Family by Choice: God’s Heart for Family Beyond BiologySample

Jesus – Adopted by a Stepfather, Cared for with Love

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:20-25)

Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, but he chose to raise and care for Him as his own. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph listened to God’s direction and stepped into the role of a loving and protective father. His decision to stay and raise Jesus is a profound example of fatherhood—one built on love, commitment, and choice rather than biology.

Joseph adopted Jesus, welcoming Him into his family and publicly claiming Him as his son. Throughout the Gospels, Joseph is referred to as Jesus’ father—and Jesus as his son—reflecting the bond and identity that came through Joseph’s decision to love and lead Him as his own child.

Joseph provided for Jesus, protected Him from danger, and guided Him in faith—demonstrating what it means to be a devoted and selfless parent.

Like Joseph, many stepparents step into roles they may not have anticipated, yet they embrace the calling with love. In the United States, approximately 16% of children live in blended families—reminding us just how significant stepparents are in offering love, guidance, and stability.

Those who say “yes” to becoming a stepparent reflect God’s heart in powerful ways, choosing daily to nurture and care for a child as their own.

Call to Action:

If you are a stepparent or adoptive parent, take a moment to reflect on the important role you play in a child’s life. If you know a blended family, offer them encouragement and prayer. Look for ways to support families as they navigate the unique joys and challenges of blending households.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for those who step into the roles stepparent or adoptive parent with love, humility, and commitment. You see the unique challenges they face—the balance of love and authority, the work of building trust, and the patience required to nurture lasting bonds. Grant them wisdom to navigate these relationships with grace and perseverance. Strengthen them when they feel unseen or unappreciated, and remind them that their presence matters deeply in the life of a child. Amen.