Jesus earthly father Joseph — was a very small-town carpenter craftsman described by Matthew (Matthew 13:55).  Joseph lived,  working in Nazareth — a single-donkey dot on the maps edge of common.  Is Joseph a best choice?  God must have better choices, more options?  Perhaps a eloquent priest in a big town?  Or a handsome intellectual scholar from the Pharisees in Jerusalem?  Why Joseph?

A small part of the answer — Joseph has character — a reputation — God knows Joseph will give all for Jesus.  Scripture says when Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, before him — “Then Joseph [Mary’s] husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly” (Matthew 1:19).

The words “a just man” — confirms Matthew knew the status of Joseph.  People of Nazareth saw Joseph as you might view an elder, deacon, or Bible teacher — highly regarded.  Joseph most likely took pride in his standing!  Mary’s shocking announcement — “I’m pregnant” — surely would hinder Joseph’s elite, regarded position!

A big big dilemma?  What now?  Joseph’s dearest love Mary is blemished, tainted, shamed, threatened!  — Joseph is righteous, godly.  He has the law on one hand — his love for Mary on the other hand.  The law says — “Stone her.”  Love says — “Forgive her?”  — Joseph thinks he is truly caught in the middle — between the law — or his love.

Then here comes the angel of God.  How could Mary’s teenager pooooching belly give no cause for concern — but reason to rejoice?  The angel announces — “Mary carries the Son of God in her womb.”  Who would, who could — believe this outrage?

Beads of sweat must have formed over Joseph’s face, under his beard.  He faces another dilemma.  Make a lie — preserve his place among friends, in his family, the community?  Or tell this outrageous truth — kissing his sanity, his reputation bye-bye.  Joseph makes his decision.  “Joseph … took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth HER firstborn Son” (Matthew 1:24–25).

Notice Scripture emphasizing Jesus was Mary’s firstborn son — not Mary and Joseph’s son!  Yes!  Jesus was Almighty God’s Son!  Yes!  Done!

Yes Beloved — at all costs — Joseph swapped in his most honored Jewish Torah book studies, his position with family, friends, community — for a pregnant wife — according to the community — having an illegitimate child, a son!  Joseph —at all costs — made the big decision of Love — Discipleship — God Honor — God Position.

Joseph — at all costs — placed Almighty God’s Love — His Mighty Plan — God’s purposes — His understanding — His Forgiveness — His Reputation — far ahead of himself or his own plans.  I know you are ready to believe — at all costs?  I know God will help you believe!  I know who believed?  Those who Love!