• Home
  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Core values
    • Statement of faith
    • Contact
  • The Team
    • The Missionaries
    • The Staff
    • The Boards
    • Ministry Affiliates
    • Letter from the Chairman
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Help National Missionaries
    • Humanitarian Aid Fund
    • The Italian Christian Network
    • Featured Projects
  • GO
    • Short-Term Mission Opportunities
    • Short Term Gallery
    • Long term service
  • Blog & Resources
    • ACCI’s blog
    • Resource List
    • The Basis for Christian Fellowship
  • Donate Now
    • CAN$
    • US$

The father of Jesus

June 7, 2022 by Pier Francesco Abortivi in ACCI's blog
The father of Jesus

Father’s day is celebrated on the 19th of June in many countries, but not all of them. There are actually five different possible dates, depending on the country you live in. In many Catholic countries it is celebrated on the day of Saint Joseph (19th of March), with a clear reference to the father of Jesus.

I’ve always been amazed by how little it is said about Joseph. We don’t know when he died, but it must have been between Jesus’ teenage years (he is last mentioned in Luke chapter 2 when Jesus is twelve), and his adulthood when Mary is apparently a widower (Jn.19:2-27). Yet, we know how important the figure of the father is, during those early years, which brings us to the question, “What kind of example did Jesus receive from him?”.

Even if we know very little about Joseph’s life, we know a few important things about his character.

For one thing, he was a man of honor, not wanting to “expose her to public disgrace” (Mt.1:19). He knew what it would have meant for Mary to be ashamed in public and he decided to protect her.

Then he was a man of faith, as he believed the angel telling him to marry Mary, because she was pregnant of the Holy spirit (Mt.1:20-24). How many of us would have accepted that with no reply?

He was obedient, when he heard another word from the angel telling him to escape to Egypt with his family, and later to come back when Herod died (Mt.2:13,19).

He was able to govern a large family of at least 7 children (we are told Jesus had 4 brothers and of his “sisters” in Mk.6:3)

He was caring. We know this because he and Mary were worried when they couldn’t find Jesus (Lk.2:48), and because Jesus came to know how a good father should act (Mt.7:9).

We know very well that Jesus’ actual father is spiritual, but Jesus is often called “the son of Joseph” in several passages of the scripture, hinting to the fact that his earthly dad was recognized and even appreciated by his contemporaries.

As a father, I feel I am in a similar position to Joseph’s. Sure, my children are biologically derived by me, but there is no doubt that they do not actually belong to me, and they actually have a spiritual heavenly Father much greater and much more loving than myself.

What I am called to be as an earthy father, is what Joseph was: a man of honor and faith. A man that obeys God’s voice and protects his family. A man who cares for his children, and accepts his temporary role of guidance, knowing well that there is an ultimate, “actual” father that can do all these things much better than me.

 

 

Tweet
Share
Pin it
Previous StoryUp Close and Personal Next StoryBlind Spot

Leave A Reply: Cancel Reply

(this will not be shared)

(optional field)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Tony Hedrick Reply

    Well said… nice reflection and good analysis of Joseph regarding his character as derived from the scriptures.

Recent posts

  • An Invisible House
  • A Missionary Story – Samuel Wolthaus
  • The Kingdom and us
  • Blind Spot
  • Up Close and Personal

ARCHIVES

  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • September 2022
  • June 2022
  • March 2022
  • December 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • September 2019
  • December 2018
  • February 2018
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • March 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • September 2016
  • July 2015
  • February 2015

Join the “$50-A-Month Team” !

50teamToo many committed and fruitful missionaries find it difficult to raise support in their own country. This fund will allow a missionary to have a starting base to begin ministry. By giving a small amount of money every month you are investing in people who are proven laborers for the Gospel, brothers and sisters with a real heart for the lost and for the advancement of God’s Kingdom, in places where the Gospel still needs a strong voice. In some cases these funds will be matched by local donors.

Subscribe now

Host a missionary from a foreign country

hostamissionaryWith the help of ACCI, host a foreign missionary for a short period of time. We will help you organize the tour and fund the first trip. Let him or her join you at church, meet your friends, know your country. A short visit can change your life and the life of another servant of God.

Contact us

WHO WE ARE

  • Our mission
  • Our focus
  • Core Values
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • Members Area

WHAT WE DO

  • Get Involved
  • Short-Term Mission Opportunities
  • Long term service
  • 4 ways to help
  • Donate US$
acciCopyright Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives

Canada Charity Registration Number: 107771065RR0001

US Corporate Charter Number: 1109753-2


Tredì Web Design 2016

Login
UA-84887139-2