What happened to Joseph (Mary’s husband)?

Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus, plays a crucial role in the early life of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament. However, the Bible provides limited information about his later life and eventual fate.

Biblical Narrative

Joseph’s life and actions are primarily detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These accounts highlight his righteousness, obedience to God, and his role in the early years of Jesus’ life.

Genealogy and Betrothal

Matthew 1:16 states, “And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.” Joseph is introduced as the son of Jacob, and his lineage establishes Jesus’ legal right to the throne of David.

Joseph’s Righteousness and Obedience

In Matthew 1:18-25, we read, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’ Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.

And he called His name Jesus.” Joseph’s response to the angel’s message showcases his faith and willingness to follow God’s plan despite societal expectations.

Flight to Egypt

Matthew 2:13-15 recounts, “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.’ When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.'” Joseph’s role in protecting Jesus by fleeing to Egypt further underscores his crucial role in safeguarding the Savior during His early years.

Return to Nazareth

Matthew 2:19-23 states, “Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.’ Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee.

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.'” Joseph’s return to Israel and settling in Nazareth fulfills prophecies and continues to demonstrate his obedience to divine guidance.

The Visit to Jerusalem

In Luke 2:41-52, we find, “His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” This passage marks the last direct biblical reference to Joseph. He is portrayed as a devout Jew, ensuring that Jesus participates in religious customs.

Theological and Historical Considerations

Joseph’s disappearance from the biblical narrative after the visit to Jerusalem has led to various theological and historical speculations about his fate.

Age and Life Span

Many scholars and traditions suggest that Joseph was significantly older than Mary and possibly passed away before Jesus began His public ministry. The fact that Joseph is not mentioned during Jesus’ adult life, especially at crucial moments like the crucifixion, supports this theory.

Role in Jesus’ Life

Joseph’s role, though not extensively detailed, is foundational. He provides Jesus with a legal lineage to David, a stable family environment, and a model of righteous living. Joseph’s obedience to God’s guidance ensured Jesus’ safety during His early years, fulfilling various prophecies and divine plans.

Mary’s Status

At the crucifixion, Jesus entrusts Mary to the care of the disciple John (John 19:26-27), suggesting that she is a widow by that time. This action underscores Joseph’s absence and supports the belief that he had died before Jesus’ ministry began.

Joseph’s Legacy and Theological Significance

Joseph’s legacy extends beyond his narrative absence in the later Gospels. His life holds significant theological implications for understanding righteousness, obedience, and the human aspect of Jesus’ upbringing.

Model of Righteousness

Matthew 1:19 states, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” Joseph’s decision to handle Mary’s pregnancy discreetly reflects his righteousness and compassion, setting an example for believers.

Obedience to God’s Will

Joseph consistently obeys divine instructions, whether it’s taking Mary as his wife, fleeing to Egypt, or returning to Nazareth. His life exemplifies faithful obedience to God’s guidance.

Fulfilling Prophecies

Through Joseph’s actions, several Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled, such as Jesus being called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23) and the reference to God calling His Son out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15).

Jesus’ Earthly Father

As Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph’s influence would have shaped Jesus’ human experiences and growth. Joseph’s presence in Jesus’ formative years provided stability and guidance, contributing to Jesus’ development in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52).

While the New Testament provides limited information about Joseph’s later life and eventual fate, his role in the early life of Jesus is clearly significant. Joseph’s actions and decisions, as documented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, demonstrate his righteousness, obedience, and vital part in fulfilling God’s plan for Jesus’ early years. Although Joseph disappears from the biblical narrative after Jesus’ visit to the temple at twelve years old, his legacy persists. He is remembered as a model of faithful obedience and righteousness, whose actions ensured the safety and proper upbringing of the Messiah.