Monday, December 17, 2012
December 17 - Joseph, a Humble Servant
I was really touched during our lesson about Joseph as I pondered about what type of person he was and what he was asked to do by the Lord. His was not an easy role to play, but he was faithful, obedient, humble and courageous.
Complete Devotionals HERE.
Timeline: c. 2 B.C.
Opening Song: In A Little Stable-piano; vocal copy
Have the children ring bells while singing.
Ornament: Joseph
Once again, I love Julie’s classy, beautiful ornament of Joseph.
Mine is a cheap version from an Oriental Trading Company Nativity ornament set.
The ornament above is from a set I found at Deseret Book in 2011.
artwork from “When Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem
Joseph and Mary were faithful in keeping all of the commandments. “Luke tells us that in conformity to the Hebrew law, Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to be circumcised eight days after his birth as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant.”2 This baby was different from all other babies born to faithful families, because this was the spirit who made that covenant with Abraham and this is the baby who would grow into the man who would fulfill that covenant. Only by fulfilling his life mission could “all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal” (Abraham 2:9-11).
“Thirty-two days later, ‘when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished,’ they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him before a priest serving at the Gate of Nicanor on the Temple Mount—the House of God.” 2 It was there that Simeon, a devout man who had been promised by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ, took Jesus up in his arms and blessed God, and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him (Luke 2:25-33). Anna, an elderly woman who “departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” also “spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38).
In keeping with the Law of Moses, “40 days after the birth of a son (80 days in the case of a daughter), the mother was to offer a special sacrifice—a lamb or two turtledoves or pigeons, which Mary did.” 1
Joseph and Mary kept all of the commandments in the Law of Moses. They were faithful, devout followers of God, and were humble.
“What kind of a person would Heavenly Father select as the husband of Mary and the guardian, counselor, and earthly model for Jesus? We must believe that our Heavenly Father made careful selection in his choice of Joseph.”1
While Joseph and Mary were engaged (not yet married), she was expecting Heavenly Father’s son. Not aware of this, Joseph could have been angry and had Mary stoned, but he was a good man and wanted to protect her and spare Mary the punishment given to a woman found pregnant without a completed marriage, and intended to “put her away privily” meaning he would enter “a private agreement, attested by a written document known as a bill of divorce or certificate of dismissal”.2 While Joseph pondered these things, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph believed the angel and had faith in the Lord. He married Mary, took care of her and her child, and helped her raise the Son of Heavenly Father.
The Presentation of Christ in Temple by James J. Tissot
“It was at home that Jesus probably received his first lessons about the history of Israel and of past deliverances of his people by the hand of the Lord.” 1 How interesting would it have been for Jesus to know that He was Jehovah, the One who ministered to the prophets and delivered the ancient Israelites from bondage, and that He was the promised Messiah would be sent to deliver all of God’s children from spiritual bondage.
“In their home, Joseph and Mary created an atmosphere of obedience to the Lord as commanded in the divine law.”1 The scriptures tell us that they went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. When Jesus was 12, they journeyed again, though this trip had even greater significance. “Jewish law required every twelve-year-old male to be formally presented to a priest serving on the Temple Mount. The priest… pronounced young males ‘Sons of the Law’ which gave them many temporal blessings and recognition, and also the promise that the boy would one day dine with the patriarchs of Israel—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—at a future Messianic feast.”2
GAK 204. As the leader of their family, Joseph set a strong example for Jesus to follow. “Joseph was an example to Jesus of being spiritually sensitive and kind. Joseph hearkened to divine guidance through the ministrations of angels and by dreams.” 1 Joseph was warned in another dream to take Mary and the young child Jesus to Egypt “for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him” (Matthew 2:13). After the wise men visited them and failed to return to King Herod, Herod was very angry, and in his wrath he ordered the slaying of “all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under’ (Matthew 2:16). Because Joseph obeyed the Lord, Jesus was protected. After Herod died, the Lord again visited Joseph in a dream and told him to return to the land of Israel. He led his little family to Nazareth where Jesus “grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).
Growing in Wisdom by Simon Dewey
Jesus returned home with his parents and “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Joseph was a carpenter and taught Jesus his trade.
Heavenly Father chose Joseph because he would be the best guardian and role model for Jesus to follow on earth. As the one chosen to help raise the Savior of the World, Joseph had a great responsibility. He proved to be a valiant servant. He was another great example to Jesus and to us of submitting to the Lord’s will, and showing obedience to His commandments. If Jesus learned from Joseph’s example, we can too. Let’s be humble and obedient like Joseph and always willing to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he asks us to.
Closing Song: “When Joseph went to Bethlehem” Children’s Songbook, p. 38
1 Robert J. Matthews, “Mary and Joseph,” Ensign, Dec 1974, 13
2 “In the Footsteps of Jesus” by Susan Easton Black
GAK 205. After this monumental day, Mary and Joseph traveled toward their home again, believing that Jesus was with their large company. But when they discovered that he was missing, they returned to Jerusalem, and after searching for three days, Mary found Jesus in the temple, and was amazed to see Jesus “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46-47). When Mary asked Jesus why he had dealt with his parents this way, Jesus responded: “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). “These questions, the first recorded words of Jesus, reveal his knowledge of his true parentage.”2
GAK 206
