Topical Bible: Joseph: Husband of Mary: Returns to Nazareth

◄ Joseph: Husband of Mary: Returns to Nazareth ►

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Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus, plays a significant role in the early life of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament. After the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Joseph's journey back to Nazareth is a testament to his obedience and faithfulness to God's guidance.

Return from Egypt

Following the visit of the Magi, Joseph is warned in a dream by an angel of the Lord to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus to escape King Herod's murderous decree (Matthew 2:13-15). Joseph's immediate compliance with the divine instruction highlights his protective nature and unwavering trust in God's plan. The family's sojourn in Egypt fulfills the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Hosea 11:1), as noted in Matthew 2:15.

Journey to Nazareth

After Herod's death, an angel again appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to return to the land of Israel. Joseph's obedience is evident as he takes his family back, but upon learning that Herod's son Archelaus reigns in Judea, he is divinely warned in another dream to withdraw to the region of Galilee (Matthew 2:19-22). Joseph settles in the town of Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).

Life in Nazareth

Joseph's return to Nazareth marks the beginning of Jesus' upbringing in a humble and devout Jewish household. As a carpenter, Joseph provides for his family through his trade, instilling in Jesus the values of hard work and piety. The Gospel of Luke notes that Jesus "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52), suggesting the nurturing environment Joseph and Mary provided.

Role as a Father

Though the Gospels do not provide extensive details about Joseph's life in Nazareth, his role as a father is implicit in the upbringing of Jesus. Joseph's adherence to Jewish customs, such as the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover (Luke 2:41-42), indicates his commitment to raising Jesus in accordance with the Law of Moses. This dedication is further exemplified when Jesus, at the age of twelve, is found in the temple, engaging with the teachers and expressing His divine mission (Luke 2:46-49).

Joseph's return to Nazareth and his life thereafter underscore his vital role in the divine narrative, serving as a model of faithfulness, obedience, and paternal care. His actions, though often behind the scenes, are crucial in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:39
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
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Library

The visitation
... the Holy Family, for the mother was a sister of the third husband of Mary Cleophas,
the ... for several days with these people before she came to Joseph's house ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Joppa, harbour of, i.117. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, his genealogy,
i.149; the dream and vision of, 154, 155; marries Mary, 155, 156; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... and Isaac begat Jacob, but Joseph the husband of Mary ... Observe that it is Joseph and
not Mary that figures so ... of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... by the kings had been hidden away by Joseph partly in ... Anna's second husband is taller
and older than Joachim was. ... Anna had a daughter by him, also called Mary. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... Jacob was the father of Joseph. ... her, too, that he had given a like message to her
husband. ... wrote great shining letters on the wall which formed the name MARY. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

The Faith of Moses.
... wife, and a believing wife sanctifies the unbelieving husband. ... He came to know that
He, the Child of Mary, was the ... in Egypt, learned the faith of Joseph and of ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Marcianus: Emperor 450-457; husband of Pulcheria (born 399, died 453), daughter
of ... marked with it, and they receive forgiveness, and the one returns to his ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm