Joseph
Three brave and noble men bearing the same name made a difference in the world for all time. These men were all named Joseph. The first Joseph appears in the Old Testament. He was the youngest and favorite son among twelve brothers. Through the betrayal of his brothers, his own perseverance and God's perfect planning, Joseph became the second in command in Egypt. He provided for the Israelites by supplying food during a long famine.

A second Joseph, the earthly "adoptive" father of Jesus Christ, makes the Christmas story complete. He cared for Mary and Jesus throughout his life. Joseph received the joy and blessing of God by being allowed to raise God' Son, Jesus.

At Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea offered his new, empty tomb for Jesus' body. Joseph was a synagogue ruler, yet he embraced Jesus as God when the synagogue rejected Jesus. Joseph risked his standing in the church and community in order to care for Jesus' body after his death.

All three of these men impacted history and obeyed God no matter how dangerous or difficult the circumstances.

Joseph endures painful times in order to obey God and follow his plan for the Israelites.
Genesis 39:1-23; 41:14-57; 47:1-31
Acts 7:9-16
Hebrews 11:22
Joseph becomes the "adoptive" father of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1:16-24; 2:13-23
Luke 2:4-39
Joseph of Arimathea cares for Jesus' body after he dies.
Matthew 27:57-59
Mark 15:43-46
Luke 23:50-55
John 19:38-42