 A similar interpretation is given in José Saramago's controversial "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ", but there attributed to Joseph, Jesus' stepfather, rather than to Jesus himself.As depicted by Saramago, Joseph knew of Herod's intention to massacre the children of Bethlehem, but failed to warn the townspeople and chose only to save his own child.Guilt-ridden ever after, Joseph finally expiates his sin by letting himself be crucified (an event not narrated in the New Testament).