Joseph and Mary of Sephoris
It is at Joseph's house, a resident of Jerusalem, married to Mary, that Jesus takes refuge while being pursued by the Temple[1] after the discourse on the sons of Abraham.[2] This support for Jesus will cause him to be threatened with expulsion from the synagogue, when the trap foiled during the healing of the lame enrages the Temple.[3]
An old Galilean from Sephoris, friend of the sons of Alphaeus and especially the eldest because he was a friend, possibly also somewhat related, of the old Alphaeus now deceased. He is also regularly in contact with the sons of Zebedee for the trade of dried fish from the lake of Gennesaret Plain which is imported into the capital along with other products from Galilee, coveted by Galileans away from home in Jerusalem.[4]
He takes in Martial, a young Roman orphan,[5] has him circumcised, changes his name to Manasseh, and hides his Roman origin. Jesus will reveal it with more clarity later. The child will then be entrusted to Joseph of Arimathea.[6]
He is a hub in the trouble of the final times. He hosts and informs:
"'I heard that Joseph of Sephoris had a lot of trouble and now he is very much afraid. Your brother asked him to keep well informed of what is plotted in the Temple. The man from Sephoris can find out through that relative who is the husband either of the sister or of the daughter of his wife’s sister, I do not know, and who is employed at the Temple' says Eliza."[7]
Character and appearance
Greedy, Joseph has been broken with his children who "have not respected his white hair."[8] Nevertheless, he is the generous man who took in a young Roman orphan.
Apostolic journey
Witness of the Resurrection.
"This is a good Israelite: faithful and just in everything. Eh! I know. We can say of him that God has tested and known him…" said Joseph of Arimathea.[9]
It is Joseph who sends the injured Phoenician navigator to Jesus.[10] Peter will temper this assessment:
"He venerates the Master, but he wants to be at peace. He seems to be a boat caught between two opposed currents… and to keep afloat… he takes into account all the ballast [...]"[11]
Their names
ףיוס (Joseph) – םמרי (Myriam).[12]
Joseph means "May God add!". Historical reference: the eleventh son of Jacob whom he had with Rachel. This favored son was seen sold by his brothers and became the steward of Pharaoh.
Mary, in Hebrew Myriam. This common name can signify bitterness or "she who is exalted", "Prophetess" or the feminine form of "Lord".
Where is it mentioned in the work?
The apostolic journey in Moab and Judea: GRM 508 GRM 509 GRM 510 GRM 511
The Feast of Dedication: GRM 531 - GRM 533 - GRM 538
The resurrection of Lazarus: GRM 550
Exile in Samaria: GRM 564 GRM 566
The return to Jerusalem: GRM 584