One of the most overlooked and underrated people in the Christmas nativity scene is Joseph. We may not know a lot about him, but through Joseph we get a glimpse of what EXTRA RIGHTEOUSNESS looks like.

How do most people try to gain righteousness?

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. —Matthew 1:18-19 (NLT)

What does it mean to be a righteous man for someone under the Old Testament law?

Joseph was faithful to the Torah. Probably had it memorized and strived to live by it. That means that he never ate unclean food, touched a leper, worked on the Sabbath, and especially compromised himself sexually.

Joseph reminds us that doing right does not mean life always goes right.

What do you think was going through his mind when Mary told him he was pregnant?

Why do you think God let Joseph struggle with this information for a little bit?

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” … 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. —Matthew 1:20-21, 24-25 (NLT)

How would you describe the tension (or struggle) for Joseph here?

Real righteousness obeys God when it costs.

What all did obedience to God cost Joseph?

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. —Mark 8:34 (NLT)

Real righteousness loves people when it’s hard.

Why is it sometimes hard to love people?

Joseph made the hard decision to show mercy to Mary before he ever got a word from God.

In what ways did Jesus show mercy to people (especially women)?

Christmas reminds us that Jesus is our true righteousness.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

That is what extra righteousness looks like.