Finally, the writer of Hebrews gives up on telling us about the people of faith individually.  He must have realized that he would never finish his letter if he didn't consolidate what he was saying.  So he listed Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David and Samuel and all the other prophets in one single verse.  Hebrews 11: 32.

We are most familiar with the stories of King David.  We know that the Christ was to come as the King of the Jews, the Messiah--of the lineage of David.  And at this time of year, you remember that the prophecy of Christ's birth was foretold to be in the City of David--in Bethlehem.  Joseph and Mary left Nazareth to travel all the way there to be taxed--most probably on foot.  And she was at least eight and a half months pregnant.

Joseph should be listed as a man of faith in my opinion because he lived his faith in spite of public opinion.  He believed the angel's message concerning Jesus.  He had faith in God.

Of course, all the Jewish people thought that the Messiah would be King of the Jews and overthrow the Romans.  They were waiting on an earthly King.  They were looking for a King like David who would once again put Israel on the map.  Jesus didn't fit the bill.  One day they were waving over him with palm leaves singing "Hosanna"and the next day calling for His death.  He was a great disappointment.  They had thought that he was the one.  He was.  But not what they were looking for.

He is our King, but His kingdom is not of this world.   We are his people.  And now, "…they (we) desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their (our) God: for he has prepared for them (us) a city."  Hebrews 11:16

Matthew 25:34 "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:"  That's where we're going!!