Mary Gives Birth to Jesus.

 

Author’s Note

In my previous story “Joseph’s Decision: He Will Take Mary to Egypt” we learned why Joseph left Nazareth, and why he chose to go to Egypt. But the trip is interrupted by the birth of Jesus. A careful analysis of contemporaneous events suggests Jesus was born in late September or early October, 5 B.C. A point of historical irony: it is entirely possible Jesus was conceived on December 25, 6 B.C.

………………………

Late September, 5. B.C.

 Joseph decided to follow the Jordan River south to Jerusalem. They could join one of the many caravans headed south from Syria for safety. Following the river route would be easier on Mary and he believed they could make it to Jerusalem before she was due. Joachim had supplied them with a donkey to carry their meager possessions. From time to time Mary would ride on the donkey to give her tired feet a short rest.

But as they walked south along the Jordan River, Joseph and Mary encountered several groups of travelers going north who told them alarming stories of skirmishes with the Romans in Peraea.

“Herod is in trouble,” Joseph commented to Mary as they turned southwest toward Jericho. “I’m glad we didn’t go through Samaria into Judea. The Romans are losing control. The people we met this morning believe Herod is becoming more and more paranoid. That only makes him more dangerous.”

They walked along in silence for a few moments before Joseph spoke again.

“Herod has alienated everyone. He observes Roman pagan holidays, builds pagan temples, sponsors arena games and now he insults us with that blasphemous gilded eagle. They say Herod has even executed his own son in order to maintain his throne. Where will his cruelty stop?”

Mary looked thoughtfully at her husband.

“Joseph, we have been ruled by Assyria, Babylonia, Greece, Egypt, Syria and now the Romans. I know you look forward to the day when we will be an independent nation ruled by the laws of God.”

Mary was about to say more when she suddenly realized she was beginning to feel ill. They continued their journey in silence.

Jericho was in turmoil. When they reached Bethany they were met by several terrified people who warned them the Romans had just crucified several rebels. For the moment, Jerusalem was not a safe place for anyone.

Upon hearing about the crucifixions, Mary began to tremble uncontrollably - as though from the cold.

“Joseph, get us out of here!” she cried out “do something. Please! Let’s keep going south!”

Joseph, temporarily confused by the excitement, managed to nod his head in agreement. They walked as fast as they could by the Mount of Olives, found the road to Bethlehem, and turned south. As they walked along, the noise of Jerusalem began to fade and within an hour the countryside seemed to be serenely peaceful.

Mary again began to feel ill.

God have mercy on me, she thought.

***

God was indeed merciful. That night they camped with a group of travelers who were headed north to the Decapolis. The next morning they joined a caravan headed south toward Hebron. But as they approached Bethlehem, it became clear Mary was soon to be a mother. The last few miles were especially difficult. Mary struggled to keep up with the caravan. The sun had almost disappeared over the western horizon by the time they at last entered Bethlehem. Mary knew she could go no further. Joseph found her a stone bench in the public square and she gratefully sat down to rest.

Joseph searched the darkened streets for help. A sympathetic neighbor pointed to a humble house near the square. Joseph, unsure what to expect, and very worried about Mary, quickly walked to the house and knocked on the door. Inside he could hear a shuffling noise and then the door opened just enough to reveal a large woman. She looked uneasily at Joseph.

“Can I help you?” she said with suspicion.

Joseph, tired, dirty and very nervous about Mary, certainly looked like he needed help.

“My name is Joseph. I am from the house of David. I have been told I have family in Bethlehem. I met a man who directed me to your house. Please help us, my wife is about to give birth.”

The look on the woman’s face immediately changed from one of suspicion to a mixture of surprise and joy. She threw open the door and rushed to give Joseph an affectionate hug. Joseph almost lost his balance, so passionate was her enthusiasm.

“Gabriel told me you would come!” she cried “I didn’t want to believe him.... but I wanted to believe him.... but,” the woman abruptly stopped talking and looked with alarm over Joseph’s shoulder “where is your wife?” she exclaimed.

Joseph freed himself from the woman’s hug and managed to regain his composure.

“She is in the square, near the community well.”

“Go fetch her,” the woman commanded “go fetch her at once and bring her here!”

Joseph, relieved by the woman’s obvious warmth, turned toward the square and went back to the stone bench where Mary was Seated.

“I found help,” he said “a woman asked me to bring you to her house.”

Joseph helped Mary to her feet. “And,” he said with excitement, “she said Gabriel told her we would be coming.”

Mary was so tired she could only manage a small smile. Joseph gave her as much support as he could as they walked slowly to the house. The woman greeted them on the steps and helped Mary inside.

“We are the house of David. Our family is proud of our heritage.”

The woman helped Mary to a chair by the fireplace and quietly examined Mary’s face.  She placed her hand on Mary’s forehead and nodded with satisfaction.

“We don’t have much money,” Joseph declared, still uncertain about what was happening.

The woman dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand.

“My name is Genisia.... We will gladly share what we have with you and your wife. I will find some way to make room for you both.”

Genisia paused for a moment, thinking about Mary, Joseph and how to help them.

“You can make a place for yourself in the barn. It will be warm there. The animals won’t mind.”

(In 5 B.C. it was not unusual for people to sleep with their animals in a barn or cave. Located in a structure attached to the house or in a cave, they would be protected from the weather and thieves.)

***

Jesus arrived before midnight. It was an easy birth. Having had five children of her own, Genisia knew exactly what to do. After he was born, Genisia cut and tied the umbilical cord, washed him, rubbed him with oil, and bundled him in swaddling clothes. They gathered hay from the barn and made a crib for him in the manger. Although exhausted, Mary was a serene and happy mother. She lay back on hay stack to rest. Like most fathers, Joseph was both delighted to have a son and almost overwhelmed by his love for Mary.

Genisia looked with affection at the young couple.

“Well,” she said “I cannot do much more for you and I am tired. I’ll say goodnight.”

But Joseph wanted to ask Genisia a question. He left Mary’s side and took Genisia by the hand. He looked at her gravely.

“Gabriel told you?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said quietly “he was very animated..... about Mary..... about you...”

Genisia smiled broadly at Joseph “And I know all about your little secret,” she teased.

Joseph responded with alarm. “Everything?”

“Yes, but do not worry my young friend, your secret is safe with me.... and who would have ever guessed that I.... me.... a humble nobody, could help bring him into this world.”

Joseph relaxed. “We both thank you for your help. You have done all that God could ask of any woman.”

Genisia started for the door, but abruptly turned once again to face Mary and Joseph.

“One of my sons is a shepherd. He and his friend are on their way here; they are bringing lambs to sell in the market. Do not fear them.”

Genisia looked at Mary with sincere reverence. “I do believe you have given birth to the lamb of God.”

Mary smiled and settled back into the comfort of the hay.

Genisia beckoned for her two dogs to follow her into the house. But they refused to come. Instead they curled up next to the crib. Genisia understood. They would guard Jesus while Mary and Joseph were asleep.

Joseph walked to the open door of the manger and looked up at the stars. Rays from one particularly bright star seemed to bathe the manger with a soft glow.

He was suddenly filled with joy.

“We have a son!” he exclaimed.

Joseph closed the heavy door and returned to Mary. He knelt down and carefully positioned himself next to her. Joseph cuddled Mary in his arms and gently kissed her forehead. Exhausted but happy, she was soon blissfully asleep. Joseph lay back and allowed the haze of sweet sleep to overcome his senses. But just before he fell into a deep slumber a voice filed with love and compassion echoed through his thoughts.

“We have a son!”

***

On a hill not far from Bethlehem, several shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep. Genisia’s son and his friend had joined them in the late evening hours to cull out three lambs. They were all suddenly aware of the beautiful star that bathed Bethlehem in a soft light. At first, they were terrified.

“It is an omen,” said one shepherd “something important has happened.”

“Whatever has happened, it must be good,” responded a second shepherd “let us praise this sign which clearly comes from God.”

Genisia’s son looked at the star and followed its rays as they descended to Bethlehem. He was struck by a feeling of joy.

“The light of the star is falling on my house!”

He quickly picked up his staff, motioned to his friend, and the two of them started for the village, guiding the lambs before them.

Full of wonder, one of the shepherds began to sing: “Oh little town of Bethlehem….”

..............

Note 1

Three points:

1 Although it would have been difficult for Mary to travel so far in the last month of her pregnancy, a trip in her condition would not have been unusual in 5 B.C.

2. While there is no reliable record of King Herod ordering all the Jewish boys in Bethlehem to be killed, there is ample historical discussion to support the turmoil that gripped Israel during this period. Devoted to the God they loved and dedicated to the task he had given to them through the angel Micah; it is perfectly credible that this young couple – would seek to flee Israel. They were not alone.

3. Other than responding to sincere prayer, God seldom interferes with human life, preferring we go our own way. If he has a plan for us, as he did for Jesus, he will take steps to protect us from harm and lead us in the direction he has chosen.

........

Text from my novel – free - “Am I Your Son?”

A Spiritual Journey with Jesus Christ

Let us unite our perception of the physical with our experience of the spiritual.

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Joseph’s Decision: He Will Take Mary to Egypt

 

Author’s Note

Why Did I Write This Narrative?

I love Matthew’s story about the birth of Jesus Christ and the drama of Luke’s additions. For almost two thousand years, it has been the inspiration for beloved texts, songs, paintings and sermons. Like most Christians, I sing the hymns and share the joy of his story. But many scholars believe Matthew was a man on a mission. He wanted to prove Jesus was the Messiah. So he wrote a story that supported his goal.

Troubled by the historical and logical problems of the Bible’s narrative, I began to search for a more credible alternative. What happens if we put these events within the context of actual Jewish history and culture?  Did Joseph and Mary go to Egypt?  Why?  When? And why did Mary give birth in Bethlehem?

After hours of research, I was able to develop a logical alternative. Given the contentious political events of 6 and 5 B.C., I can understand why Joseph decided to leave Nazareth. Going to Egypt, as you will see in the following text, was a perfectly natural choice. He was simply joining with the hundreds who fled Israel during this period in order to seek the relative safety of Egypt.

Unfortunately, Joseph had to deal with a very pregnant Mary and the perils of a dangerous trip. Although they may have intended to go to Jerusalem where Mary could give birth and Jesus would be properly presented to the Temple, the conflict forced them to go on. Mary, exhausted by days of travel, came due when they reached Bethlehem. My story may not be as much fun, but it is perfectly plausible within the context of the events that surround the birth of Jesus Christ.

Read for pleasure..

………………….

A Little History

King Herod I. became a Roman Client King over Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Idumea, and Peraea in 37 B.C.  He is known for his huge building projects including the port at Caesarea Maritima, a fortress at Masada, a palace fortress at Herodium, and the second Temple (Herod’s Temple) on an expanded Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Augustus demanded an oath of allegiance by enrollment (a type of census) in 8 B.C. It was delayed in Herod’s kingdom because he was in trouble with Augustus, having marched an army into Arabia to take revenge for a prior altercation. Thoroughly upset, Augustus sent Herod a very explicit message; Herod was demoted. Going forward, Herod would be treated as a subject of Rome, rather than a client King. The enumeration was delayed by subsequent diplomatic exchanges between Augustus and a very reluctant Herod. He obviously did not like the idea of being demoted. King Herod 1 finally ordered the enumeration in either late 6 B.C. or early 5 B.C. The whole nation of the Jews, except 6,000 Pharisees, took an oath of fidelity to Caesar and the king.

The hatred and energy of rebellion again swelled to a fever pitch in 5 B.C., prompting Joseph to become concerned for the safety of his wife and her unborn baby. It was lucky for them they left Nazareth in the fall of 5 B.C.

King Herod I totally alienated the Jews and when he died in early 4 B.C. the temporary gap in Roman rule encouraged Judea and other provinces to erupt in full revolt. Would be Messiahs, temple priests, and ordinary Jews rebelled, hoping to restore freedom from the hated Roman oppressor. Publius Quintilius Varus, Rome's governor in Syria from 7 B.C. until 4 B.C. had four legions under his command. He was known for his harsh rule and high taxes. The Jewish historian Josephus mentions the swift action of Varus against a messianic revolt in Judaea after the death of Roman Client King Herod I in 4 BC. Varus led three complete legions and numerous Arab auxiliaries under the command of King Aretas into Galilee. According to legend, Sepphoris was destroyed and many of its residents were sold as slaves. He then marched south to Jerusalem. Varus systematically crushed the rebellion with incredible brutality. He occupied Jerusalem and as a symbol of Roman power; crucified 2,000 Jewish rebels.

Herod’s son Herod Antipas became the tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea. He ruled until 39 A.D. He loved Sepphoris, perched on a hill overlooking the valleys below, and in 3 B.C. started an ambitious program to rebuild the city as his capitol.

Herod’s son Philip became tetrarch of territories north and east of the Jordan (including the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee). He ruled until 34 A.D.

 Herod's son Herod Archelaus became ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. As a ruler, he was totally incompetent and like his father, he managed to alienate most of the Jews in his kingdom. Archelaus was also incredibly cruel. By 6 A.D. the aristocracy was so incensed they sent a delegation to Rome to warn Augustus if he did not remove Archelaus there would be a revolt. Augustus agreed. In 6 A.D. Samaria, Judea and Idumea were combined into the province of Iudaea (Judaea) under direct Roman administration. The capital was at Caesarea Maritima. Coponius was appointed prefect. Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was put in charge of a census for the purpose of taxation over a geographic area that included Iudaea (Judaea) and Galilee.

The census of 6 A.D. (mentioned in The Book of Luke) was immediately countered by another rebellion led by Judas the Galilean, and Zadok a Pharisee. Jewish law prohibited the taking of a census. Judas proclaimed the Jewish state as a republic which would only recognize God as king and ruler. God’s laws were supreme. The revolt continued to spread, and in some places serious conflicts ensued. The Jewish high priest Joazar, who was responsible for maintaining a peaceful population, failed to quell the rebellion. Although initially successful, Judas died by the sword in 7 A.D.

Pontius Pilate was the fifth prefect (governor) of the Roman province of Judaea from 26 A.D. to 36 A.D. His relationship with Herod Antipas was one of mutual distrust (and occasional hatred). Antipas was an ambitious man. He longed to gain control over Judaea and he was continually trying to undermine Pilate’s authority. But neither the first Roman Emperor Augustus (ruled 27 B.C. to 14 A.D.) nor his adopted son Tiberius (Emperor 14 A.D. to 37 A.D.) trusted Antipas.

Tiberius became a dark and reclusive ruler. He withdrew from Rome and went to Capri in 26 A.D. That left Sejanus, prefect of the Praetorian Guard, effectively in charge of the Roman Empire. But then Tiberius, fearing Sejanus was leading a conspiracy against him, had Sejanus executed in 31 A.D.

The life of Jesus was thus framed by continual intrigue, treachery and suspicion among Israel’s Roman rulers. They also were incredibly arrogant, malicious, and - in the eyes of the Jewish population - highly immoral. From 4 B.C. onward, the rebellion started by Judas of Galilee continued to spread and fester even after his death. The Romans eventually crushed all resistance, destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem, and scattered the Jews (Jewish Roman wars 66 A.D. to 136 A.D.)

.................

Joseph Makes a Decision.

Late August, 5 B.C.  Although Joseph had steadfastly resisted being drawn into the rebellious hatred mounting in Nazareth, Sepphoris, Cana, Nain, and elsewhere, he knew he was being criticized for his attitude. Some of the men in Nazareth began to whisper behind his back. But for Joseph, it was a simple choice. He had given his word to Micah that he would protect Mary and his son from harm. Even though he shared his neighbor’s resentment and frustration against the harsh and unforgiving rule of the Romans, he had to honor his commitment to the God both he and Mary loved.

He had also resisted the idea of leaving Nazareth, but by late August the mood in Nazareth became very hostile toward anyone who didn’t want to kill Romans. Herod, it was rumored, had become paranoid and unpredictably cruel. Varus, the governor of Syria, had threatened to march his three legions into Galilee and Judea. Open hostility against the Romans was everywhere. It was, Joseph decided, too dangerous for them to stay in Nazareth. He had given his word to Micah and to God. Nothing was more important than his unborn son, Jesus.

***

September, 5 B.C. It is expected that in the last month of pregnancy, a responsible husband will open the synagogue ark before the Torah to pray for an easy birth. Someone in the congregation will then take out the Torah scroll. Upon opening it, the love of God sweeps down from the heavenly gates. Hopefully, the husband has brought God’s blessings upon his wife and she will have an easy birth.

And so it was for Joseph and Mary at the Temple in Nazareth. Mary was serene in her confidence. God would take care of them. Joseph was full of the pride that comes to a man when his beautiful wife will soon give birth.

After the service, Joseph and Mary spent several minutes talking with neighbors. Congratulations and best wishes filled the air. The mood was very congenial.

It was time, however, for them to have a serious discussion about leaving Nazareth. Threats of conflict were everywhere. They joined their parents at Jacob’s house to share a meal with Ruth, Joachim and Anne. After dinner Jacob proposed a toast to the young couple. But no one offered a smile. Everyone was troubled by the discussion that could not be avoided.

Joseph spoke up. “I have a responsibility.... I have a responsibility to God and to Mary. I cannot let any harm come to her.... or our baby.”

“I know your fears,” Joachim responded “Anne and I have always believed Mary is destined to do the work of our Lord....” He paused to look at each person at the table. “That gives Joseph a greater responsibility.... a greater responsibility to God than to stay here and risk being slaughtered.”

A subdued Jacob gave his response in a voice so low his words were almost inaudible.

“I agree.....  He cannot fulfill his obligations by staying here in Nazareth,” Jacob said, “It is not safe for him, Mary or their baby.”

“Would Egypt be any safer?” asked Joseph.

“There is a large Jewish population in Alexandria. They apparently live in a relatively peaceful coexistence with the Romans,” Joachim responded “and there will be plenty of work there for a man of your skills.”

“What will he do for money?” scowled Jacob “it’s a long trip. There will be expenses.”

Ruth looked up and prodded her husband. “We can help them, can’t we Jacob.”

Jacob looked briefly at Joachim. Both men were resigned to the inevitable. ““It is certain.... If God has united a Levite with the House of David, he had a divine purpose.”

Jacob smiled gently and turned to his wife.

“Yes my love. We can raise some money..... they will not starve.”

...............

Joseph is demonstrating he is a good husband. He intends to be a responsible father. Joseph knows there is not enough work in Nazareth to support his family. There is the possibility he will not be able to evade being drawn into the rebellion against the Romans. Joseph also has an obligation to God to protect his son. Although the decision to leave his family in Nazareth is difficult, Joseph is determined to fulfill his obligations. Mary has already given her promise: she will go wherever he goes.

....................

Text from “Am I Your Son?”

Christian Theology for the 21st Century.
The physical and the metaphysical were both created by God.

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Joseph Was a Man of Wisdom and Determination.

 

Unfortunately, in their zeal to portray Mary as an untouched virgin, gospel writers and early church fathers diminish Joseph’s importance in the life of Jesus. They even argued he married Mary after God made her pregnant (which would have breached Jewish Law) or perhaps he was an old man too fragile to father a baby (which ignores the energy required to raise seven children). But as I researched first century Jewish culture and whatever information I could find about Joseph, it became evident the only way to properly judge him is by his accomplishments and his devotion to the God he valued.

To write about Joseph is to develop a deep respect for this boy who was married at 15, always supported and loved his wife, and was a good father to seven children. He fulfilled his commitment to Micah by raising Jesus to be the son of God.  With Mary’s help he taught Jesus the job skills of a carpenter and artisan, made sure Jesus knew how to read, acquire a working knowledge of mathematics, understand Jewish (religious) law, and learn the rules of human social interaction.  And he did all this despite the incredible stress of ever present danger from famine, disease, villainous bandits, Roman soldiers, Roman mercenaries, Jewish zealots, and the bloodshed of rebellion. By working as a carpenter in Nazareth and Sepphoris, he earned enough money to support his family.  Joseph rejected the ever present temptation to become a Jewish nationalist - a decision that could have easily left him maimed or dead.

In Jewish culture, a boy becomes a man, a "bar mitzvah," on his 13th birthday, automatically assuming full religious and legal responsibility for observing the commandments.

Research suggests Joseph was born in 21 BC, betrothed at age 14 (7 BC), married at age 15 (6 BC), and became a father to Jesus when he was 16 (5 BC). In my novel about the life of Jesus, Joseph dies in 26 AD, at age 46. Death at this age was not uncommon. In the 1st century, children who were still alive at age 10 could look forward to an average life expectancy of 47.5 years.

Given his probable diet, and genetic heritage, it is likely Joseph was about  168 cm (5 feet five inches) tall, had brown eyes, dark brown or black hair, and a slender build. Given the latitude of Galilee, he would have been a white man with a light honey-brown complexion.

Joseph was educated by his parents and the men of Nazareth. He may also have attended the Temple school in Sepphoris. We know he could read because he read from the law in the Synagogue. It is highly likely Joseph mastered the fundamentals of mathematics because in order to be a successful carpenter, artisan, or stone mason, he would have to be proficient in addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, as well as the skills of basic geometry. Joseph may also have had a working knowledge of Koine Greek, the language of commerce and government. These intellectual achievements meant he had a better education than 85 percent of his peers. Being a good father, Joseph would have passed whatever knowledge he accumulated on to his children – including .. very specifically .. Jesus.

A skilled carpenter and stone mason could make a good living during his lifetime in Israel.  Joseph would have been able to find work in Nazareth and the nearby town of Sepphoris. After the failed rebellion of 4 BC, (King) Herod Antipas started an ambitious construction program to make Sepphoris his capitol in 3 or early 2 BC.   A relatively easy walk from Nazareth, work would have been available from the Romans and wealthy Jews who moved there. It is possible Joseph found additional work in Tiberias when Antipas moved his government center there in ~18 - 20 AD. With these employment opportunities, it is likely Joseph was able to provide his family with a comfortable life style.

By age 10, it is highly likely Jesus accompanied his father to find work in Sepphoris. Joseph provided an anchor of maturity for Jesus, increased his knowledge, trained him to be a carpenter (and perhaps a stone mason or ceramicist) and helped to create the character of the man we encounter in the four Gospels. Joseph would have been acutely aware of his obligation to God, and he apparently carried it out with wisdom and determination.

 

Ron

Thoughts from my novel  “Am I Your Son”

 

Note 1: Joseph's grandfather Mattan (a descendant of Solomon) had a wife called "Esther" (not recorded in the Bible) with whom he fathered Jacob (Joseph's father). We know very little about Ruth, Joseph’s mother.

Note 2. Sepphoris ... (In Hebrew -  Tzipori)  is located in the central Galilee region of Israel, three or four miles north-northwest of Nazareth.  It is over 900 feet above sea level and overlooks the Beit Netofa Valley. Before the death of Herod the Great in 4 BC, it had a population of up to 6,000. After 3 AD Herod Antipas made it the Capitol of Galilee and the population increased to over 10,000. Although Jesus and his father would have been aware, and sometimes involved, in the events that happened in Sepphoris, and would certainly have had many opportunities to find work there, the name does not appear anywhere in the Bible.

Note 3. There is some thought that Joseph actually met and fell in love with Mary while working in Sepphoris. But given the traditional involvement of Jewish parents in the selection of a mate and the relative disruption of the political rebellion that was engulfing Sepphoris at the time, the weight of evidence favors the idea that Mary’s parents fled to Nazareth for their own safety. Once there, they eventually worked with Joseph’s parents to encourage the union.

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What Do We Know about Mary, The Mother of Jesus?

 

A Virtuous Woman

The mother of Jesus is known by many names. They include: Mary, Saint Mary, the Madonna, Queen of Angels, Mary Mother of God, and the Virgin Mary. She has been venerated as the greatest of all Christian saints. She has been a favorite subject of Western art, music, and literature. Early Church fathers believed an immaculate Mary conceived Jesus with her virginity unimpaired, a position supported by Catholic and other religious doctrine. She is therefore free from all stain of original sin. At the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD the Church Fathers spoke of Mary, the holy Virgin, as the Mother of God. Some believe she remained a virgin after she gave birth to Jesus until the end of her life.

Theologians have thus turned a woman named Mary into a supernatural Holy Image, untouched by human blood and the ordinary labors of 1st century women.

But is that realistic? Wasn’t she a Jewish girl, living in a Jewish village, bound by the customs of her community, and exposed to the realities of her cultural environment? Does our theological obsessive concern over her virginity mask Mary’s human life?  Was Joseph the human father of Jesus?  Would Mary be branded a  prostitute if she violated Jewish law by becoming pregnant before marriage? Did God have an alternative means of creating his son in her womb?  Is it possible to construct an alternative portrait of Mary that is more consistent with 21^st century knowledge?

Yes.

One cannot describe the life of Jesus without also exploring the persona and life of Mary. She was, after all, his mother. Mary changed his diapers, insisted he wash before eating, prepared his meals, and did all of the other tasks we associate with motherhood. With Joseph’s help she taught him the ways of Jewish culture, insisted he learned to read, acquire basic skills in mathematics, understand Jewish (religious) law, and learn the rules of human interaction.

But who was she? Getting to know her is a complex challenge, presenting us with both truth and fabrication. We are compelled to supplement Biblical text with cultural, historical, and archeological information.

But what emerges from careful analysis is both credible and inspiring. Mary was, indeed, a lovely girl who grew up to be a virtuous woman of incredible inner strength.

Mary – Traditional View

To research the life of Mary is to fall in love with her. It’s easy to think of Mary as a simple uneducated peasant girl, living in Nazareth, zealously protected by her parents, and naive to the ways of the world. But as I researched first century Jewish culture and whatever information I could find about Mary, it became evident the only way to properly judge her is by her accomplishments, her humility, and her devotion to the God she loved.

Without question, she is the graceful personification of motherhood. To write about Mary is to develop a deep respect for this girl who became a woman at 14, always supported and loved her husband, was a good mother to seven children, faithfully supported the life and work of her eldest son Jesus, never gave up on the task God had given to her, and could be called the first Christian. And she did all this despite the incredible stress of ever present danger from famine, disease, villainous bandits, Roman soldiers, Roman mercenaries, Jewish zealots, the bloodshed of rebellion, and the constant -sometimes downright nasty criticism of her son’s ministry.

Mary was of the tribe of Judah, and the line of David. Under Jewish law when a girl began to menstruate she became a woman and could be married. This transition usually occurred when she was 13 or 14 years old and the women of the village decided her body was mature enough to bear children. Research suggests Mary (Mariam) was born in the spring of April of 20 BC, perhaps betrothed at age 13 (7 BC), certainly married at age 14 (6 BC), and gave birth to Jesus when she was 15 (5 BC).  She was 48 (almost 49) when Jesus was crucified. Mary apparently died when she was 58 or 59 years old in 39 AD.

In the 1^st century AD we humans were not as tall as we are today. Given her probable diet and genetic heritage, it is likely Mary was approximately 155 cm (5 feet one inch) tall, had brown eyes, dark brown hair, and a slender build. Given the latitude of Nazareth, Mary would have been a white woman with a very light honey brown complexion.

Mary – A 21^st Century View

When we think of Mary the mother of Jesus, we must also consider the influence of where she was conceived and born. The choices are: Nazareth, Sepphoris, and Jerusalem. Her mother’s family resided in Sepphoris, and during the 12th century the Crusaders built a Church honoring St Anne on the site they believed to be her family home. Although Mary may have been born in Sepphoris at the family home, her conception and birth are celebrated in Jerusalem. That leaves Nazareth – a tiny village (if it existed at all at the time of her birth) - a distant third choice.

Her parents, Joachim and Anna, apparently raised their family in Sepphoris (and Jerusalem) until the threat of a pending rebellion forced them to move to the relative safety of Nazareth in 7 or 6 BC.  God selected Mary to be the mother of his son because she was intelligent, creative, compassionate, educated, levelheaded, and firmly committed to her beliefs. Where did this intellectual achievement and passion come from? Although the relatively cosmopolitan community of Sepphoris offered opportunities for an education, it is more likely she was educated in Jerusalem (see note) and thus her father had a choice of well-educated priests to tutor her. Mary could read and recite passages from Jewish law. It is likely she understood addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. She may have learned some rudimentary geometry. Thus a relatively sophisticated Mary had a better education than 85 percent of her peers.  In the last century BC  it was extremely rare for a woman to be able to read, write, or have any math skills. Mary would have passed whatever knowledge she accumulated to her children.

Jesus moved Mary and two of his brothers to Capernaum after Joseph died and the opportunity for work began to dry up in Sepphoris (about 18 to 20 AD when Herod Antipas moved the capitol of Galilee from Sepphoris to a new city he named Tiberias in honor of the Roman Emperor). After Jesus began his ministry (at age 30 in 27 AD) Mary apparently helped to organize his activities, frequently accompanying him as he traveled. It is likely she could be found among the many female disciples who adored Jesus and desperately wanted to believe his message. Mary may have been described in the Book of John as “the disciple who loved him”.

Mary witnessed the cruel and bloody crucifixion of the son to whom she had given her life. With tenderness and sorrow she laid him to rest on a cold block of stone. On the third day, we can only imagine how Mary felt when she explored the empty tomb with a mixture of hope and dread, elation and fear. Had God kept his promise? Of course: his resurrection brought her incredible joy and relief. She had fulfilled her obligation to God.

There is no doubt... Mary was a woman of intelligence, compassion, and incredible inner strength.

 

Author’s Note About Mary’s Conception

Matthew

Matthew imagined the conception of Jesus according to his desire to show his birth fulfilled ancient prophecies about the coming of a Messiah.

“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.” – Matthew 1:20

The story in Matthew is based on obsolete medical science. It is likely he believed God’s “seed” would be a complete human baby (a tiny person or seed), ready to grow in Mary’s womb. During the time the New Testament was written it was generally believed that a woman contributed nothing to the creation of a baby. An agrarian culture took its conceptual beliefs from farming. It was believed a man planted his “seed” (a complete human) into a woman’s body and if she was fertile, the seed would attach to the womb and grow into a baby. Because it was a seed created by God, Matthew assumed it would have the divine characteristics of God (in effect, it would be the progeny of the Holy Father). Jesus was thus expected to be the son of God with the physical characteristics of a human male.

Luke

Luke also understood conception in terms of 1st century medical science. He based his text in the “Book of Luke” and “The Acts of the Apostles” on the writings of Mark, his friendship with Paul, a source called Q, his conversations with early Christians, and other resources. A well-educated Greek gentile and physician, Luke wants to present us with a reliable story about the Jesus he admired.

He mentions that Jesus is the “Son of Man” (apparently a Messianic title) 25 times in his texts. Both Luke and Paul, who became friends, clearly believed Jesus was born under the law... Being born “under the law” is not a trivial concept. It means that after the wedding ceremony the bride and groom consummate their marriage by holding intercourse. A woman proves her virginity by leaving a few drops of blood on the bed. It also means that Mary must have been a virgin on her wedding night.

A Natural Alternative

The discovery of how the human female egg is fertilized would not be confirmed until the 1900s (by Edgar Allen in 1928). Conception (when the sperm penetrates the egg) creates a fertilized ovum called a zygote. The zygote's genome now contains all of the genetic information necessary for the development of a human baby.

The importance of DNA was not clearly recognized until ~ 1953. A molecule of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains the genetic instructions that govern the growth, development, and characteristics of a living organism. DNA instructions (information) are passed from parent to child during conception. We inherit half of our DNA from our father and half from our mother.

The idea that Mary was “seeded” by Joseph created a problem for early theologians. Jesus had to be divinely pure: absolutely above all natural humans. In order to be sure he was above all others, it was decided that his mother was seeded by God (the Immaculate Conception). God would also provide the seed when Mary was ready to be pregnant with Jesus. This meant, of course, Mary had to be pregnant before she married Joseph in order to be sure who seeded Jesus. Joseph was thus portrayed as a man who was commanded by God to marry a pregnant woman.

But this theory created another problem for early theologians. It was important to tie the life of Jesus to key people described in the Old Testament, including King David. But if Joseph was not the father, then how could Jesus trace his lineage back to King David? It was decided Mary was seeded just before her marriage and Joseph would just have to marry a pregnant Mary. That maintained the purity of conception. But the issue of lineage has remained a subject of debate.

This conundrum has been the source of controversy and conflict for hundreds of years. But it is easy to resolve.  Let us not forget, .. God has always known all there is to know about DNA and human conception. All God had to do is modify the DNA of Mary’s egg and the DNA of Joseph’s sperm, ... or the DNA of the Zygote, to create the son he wanted. Then Joseph is the natural father. Mary is the natural mother. Jesus is the natural son ... and his lineage back to King David is preserved. In effect, Jesus has two fathers.  God gets exactly what he wants in a son.  Jesus is born.... as both Paul and Luke reveal... by the rules of Jewish law. Twenty first century medical knowledge provides us with a natural answer. Jesus is the son of man and the perfection of God.

Luke wrote his story about the conception of Jesus Christ (who he frequently refers to as the “Son of Man”) based on his understanding of 1st century medical knowledge. This raises an interesting question. What would he have written in his Gospel if he understood 21st century medical science?

Unfortunately, traditional Christian beliefs continue to center on obsolete first century medical knowledge. It’s time we revisited the birth of Jesus and revised it to reflect our 21st Century understanding of biology and medical technology. Medical science has now rendered the early church’s concern about the creation and lineage of Jesus obsolete. Jesus was (and is) God’s son and divine by God’s will.

It’s in the DNA.

Ron

Note 1.  Mary may have received most of her education from the Temple Priests in Jerusalem, where her father had business activity and her parents maintained a home. Joachim would have had his choice of excellent tutors for his beloved daughter. The veneration of Anne, Mary’s mother, and apparently Mary’s conception, are firmly rooted in traditions of Jerusalem that began before the Crusades. Ann was apparently born in Sepphoris and – according to cultural custom - may have returned to her family home when she was ready to give birth to Mary.

Note 2. Sepphoris ... (In Hebrew -  Tzipori)  is located in the central Galilee region of Israel, three or four miles north-northwest of Nazareth.  It is over 900 feet above sea level and overlooks the Beit Netofa Valley. Before the death of Herod the Great in 4 BC, it had a population of up to 6,000. After 3 AD Herod Antipas made it the Capitol of Galilee and the population increased to over 10,000. Although Jesus and his father would have been aware, and sometimes involved, in the events that happened in Sepphoris, and would certainly have had many opportunities to find work there, the name does not appear anywhere in the Bible.

There is some thought that Joseph actually met and fell in love with Mary while working in Sepphoris. But given the traditional involvement of Jewish parents in the selection of a mate and the relative disruption of the political rebellion that was engulfing Sepphoris at the time, the weight of evidence favors the idea that Mary’s parents fled to Nazareth for their own safety. Once there, they eventually worked with Joseph’s parents to encourage the union.

Note 3. Of course Mary and Joseph had a large family. Seven beautiful children. That would have been expected by the community and there is no reason God would object. How this happened is chronicled in my novel “Am I Your Son?” and my book “Summa 21”.

Note 4. A “girl” became a “woman” upon her marriage. Although a formal betrothal that lasted one year was typical of Jewish custom, it was not always required. The date of Mary’s death in Jerusalem is less certain

 

Based on text found in “Summa 21”

Christian Theology for the 21st century. 

The physical and the metaphysical were both created by God.

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