Jeremy L. Berg

In these days of online retribution, excoriating political opponents, and character defamation, we do well to remember that in the middle of the Christmas story stands a man who goes out of his way to protect another from public disgrace.

Mary and Joseph find themselves facing a scandal of divine origins. An unwed teenage peasant girl being found pregnant in those days usually resulted in public shaming in the village.  Matthew’s Gospel account tells us that Joseph, the man Mary was betrothed to marry, was planning to quietly call off the engagement.  His discreetness was his attempt to protect Mary from public humiliation and social ostracism.  According to Jewish law, Mary faced the very real threat of being stoned as an adulteress.

The historical record gives us very little on Joseph, but one description stands out and perhaps sums up his character: “Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man” (Matt 1:19). That’s a laudable epitaph and reputation to take to the grave. We desperately need more righteous men like Joseph in places of power and influence these days.

Righteous men and women will expose corruption and scandal, and then go out of their way to shield and protect weak and vulnerable victims from any further public humiliation and social ostracism. This is the opposite of trying to cover for the perpetrators and forcing victims to speak up publicly on their own behalf such as in the case of the Epstein files. Righteous men know that “love always protects” (1 Cor. 13:7).

Righteous men and women also know that Scripture is very serious about the power of words to heal or destroy, and the we must repent of the sin of slander and character defamation. For instance:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11

“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.” – Psalm 101:5

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36

“Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” – Matthew 5:22

“Whoever conceals hatred with lies and spreads slander is a fool.” – Proverbs 10:18

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8

The very first lesson I had in Biblical Greek was to learn the literal meaning of the word “sarcasm.” It’s the two Greek words — sarx (flesh) and chasm (rip or tear) — smooshed together that literally means “flesh-ripping.” We all have emotional scars from sarcastic words that went too far and left a deep tear in our heart and soul. 

It’s a terrible thing when harsh words tear flesh.

It’s a Christmas miracle when the Word becomes flesh to cover and heal our wounds. 

Maybe Jesus got this trait from his righteous human father, Joseph.