Who was Jesus' father?
Or perhaps a better question: ‘Who does Matthew want us to think Jesus’ Father was?’
In the first two chapters, Matthew names Joseph seven or eight times and then never again! He is erased from the story. Why?
Read the verses below and explain how they show that Matthew really does NOT want his audience to think that Joseph was Jesus’ Father.
BUT IF NOT JOSEPH, THEN WHO?

Chapter 12:46

While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside, asking to speak to him.

Chapter 13:55

Is He not the carpenter’s son? Is His mother not called Mary? And are not His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?

Chapter 1:16

And Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Chapter 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way: After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 1:20

But while he thought on these things, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 1:25

and did not know her until she had given birth to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Chapter 2:11

And when they came into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Chapter 2:14

When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt