48. The word ‘Father’ is used 185 times by the Lord, but not once does it refer to Joseph! Even at twelve years of age, the Lord refers to His Father in heaven, v. 49. God’s choice of Mary and Joseph was perfect. Though poor, both had a real spiritual interest, which was above all riches!
What a contrast to Joseph, the husband of Mary! This Joseph was an older man and wealthy, Matt. 27. 57 -he could afford his own new tomb, v. 60. He was a secret disciple of Jesus, John 19. 38, but at Calvary he openly confessed to be a follower of the Lord. Scripture states that in contrast to the attitude of the Sanhedrin against Christ, this Joseph ‘had not consented to the counsel and deed of them’, Luke 23. 51. Here, he was making a stand against popular consent, despite his prominent position! Is this a lesson to us? He went in to Pilate to request the body of Jesus after His death, Mark 15. 43-45, probably being able to do this because of his status and respect as a member of the Sanhedrin, Luke 23. 50. This was something the other Joseph, Mary’s husband, could never have done!
Circumstances in life can be favourable or challenging for the believer. At Calvary, everything appeared to be failure and defeat, yet this Joseph stands out boldly for Christ, in complete contrast to the Lord’s disciples who had forsaken Him and fled! It was unheard of for a Jew of high-standing, as he was, to claim the body of a crucified criminal, as Christ was perceived to be! Those that were crucified were regarded as the basest in society! What faith and courage this Joseph had! How would we fare in a similar situation?
What great contrasts there were between these two Josephs - in age, status, wealth, circumstances, etc. Yet an interesting point of similarity is that no specific words are ever recorded of either of the two men - which really shows us that it’s not so much what we say but what we are! Scripture reveals a very important feature characteristic of both men - they were both just men, Matt. 1. 19; Luke 23. 50.
Both were used in the purposes of God because of what (not who) they were! Neither of these two Josephs knew beforehand that they would be used of God - but, when the time came, they both stepped out in faith! What a challenge to us! The one Joseph was there at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly life, Luke 2. 7; the other Joseph was used at the end of that life when He was wrapped in linen and laid in a sepulchre, 23. 53!
These two Josephs show us that God chooses whom He will! Whatever our situation in life, God can and will use us for His ultimate purposes. What is God asking each one of us to do today?
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