Fathers need to see themselves as men of God, chosen by God to lead the family. As God provides protection for all men, the same is to be done for the families that men preside over…to preserve, protect, and teach the family.
Matthew 1:19
So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
The character of a man should be one of righteousness…to have a desire to do what is right in the sight of God and not by other men. A father should live with the thoughts, virtues and actions are wholly conformed to the will of God, and these attributes are passed on to his children.
On three separate occasions, an angel spoke to Joseph and gave him direction. He listened to God’s direction, and, in turn, Mary listened to Joseph’s instruction, for he was obedient to God.
Joseph managed his household. He participated in the life of Jesus and taught him spiritual values.
Luke 2:22-23
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord).
Joseph, as a loving parent, looked out for his son. In the same way, a loving, caring father looks after his children.
Luke 2:43-48
43 After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents[a] did not know it. 44 Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. 46 After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. 48 When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
Joseph may have never told his other sons about Jesus. They grew up seeing Jesus as their brother, or not someone special (Luke 3:23; Matthew 13:55).
Joseph had to be an incredible father to hold the family together. His leadership was important in that he did make Jesus to be more important than his brothers. As Joseph knew that Jesus was different, he made sure that everyone was treated equally well.
John 7:1-5
1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)
Joseph also taught the importance of spiritual value to his family. He taught them about faith and being obedient to God (Deuteronomy 16:16).
A father is:
F – Faithful, consistent, loyal, reliable
A – Apparatus – devised for a particular function – father/manager
T – Tactful…to say and do the right things
H – Henchman…one who supports and adheres to one another
E – Educator…you teach life lessons and give sound advice
R – Righteous…upright in principles and actions
Akron Alliance Fellowship 