The Virgin Birth - Nothing Is Impossible With God

by Merchant, Paul | Category: General | Jan 1994

The events of those months would attract a herd of newspaper reporters if they took place today: the episode of a young couple at the centre of supernatural events that give rise to suspicion of infidelity and plans to divorce. If such a turbulent start to their marriage is not enough, it is quickly followed by cunning political intrigue that results in child murders and the family's escape into exile, and then a spell as refugees. After those brief, action packed years, the family lived quietly in a nondescript, provincial town in their native country.

Jesus' birth was normal. His human development proceeded through the normal stages of growth. There was nothing miraculous about it. To be precise, it was His conception that was a miracle. It is the unique method of His conception that provokes both awe and controversy.

We are told little about Jesus' infancy. Only two gospels give any detail. Most of our knowledge is provided through a doctor-cum-historian who had a particular interest in the child's early life. Doctor Luke begins his account by asserting the truth of his biography, "I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning"(l), and he proceeds to spend the opening three chapters of his Gospel on Jesus' early life.

In the opening chapter of Luke we read of the revelation to Mary and of her virginity, "How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin?"(2) Earlier, Luke has in mind a pure, unmarried woman when he twice describes Mary as a virgin. Then we are informed of the work of the Holy Spirit and the unique titles given to the, as yet, unborn child. Joseph is clearly stated as not being His father(3). Furthermore, it was unusual for a biography written in the Jewish culture to give such prominence to a female, which is another indication of how extraordinary those events were.

Matthew gives us Joseph's account. Matthew alludes to the virginal conception in six references: "Before they came together ... found to be with child through the Holy Spirit ... Joseph ... did not want to expose her to public disgrace what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit... the virgin will be with child he had no union with her"(4). Matthew, like Luke, never calls Joseph the father of Jesus nor is Jesus actually described as Joseph's son (but see Mat. 13:55 and Luke 4:22). However, Mary is described as Jesus' mother. Here in summary are features of the two gospels:

Matthew

*Description of Joseph's part

*A narrative of anxiety (Joseph) and terror (murder of the innocents)

*Conception revealed afterwards

*Political drama

*Adoration from wealthy, Gentile astrologers

*Genealogy back to Abraham

*Genealogy teaches Jesus' kingship

Luke

*Description of Mary's part

*A narrative of peace and hope (Mary and her prayer)

*Conception announced beforehand

*Family scene

*Adoration from poor, Jewish shepherds

*Genealogy back to Adam

*Genealogy teaches Jesus' humanity

It is unusual that the news of the virginal conception was revealed to Mary and Joseph separately. It evoked anxiety and stress. Mary responded to the angel with her question "How?" and hurried off for reassurance to her older, pregnant relative Elizabeth. Joseph seriously considered divorce and required angelic intervention to reassure him about the strange events. However, to have given the revelation to them both together might have given rise to doubts by others about the authenticity of this unique and miraculous conception. Luke tells us of the strong and varied human reactions to these events which gives his story an added ring of truth; it all reads so true to life. The human responses strengthen the reality of the miracle.

The writers clearly assert the unique virginal conception of Christ, confirming that "nothing is impossible with God"(5). Their full records express their desire to affirm the unique character of the child; "They will call Him Immanuel - which means, God with us"(6).

Bible references from the New International Version: (1) Luke 1:3 (2) Luke 1:34 (3) Luke 3:23 (4) Matthew 1:18-25 (5) Luke 1:37 (6) Matthew 1:23.

Merchant, Paul | Jan 1994
General