Joseph, human father of Jesus, is a dreamer (Matthew 1:20; 2:13, 19). In each case, an angel appears in a dream to protect Jesus. The first dream prevents Joseph from tucking Mary away, and the other two actually save Jesus’ life.
Joseph is a dreamer, like his namesake from Genesis. Joseph son of Jacob dreamed in order to preserve life: “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7). Joseph son of Jacob dreams to save Israel; Joseph the father of Jesus dreams to save the new Israel, Jesus his son, Jesus the Son of Yahweh.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Our Most Popular Articles of 2025
It’s been a big year for First Things. Our website was completely redesigned, and stories like the…
Our Year in Film & Television—2025
First Things editors and writers share the most memorable films and TV shows they watched this year.…
Religious Freedom Is the Soul of American Security
In the quiet sanctuary of West Point’s Old Cadet Chapel, a striking mural crowns the apse above…
