The Overlooked

Mary gets the spotlight in the Gospels, and rightfully so, but as one of Peter Mayer’s songs goes, “Keep walking, Joseph, you’re part of the plan.” Joseph is often overlooked. He is more or less “the forgotten man.” The news that his young betrothed was pregnant was earth-shattering (they were formally engaged in a legally binding ceremony—like they were already married). The initial news was a dark night in Joseph’s soul. He took a disruptive moment in his life and found a way to play a critically important role in the magnificent story.

Zechariah 4:10 states, “For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice…” A small thing to one person may be a big thing to someone else. Just because a contribution is relatively small, does not make it trivial. Joseph was an essential character in the story—he just didn’t get as much press as Mary.

Many men feel intimidated by women about spiritual things. Yet, the story could not have happened without Joseph. An essentialist asks, “What’s the highest contribution I can make today?” Joseph worked quietly behind the scenes. Although he is hardly mentioned in the Gospel narratives, he played a key role. He provided for and protected Jesus and His mother. Joseph did the small things well. I love Josh Wilson’s song, “Dream Small.” He sings, “Don’t buy the lie you’ve got to do it all. Just let Jesus use you where you are. One day at a time. Live well. Loving God and others as yourself. Find little ways where only you can help. With His great love, a tiny rock can make a giant fall. So, dream small.”