What do we know about Joseph, the supposed father of Jesus Christ?

Bible Question:

What is the history of Joseph who was the father of Jesus Christ? How did he live? How did he die?

Bible Answer:

There is a previous question and answer tilted “What do we know about the life of Joseph?” that you might want to read be proceeding. We know very little about Joseph, the supposed father of Jesus Christ. Joseph was not the physical father of Jesus. The gospel of Luke tells us that people thought he was the father.

When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph . . . Luke 3:23 (NASB)

Jesus was born by the Holy Spirit and not by a human father according to Matthew 1:20-21 and Luke 2:26-38. Here are some other facts that we know about Joseph:

The gospels say that Mary and Joseph had four sons and an unknown number of daughters. The sons names were James, Joseph, Simon, Judas (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). The last time that Joseph appears in the pages of scripture was at the time Jesus was twelve years of age (Luke 2:41-51). Apparently, Joseph died sometime during Jesus’ teenage years.

Conclusion:

We do not know how Joseph died and we do not know how Mary died. Scripture is very silent regarding the parents of Jesus – both parents. We know almost nothing about their life during Jesus’ childhood or during His ministry. We do not know how either died or where they were buried. Why? The gospels are about God – Jesus Christ, and not his human mother, or supposed father. The message is clear – Jesus is the focus of the gospels.

Suggested Links:

What do we know about the life of Joseph?
When were Mary and Joseph married?
Who was Mary, the mother of Jesus?
The Gift – The Virgin Birth of Christ
Joseph’s Genealogy
Joseph’s Dream