JOSEPH: WHY DID HE RESIDE IN NAZARETH?
Joseph’s residence in Nazareth, despite being originally from Bethlehem, is a multifaceted narrative that highlights divine providence, practical considerations, and fulfillment of prophecy. This article explores the reasons behind Joseph’s relocation, drawing from biblical references and historical context.
Biblical References
1. Luke 2:1-7: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
2. Matthew 2:19-23: “But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.’ And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.'”
3. Luke 2:4: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
4. Matthew 2:23: “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”
Meaning and Message
Joseph’s relocation from Bethlehem to Nazareth is significant for several reasons:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The move to Nazareth fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Mt 2:23). This emphasizes that Jesus’ life and ministry were in accordance with God’s plan as foretold by the prophets.
2. Economic Opportunities: Joseph, being a carpenter, likely found better economic opportunities in Nazareth. Bethlehem, being a smaller town, might not have provided sufficient work for his trade. Nazareth, on the other hand, was close to the larger city of Sepphoris, which could have offered more employment opportunities for a skilled tradesman.
3. Family Connections: Mary’s family had ties to Nazareth. Her father, Joachim, is traditionally believed to have hailed from Nazareth, while her mother, Anne, came from Bethlehem. This connection might have influenced their decision to settle in Nazareth after returning from Egypt.
4. Safety and Protection: After the visit of the Magi, Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod’s decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem (Mt 2:13-15). Upon returning from Egypt, Joseph chose Nazareth to avoid the threat posed by Herod’s son, Archelaus, who was ruling in Judea at the time. This decision ensured the safety of the Holy Family.
REFLECTION
Joseph’s journey and decisions underscore several important lessons for Christians:
– Obedience to God’s Guidance: Joseph’s actions were guided by divine messages received through dreams. His obedience ensured the safety and fulfillment of God’s plan for Jesus. This teaches Christians the importance of listening to and obeying God’s guidance in their own lives.
– Trust in Divine Providence: Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Joseph trusted God’s plan. This trust is a model for Christians to have faith in God’s providence, even when the path is unclear.
– Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Joseph’s move to Nazareth for economic reasons reflects the need for adaptability and resourcefulness in providing for one’s family. It highlights the dignity of labor and the importance of seeking opportunities to fulfill one’s responsibilities.
In conclusion, Joseph’s residence in Nazareth instead of Bethlehem was due to a combination of divine direction, economic necessity, and family connections. This narrative teaches Christians about obedience, trust in God’s plan, and the importance of providing for one’s family through honest work.