Su-per-he-ro (soo’per hlr’o) n., pl. ­ roes. A heroic character with a selfless, pro-social mission; with superpowers- extraordinary abilities, advanced technology, or highly developed physical, mental, or mystical skills

Was Joseph a Biblical Super Hero? A look at Joseph’s Story through 21st century eyes:

Let’s do a quick recap, shall we?

A nice Jewish carpenter lives in Nazareth, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. Not much wood where he lives, but he somehow finds a way to make a living. His name is Joseph.  Plays by the rules, prays at the local synagogue and hopes to have a family one day. He gets fixed up with a girl named Mary. Hardly knows her, but she agrees to marry him. Joseph is happy, life is working out for him.

Mary goes to visit a cousin, and when she returns, there is some shocking news. Totally unexpected news. Mary is pregnant.  And the child is not his. Not only is Joseph completely crushed, if the authorities find out, Mary is in big trouble. He struggles with what to do and falls asleep. An angel comes in a dream and tells him not to be afraid. She is with child by the Holy Spirit and the baby is the Future Saviour of Mankind.

Hey, no pressure.

So they get married. But before the baby is born, a law is passed saying everyone must to go to the town of their birth and register with the government. They have to walk 100 miles to Bethlehem and Mary is almost ready to deliver. She rides on a donkey and Joseph has to get them there in time, find them a place to stay and make sure the baby is delivered safely. Pretty sure he has never done any of this before. Somebody lost their reservation, so they end up staying in a stable. With lots of animals.

The baby is born, he is great, but they can’t leave for several days. Lots of people show up and a big star appears over the stable. Shepherds visit and three wise men from far away come and let Joseph know that, oh by the way, the baby’s life is in danger. The King is trying to find this baby and kill him, so time to get down the road and be safe.

They head to Egypt, a country where they know no one, are of a different religion and don’t speak the language. Somehow Joseph makes a living and they stay for 3 years before Joseph has a dream that it is ok to head home. He guides the family back to the safety of Nazareth.

Heroic?  Check

Selfless? Check

Pro-social Mission? Well, yes.

Superpowers- extraordinary abilities?  I’d say.

Advanced technology?  Yes. It’s called prayer, the original wireless connection.

Highly developed physical, mental, or mystical skills?  Check, check and check.

There you have, it. Saint Joseph = Super Hero.