Mary – Ch. 4 – Decision

Joseph trudged home with the heaviest of hearts. Just when life was beginning to look like it was working out – this! The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. Suddenly he found himself sobbing so hard he had to watch his footing through his tears. He wiped his eyes in the gathering darkness and stumbled on, downhill from Sepphoris and up and over the next hill to descend into Nazareth. Eventually, and he hardly knew how he did it, he arrived at his home.

He couldn’t hide his emotions when he arrived home which immediately prompted his parents to ask what was wrong. Between his tears and sobs he blurted out the whole story as he knew it, “Mary’s pregnant. Doesn’t that mean she broke our Law and will be severely punished?” Joseph could not bring himself to think of her being stoned to death, much less say it. But that could be the penalty under the Law handed down since Moses’ time. He would be the obvious culprit and maybe he would suffer the same punishment. Right now, Joseph could not see a way out of this dilemma.

Joseph’s father Jacob faced him and put both hands on his shoulders, “Joseph,” he said firmly, “Did you get Mary pregnant?”

“No, never” cried Joseph, wondering how his father could even think to accuse him of this.

“Joseph,” his father continued, still facing him squarely, “I did not think so but I had to hear you say it.” Indeed, Jacob had been quite sure he knew his son well enough to know what the answer was. Joseph was not a perfect young man but Jacob knew he had a strong faith and did his best to keep the law.

“Oh, there’s more,” Joseph spoke more strongly now, looking his father in the eyes, “Mary says this is of The Highest One. She said an angel, and she even named him Gabriel, came to her last night and told her this would happen. The angel said it would be of the Lord’s Spirit that she would become pregnant. How is that possible?”

Now Joseph really had both of his parents’ attention. “And did this angel say anything about why this would happen to Mary?” asked his mother Naomi.

“Well, yes.” Joseph was beginning to think more clearly now and recall more of the details, “The angel said the child should be called Jesus and that he would take the throne of David and reign forever.”

Joseph’s parents were stunned. What did all this mean. Could they believe it? 

“Joseph,” his father interjected, “I really don’t know what to say. If this is from The Highest One, we will see what comes of it sooner or later. “But for now, what do you think you should do?”

“I don’t know,” Joseph answered wearily, “I will pray to our God for wisdom. Maybe I can talk to Rabbi ben Levi and see what he would advise.”

“Not a bad idea,” said Jacob, “I think he would listen carefully and give good advice. I think you and I both know he is not one who always follows the letter of the old law. If he did, it might not be a good idea to talk to him just yet or you know what could happen and we don’t want to think about that.”

Jacob sighed deeply. Then, pulling himself up, he looked kindly at Joseph, “But son, you look like you need some sleep. Maybe the answer will come to you tomorrow, or when the Lord wills.”

Joseph did not know if he could wait that long but he knew he had enough for this day. He went off to bed, feeling like he was walking in a dream. Sleep did not come quickly though. As Joseph tried to sleep he kept thinking about it all. As was his habit when he was in such straits, Joseph tried to recall comforting words of scripture. Then, in his desperate straits, he poured his heart out in prayer to his God. It seemed to him the only thing he could do now was break off the engagement. How could he marry someone who was pregnant with – someone else’s? - child. But he did not want any harm to come to Mary. He did not want to get in trouble either. He would have to do this very quietly, just between his family and Mary and her family. That was the only honourable thing he could see doing – for now. People might still talk. After all, the engagement had not been a secret. Oh, there was just too much to consider. But at least he felt that he had come to some decision and with that sleep finally came.