The first time Matthew heard the story of Joseph, the "father" of Jesus, he could probably relate. Matthew was rich, had lots of friends, yet was called to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9-10). Following Jesus could put Matthew’s reputation at risk, just like marrying Mary could put Joseph’s reputation at risk.

When Joseph found out his fiancée was pregnant, Matthew 1:24 says Joseph "did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him" and married her. When Joseph decided to obey God by marrying pregnant Mary, he gave up his reputation of being "faithful to the law" (Matthew 1:19). He was probably frustrated because his reputation had been marred, but his obedience gave him a much greater reputation. Joseph stepped into his life’s purpose. He is listed in Matthew 1 as Jesus's earthly father.

When Matthew heard about Joseph, perhaps he was still struggling with people from his past harassing him for his decision to become a Christian. Perhaps he needed the hope that his legacy would far outweigh any hassles he faced. Maybe that’s why he chose to begin his gospel with Jesus’s genealogy and Joseph’s story.

Today we know that what happened to Joseph also happened to Matthew. Matthew found his lasting reputation by following God’s will. He chose to obey God instead of listening to the world. The result? He wrote an entire book of the Bible, which now begins the New Testament. His name is a part of the Bible because he valued the higher name of Jesus Christ.

Reflect:

• Are you facing a choice between listening to the world and obeying God’s commands? How do the stories of Joseph and Matthew change your perspective on the situation?
• God promises to give us "a new name" in heaven (Isaiah 62:2). What choices are you making to invest in your eternal reputation?
• Do you know someone who is torn between the world’s opinion and God’s plan for his or her life? (Maybe it is you!) Take a minute today to pray for this person, and encourage him or her to keep a perspective like Joseph and Matthew.