Mary and Joseph: A Special Couple
Most of the things written about our Lord’s earthly parents have been positive, and for good reason! The angel Gabriel affectionately addressed Mary as “highly favored one,” exclaiming, “Blessed are you among women” (Lk. 1:28). Joseph was called a “just man” (Mt. 1:19). Both faced unprecedented decisions and responsibilities, and both were handpicked by God to rear Israel’s Messiah.
Joseph and Mary were from the royal line of David. They must have known from Scripture that the Messiah somehow would come from within their family. But just as we fail to anticipate the imminent return of our Savior, they may not have been anticipating the Messiah’s birth because it had been 400 years since God had communicated with His people.
Although it is easy and good to admire Mary and Joseph, we must remember they were as much in need of the One they birthed and reared as was the thief on the cross: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). All means “all.”
Unlike some of their ancestors, Mary and Joseph’s simple lives were marked by obedience. Eight days after Jesus was born, the couple obeyed the Law of Moses and had the Infant circumcised (Lk. 2:21). Then they waited until Mary was ceremonially pure and brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord as a firstborn Son (vv. 22–23). It was there a sacrifice was offered of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” (v. 24). They must have marveled as they watched the devout Simeon bless their little One, recognizing His purpose and divine nature. This was no doubt a humble reminder of the great responsibility God gave them.
Years later, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. Luke 2:41–52 records the familiar story that resonates with every parent. After the feast days concluded, the couple began the journey home. Families and friends often traveled together in large caravans, and Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with their relatives. But as everyone began to settle down for the evening, they realized He was nowhere to be found.
For three days, they were separated. Scripture says they anxiously searched for the Child who had never given them any trouble. Their search at last led them back to the Temple, where they found their 12-year-old Son discussing theology, seated among Israel’s elite scholars. When Mary asked why He had caused them such worry, Jesus answered, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (v. 49).
The words Jesus spoke must have pierced their hearts as they remembered their Son was given to them for a specific mission. He had come to be Israel’s Deliverer. In their humanity, they probably could not fully grasp the depth of that mission—one that would later nail Him to a cross to die.
When Jesus was about 30, we see the need for Him to remind His mother of His purpose. At a wedding in Cana, Mary looked to her Son when wine ran out, knowing He could spare the family the shame they were about to face (Jn. 2:1–12). Jesus replied, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come” (v. 4).
His reply was another piercing reminder that her Son was on Earth to do the will of His Father in heaven, not hers. In humble submission, she directed the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (v. 5). In this moment, Mary’s relationship with her Son shifted as He began His earthly ministry and embarked on the road to Calvary.
Pointing to Joseph and Mary’s humanity magnifies the way God delights in using fragile, ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary will. These “jars of clay” (2 Cor. 4:7, ESV) were entrusted to carry a precious treasure, Jesus the Messiah. Only our God can write a story that is still changing lives today through the work of His glorious gospel!
