Lecturer’s report for July, 2021, by Greg Brown

Was Joseph the True Father of Jesus?

Based on Joe Heschmeyer’s book, A Man Named Joseph, I will make the case that Joseph was the true father of Jesus. I call Joe’s book and lecturers “Joe on Joe.”

We all know that Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, but how could Jesus be the Son of David unless he was Joseph’s son? In those days in the land of the Israelites adoption was legal, making the adopted the legal son of his foster father. The Law of Moses not only allowed it but insisted upon it. Recall the story of the Sadducees who were trying to trap Jesus. They proposed a widow who had no children, whose husband’s 6 brothers were required to marry her so that the husband’s name should be carried on. If they had declined to marry her they would have been cast out of society. This is the length that the law would go to carry on the family name.

Although Joseph is recorded as having not said a single word in the Bible, it does imply that he spoke these words, “His name is Jesus.” This would have happened at the Presentation in the Temple. In Joseph’s first dream, the angel said to him, “…and she will bear a Son and you are to name him Jesus.” This is the privilege of the child’s father.

Later in the temple, when Mary and Joseph found Jesus with the elders, Mary said, “Your father and I have been looking for you...”

Again, in Mathew 13:55, Jesus is referred to as, “the carpenter’s son.” This is because those in Nazareth knew him to be Joseph’s son. This is why they were so amazed at his teaching and healing ministry.

I believe it is true that Joseph is the true father of Jesus, and it pleases God the Father greatly that Joseph is honored in this way. Consider that this year has been declared the Year of St. Joseph by Pope Francis. He is also the Patron of the Universal Church. Have you considered making St. Joseph your patron, consecrating yourself to him? “Go to Joseph,” as it said in the Old Testament, and ask him to be your patron, your father.