Don’t you wish we knew more about Joseph the carpenter, the earthly father of Jesus? He wasn’t famous in his own day, and we don’t know as much about him now as we’d like. But we’re told he was “a just man” (Matthew 1:19). His heart had been broken when his fiancée was found pregnant before their marriage. But an angel came and explained it all to him. And Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matthew 1:24). At every point in the childhood of Christ, Joseph obeyed the heavenly commands (Matthew 2:19-23).

He was a carpenter. The Greek term means a craftsman who works with stone and wood. At some point prior to our Lord’s ministry, it appears Joseph died, but no details are given.

That’s about all we know of Joseph. But there’s something that dads (and the rest of us) can learn from this. Being rich and famous isn’t necessary to be a good father or a noble person. It’s far more vital to be honest, hardworking, and obedient to the voice of the Lord. That’s the kind of earthly father Jesus had. We need to make sure we are honest, hardworking, and obedient today.

Be more concerned about your character than your reputation.

John Wooden