Joseph: Obedience When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Luke 1:26–38

When we think about the Christmas story, Mary often takes center stage—and rightly so. She carried the Son of God, experienced an angelic encounter, and embraced a calling that changed the world. But standing quietly in the background is a man whose obedience is just as powerful, just as necessary, and just as instructive for us today.

Joseph reminds us what faith looks like when life doesn’t make sense.

Joseph Was Needed—Because Parenting Matters

The virgin birth kept the deity of Christ intact. Jesus was fully God, untouched by human sin. But He was also fully human, and God chose to place Him in a home with both a mother and an earthly father.

Joseph wasn’t needed for conception—but he was absolutely needed for formation.

He taught Jesus carpentry. He modeled work ethic. He provided structure, stability, and presence.

If the perfect Son of God needed earthly parents, how much more do our children today? Joseph’s role reminds us that parenting is not optional—it’s a calling.

Joseph Faced the Hardest Moment of His Life

While Mary was experiencing a miracle, Joseph was experiencing confusion.

Mary hears from an angel. Joseph hears from Mary.

Mary receives clarity. Joseph receives a crisis.

Mary is told, “Fear not.” Joseph is thinking, “What is happening?”

Two people. Same God. Same plan. Completely different emotions.

This is where Joseph’s faith shines. He didn’t get the details. He didn’t get the explanation. He didn’t get the miracle moment. But he still chose obedience.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is trust God when nothing adds up.

God Will Ask You to Do Things That Don’t Make Sense

Joseph had to choose whether to obey God even when the story sounded impossible. And at some point, every believer faces the same crossroads.

How do you know something might be from God?

• It looks hard

• It feels impossible

• It stretches your faith

• People may not understand

• It requires obedience before clarity

Joseph experienced all of these. And he still said yes.

Joseph Got to Play a Part in His Own Redemption Story

This is one of the most beautiful truths in the Christmas narrative:

Joseph didn’t just raise the Redeemer— he got to participate in the redemption story that would one day save him too.

His obedience didn’t just bless Mary. It didn’t just bless Jesus. It blessed him.

When you obey God—even when it’s hard—you get to play a part in your own spiritual growth and transformation.

5. What Is God Calling You to Do?

Joseph’s story forces us to ask:

• What is God calling me to do that feels hard?

• What step of obedience am I avoiding because it doesn’t make sense?

• What sacrifice is God asking me to make for His kingdom?

• What part does God want me to play in His redemptive plan?

If it looks impossible, uncomfortable, or misunderstood— you might be standing exactly where Joseph once stood.

And just like Joseph, your obedience may change more than your own life. It may change the world of someone God has placed in your care.