Couples in the Bible: Joseph and Mary
Mary is a young woman when the angel Gabriel appears to her to tell her that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah—” for you have found favor with God. “ {Luke 1:30}
She replied “Behold, I am the servant[f] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” {Luke 1:38} and later went to visit her relative, Elizabeth, and sung a song of praise. {Luke 1:46-56}
Mary had been betrothed to Joseph. At first he decided to divorce her quietly until the angel appeared to him and told him not to fear, but take Mary as his wife. {Matthew 1:18-25}
The couple journeyed to Bethlehem and while there a son—Jesus—was born to them. The shepherds soon appeared telling them about the angels who appeared with words of “Glory to God in the highest”. {Luke 2}
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. “ {Luke 2:19}
When they arrived at the temple, Simeon approached thanking God and prophesizing. Then the prophetess Anna approached and thanked God for the redemption of Jerusalem.
After the visit by the Magi an angel appeared to Joseph to take his family to Egypt, where they escaped Herod’s slaughter of the innocents. {Matthew 2}
When it was safe they returned to Nazareth.
When Jesus was twelve, they visited the temple and Jesus went missing. When they found him, he was teaching in the temple. He told his parents he had to be about his father’s business. {Luke 2:41-52}
“And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” {Luke 2:51}
This is the last mention we have of Joseph. However, Mary is mentioned during Jesus ministry and crucifixion. We last see her in the upper room as the holy spirit comes upon believers and they were devoting themselves to prayer. {Acts 1:14}
Lessons from Joseph and Mary:
- Mary humbled herself to God’s will
- God delights when we serve and follow him
- We are not to fear
- Amazing things can happen when we have faith
- God will protect and rescue
- Mary pondered and treasured all that happened in her heart
- Joseph obeyed and followed the Lord’s direction