Scripture tells us that Joseph, husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus, was "an upright man". He was a responsible man. To him was entrusted the care of Mary and Jesus in their sojourn in Bethlehem, their flight into Egypt, and their residence in Nazareth.

   Joseph was an honest person. He earned his livelihood by carpentry. He was loyal, trustworthy, and just. We can assume, as an honorable Jew, that Joseph faithfully followed the law of Moses.

  When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant during their engagement but before they lived together, he was "unwilling to expose her to the law." He decided to divorce her quietly. Although a dedicated follower of the law, apparently Joseph was not rigid, dogmatic, or absolute in his adherence to it...