09-17-2025 PART 3: Joseph Priorities, Protection, and Confidence

Section 1
Joseph’s faith wasn’t just private; it shaped his priorities. After the birth of Jesus, he and Mary went to Jerusalem to present their child to the Lord, surrendering Him first as God’s child before their own (Luke 2:22). This act highlights a truth many parents miss: children are lent by God, not owned. Joseph modeled surrender, keeping God as the highest priority in family life. For parents today, that means daily entrusting children to God—whether faithful or prodigal—knowing His claim and care are greater than ours.

Section 2
Joseph was also a vigilant protector. When warned in a dream of Herod’s murderous plans, he immediately took Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:14). He protected his family at all costs. That protection wasn’t only physical; it serves as a call for parents to guard children spiritually and mentally as well. Joseph shows us that defending family means shielding them from destructive lies and praying daily for truth to prevail. In every generation, evil tries to shape children through falsehood; Joseph’s example urges us to act, pray, and stand watch.

Section 3
Finally, Joseph’s legacy speaks through trust and confidence. After fulfilling all the requirements of the Law, he returned with his family to Nazareth, raising Jesus in the everyday rhythms of work and home (Luke 2:39–40). Joseph trusted God with his Son and gave Jesus the steady foundation of a father’s confidence, mirrored by God’s confidence in us as His ambassadors. Though Scripture grows quiet about Joseph later, his mark is indelible: a father who obeyed, protected, prioritized God, and trusted both his child and his Lord. That is good fathering worth imitating.