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..
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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.)
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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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