Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Matthew 1:18-25
by: Linda Lawton.
Joseph was described as a righteous man, and it is evident in these verses that this included the qualities of mercy and compassion. When he thought that Mary had been unfaithful, rather than expose her, he determined to just divorce her quietly, and all before the angel had appeared to him in a dream to explain the circumstances. This was the man God chose to be the earthly father to Jesus, the one who would guide His young life and not only teach Him carpentry but also demonstrate that mercy and compassion are an integral part of true righteousness.