Luke 2:21-24
When God made his covenant with Abraham, Abraham’s family agreed to circumcise every son when he was eight days old. It was a token or evidence of his accepting God’s covenant. Any man who was not circumcised was to be excluded from Israel as having rejected God’s covenant. Baptism serves the same purpose in the church, identifying those who have accepted the new covenant. Like circumcision, it takes place after the new birth, but refusal to be baptized implies rejection of the covenant, and isolates one from membership in the church. Genesis 17:9-14 describes the command.
“And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.”
To qualify as Messiah, it was necessary that Jesus fulfill all the terms of God’s law. As devout Jews, Mary and Joseph obeyed the commands in the law, taking him to be circumcised on the eighth day as God had commanded. At that time he was given the name Jesus as the angel had instructed. It is probable that this was done in Bethlehem.
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:21-24)
They later fulfilled the purification ceremony for the mother, as specified in Leviticus 12, coming to the temple at least forty one days after his birth, and offering a sacrifice to God. Before that she was not allowed into the Temple.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days. And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood.
This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.” (Leviticus 12:1-8)
The purification period ensured that the woman was completely healed up before she went into the temple and that the baby was also healthy. What ever God’s reasoning, it protected the mother, the baby, and those they came in contact with from spreading contagious diseases as a side benefit.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Announcement Of Christ’s Birth
Luke 2:1-20
Thanks to Luke’s attention to historical events it is possible to determine the date of Christ’s birth within a couple of years. One reason for rejecting many pseudo gospels is their lack of historical accuracy. Luke was a contemporary and familiar with the culture and the laws of the day. In addition, his stories make it apparent he was personally acquainted with most of the people he refers to or their friends. Roman records support his claims about the taxation.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.” (Luke 2:1-2)
By having everyone pay their taxes in the city they were originally from, Rome could be sure they got everyone’s money, but most cultures were not that concerned with taxes, as they didn’t have such an excessive infra structure and weren’t so large. That Luke knew this is evidence that he was a contemporary. The details here could have only come from Mary or Joseph themselves.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4)
It is impossible to estimate how many people may have been forced to travel to their home city to pay their taxes and be recorded on the census, but the number was significant. With no way of reserving rooms, and considering that most inns had only one or two rooms that were rented out, it is not hard to believe that the inn was full. Today most people would not think of sleeping in an animal shelter, but even during the depression, Mom’s family had to live in a chicken house for a while, and Dad’s family rented a sheep shed because that was what was available. Homeless people often live in conditions most people wouldn’t endure on a camping trip and consider them normal. Sleeping in the stable would not have provoked much concern. It provided needed shelter, and camping out was a way of life.
Nearly everyone has seen to cowboy movies where the night herder rides around the cattle to keep them together and prevent attacks. With sheep it is even more necessary as they are more vulnerable. Even today, sheepherders live with their sheep to protect them. As a result they become very acquainted with nature, and aware of God’s creation. While many are not Christians, few are atheists or agnostics.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8-9)
Their awareness of nature tends to make outdoor people more receptive to the things of God. As a result the angels appeared and announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, while the people in the cities were completely unaware of it. To them it was an event, while most people in the city probably would have considered it just another baby and ignored it. To those who work closely with animals, a birth is especially exciting.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:10-20)
Whether Luke got the story from Mary or one of the shepherds is unclear, but that he had interviewed others is obvious. The shepherds arrived before Joseph and Mary moved from the stable, and spread the news, but it never got to Jerusalem.
Thanks to Luke’s attention to historical events it is possible to determine the date of Christ’s birth within a couple of years. One reason for rejecting many pseudo gospels is their lack of historical accuracy. Luke was a contemporary and familiar with the culture and the laws of the day. In addition, his stories make it apparent he was personally acquainted with most of the people he refers to or their friends. Roman records support his claims about the taxation.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.” (Luke 2:1-2)
By having everyone pay their taxes in the city they were originally from, Rome could be sure they got everyone’s money, but most cultures were not that concerned with taxes, as they didn’t have such an excessive infra structure and weren’t so large. That Luke knew this is evidence that he was a contemporary. The details here could have only come from Mary or Joseph themselves.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4)
It is impossible to estimate how many people may have been forced to travel to their home city to pay their taxes and be recorded on the census, but the number was significant. With no way of reserving rooms, and considering that most inns had only one or two rooms that were rented out, it is not hard to believe that the inn was full. Today most people would not think of sleeping in an animal shelter, but even during the depression, Mom’s family had to live in a chicken house for a while, and Dad’s family rented a sheep shed because that was what was available. Homeless people often live in conditions most people wouldn’t endure on a camping trip and consider them normal. Sleeping in the stable would not have provoked much concern. It provided needed shelter, and camping out was a way of life.
Nearly everyone has seen to cowboy movies where the night herder rides around the cattle to keep them together and prevent attacks. With sheep it is even more necessary as they are more vulnerable. Even today, sheepherders live with their sheep to protect them. As a result they become very acquainted with nature, and aware of God’s creation. While many are not Christians, few are atheists or agnostics.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8-9)
Their awareness of nature tends to make outdoor people more receptive to the things of God. As a result the angels appeared and announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, while the people in the cities were completely unaware of it. To them it was an event, while most people in the city probably would have considered it just another baby and ignored it. To those who work closely with animals, a birth is especially exciting.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:10-20)
Whether Luke got the story from Mary or one of the shepherds is unclear, but that he had interviewed others is obvious. The shepherds arrived before Joseph and Mary moved from the stable, and spread the news, but it never got to Jerusalem.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Prophesies Of Zacharias
Luke 1:57-80
“Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1;57-58)
Being well past child bearing age and having given up hope of having a child, it must have been really exciting to Zacharias and Elizabeth. Friends and relatives were thrilled for couple, rejoicing that God had performed such a miracle. It was customary to name children after close relatives, and the decision to call the child John was a surprise to the community.
“And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” (Luke 1:59-64)
Breaking tradition often results in conflict, but God had instructed them what name to call him in verse 13. When Zacharias obeyed God by insisting on the name, the people were amazed. God rewarded his obedience and restored the ability to speak that had been lost as a result of his lack of faith. The miraculous restoration of his speech, coupled with the miraculous birth attracted a lot of attention among the farmers and shepherds of the hill country, although the cities took no notice.
“And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Luke 1:65-66)
The Holy Spirit then filled Zacharias, and caused him to prophesy again of Messiah, the one who would sit on the throne of David and deliver Israel. He refers back to the many prophecies such as the one in Isaiah 9:6-7. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” The first recorded prophecy goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:15.
“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:67-75)
Some of the prophecy was directed to what John himself would do. This also related directly to prophesies in the past, such as MalachI 3:1. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 40:3 describes the message he will carry. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” John is to be the fulfillment of that prophecy.
“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79)
Luke 1:15 declared, “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.” Staying in the desert and hill country helped to avoid some of the distractions the cities would have offered.
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.” (Luke 1:80)
As a result of his development in the desert, John developed a different lifestyle than those in the cities, making him stand out as different when he began his ministry. Matthew 3:4 describes his differences. “And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.” He was not the typical well dressed, sophisticated and polished preacher of his day.
“Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1;57-58)
Being well past child bearing age and having given up hope of having a child, it must have been really exciting to Zacharias and Elizabeth. Friends and relatives were thrilled for couple, rejoicing that God had performed such a miracle. It was customary to name children after close relatives, and the decision to call the child John was a surprise to the community.
“And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” (Luke 1:59-64)
Breaking tradition often results in conflict, but God had instructed them what name to call him in verse 13. When Zacharias obeyed God by insisting on the name, the people were amazed. God rewarded his obedience and restored the ability to speak that had been lost as a result of his lack of faith. The miraculous restoration of his speech, coupled with the miraculous birth attracted a lot of attention among the farmers and shepherds of the hill country, although the cities took no notice.
“And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Luke 1:65-66)
The Holy Spirit then filled Zacharias, and caused him to prophesy again of Messiah, the one who would sit on the throne of David and deliver Israel. He refers back to the many prophecies such as the one in Isaiah 9:6-7. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” The first recorded prophecy goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:15.
“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:67-75)
Some of the prophecy was directed to what John himself would do. This also related directly to prophesies in the past, such as MalachI 3:1. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 40:3 describes the message he will carry. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” John is to be the fulfillment of that prophecy.
“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79)
Luke 1:15 declared, “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.” Staying in the desert and hill country helped to avoid some of the distractions the cities would have offered.
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.” (Luke 1:80)
As a result of his development in the desert, John developed a different lifestyle than those in the cities, making him stand out as different when he began his ministry. Matthew 3:4 describes his differences. “And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.” He was not the typical well dressed, sophisticated and polished preacher of his day.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Confirmation of God’s Promise
Luke 1:39-56
“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.” (Luke 1:39-40)
Zacharias and Elizabeth had returned to their own home, but when the angel announced Elizabeth’s pregnancy to Mary, she believed God statement and went to visit her. Pregnant women did not go about much in public as they do in our society, and Elizabeth had hid herself five months. Mary withdrew herself from society to go help and encourage Elizabeth, spending three months with her.
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:41-45)
As soon as Mary spoke to Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit revealed God’s plan to Elizabeth, confirming the angel’s prophecy. One thing we find is that God will always confirm his plan so that we do not have to spend our time guessing whether it is God’s will when we follow him by faith. Mary is blessed that she has believed God and acted accordingly.
The confirmation clearly encouraged Mary, as we see in the next verse. Apparently she was under some apprehension as to her position considering the penalties assessed against women who had had premarital sex marrying some one else. That she was still virgin would be hard to prove. It could well mean she’d never be able to marry or leave her parent’s home. Public scorn can be devastating. Elizabeth’s statements relieved some of the concern.
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.”(Luke 1:46-50)
With her own concerns alleviated, Mary is able to rejoice fully in how God works and to give thanks for his blessings. Even in a time that could have seemed very troubling, she is able to trust, and recognize that as Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” As a result, she is able to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” as I Thessalonians 5:18 instructs.
“He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” (Luke 1:51-55)
The time with Elizabeth, away from the public eye and the suspicions of her family and friends gave Mary an opportunity to come to terms with her pregnancy. She realized she had to go back and acknowledge the situation, realizing that Joseph could rightfully decide not to marry her and her family might shun her.
“And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.” (Luke 1:56)
When Mary returned to her home in Nazareth, Her pregnancy was advanced enough that she didn’t hide it, and her fiance, Joseph had to be told. Matthew records Joseph’s struggle with how to handle the situation just as it had troubled Mary.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” (Matthew 1:18-19)
Under the law, a person was required to marry a person they had sex with. To marry someone else was adultery, and deserved the death penalty. Aware of the teachings of Deuteronomy 22:27-28 and Exodus 22:16-17, Joseph had to face the fact that if she had had sex with someone else, she was not free to marry him. Matthew 19:6 and I Corinthians 6:16 imply that the same standard still applies. Recognizing that he had no evidence that she was a willing participant, Joseph could not justify demanding the maximum penalty.
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
The Angel convinced Joseph that he was free to marry Mary and thus eliminated any public censure for her pregnancy or taint of scandal. Joseph demonstrated great faith to go through with the marriage despite the situation. It must have been difficult, but as Matthew explains, this was necessary to prove that Christ was the Messiah.
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:22-25)
“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.” (Luke 1:39-40)
Zacharias and Elizabeth had returned to their own home, but when the angel announced Elizabeth’s pregnancy to Mary, she believed God statement and went to visit her. Pregnant women did not go about much in public as they do in our society, and Elizabeth had hid herself five months. Mary withdrew herself from society to go help and encourage Elizabeth, spending three months with her.
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:41-45)
As soon as Mary spoke to Elizabeth, the Holy Spirit revealed God’s plan to Elizabeth, confirming the angel’s prophecy. One thing we find is that God will always confirm his plan so that we do not have to spend our time guessing whether it is God’s will when we follow him by faith. Mary is blessed that she has believed God and acted accordingly.
The confirmation clearly encouraged Mary, as we see in the next verse. Apparently she was under some apprehension as to her position considering the penalties assessed against women who had had premarital sex marrying some one else. That she was still virgin would be hard to prove. It could well mean she’d never be able to marry or leave her parent’s home. Public scorn can be devastating. Elizabeth’s statements relieved some of the concern.
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.”(Luke 1:46-50)
With her own concerns alleviated, Mary is able to rejoice fully in how God works and to give thanks for his blessings. Even in a time that could have seemed very troubling, she is able to trust, and recognize that as Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” As a result, she is able to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” as I Thessalonians 5:18 instructs.
“He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” (Luke 1:51-55)
The time with Elizabeth, away from the public eye and the suspicions of her family and friends gave Mary an opportunity to come to terms with her pregnancy. She realized she had to go back and acknowledge the situation, realizing that Joseph could rightfully decide not to marry her and her family might shun her.
“And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.” (Luke 1:56)
When Mary returned to her home in Nazareth, Her pregnancy was advanced enough that she didn’t hide it, and her fiance, Joseph had to be told. Matthew records Joseph’s struggle with how to handle the situation just as it had troubled Mary.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” (Matthew 1:18-19)
Under the law, a person was required to marry a person they had sex with. To marry someone else was adultery, and deserved the death penalty. Aware of the teachings of Deuteronomy 22:27-28 and Exodus 22:16-17, Joseph had to face the fact that if she had had sex with someone else, she was not free to marry him. Matthew 19:6 and I Corinthians 6:16 imply that the same standard still applies. Recognizing that he had no evidence that she was a willing participant, Joseph could not justify demanding the maximum penalty.
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
The Angel convinced Joseph that he was free to marry Mary and thus eliminated any public censure for her pregnancy or taint of scandal. Joseph demonstrated great faith to go through with the marriage despite the situation. It must have been difficult, but as Matthew explains, this was necessary to prove that Christ was the Messiah.
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:22-25)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Announcement of Christ’s Impending Birth to Mary
Luke 1:26-38
I John 5:6 stresses that the best proofs that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior of the world are seen in his physical birth and his death, proving that he is God in the flesh, and that he is human. “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” I John 5:8 declares that three things, the physical birth, the physical death, and the actions of the Holy Spirit are the earthly testimony of who he is. “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
One evidence that He is the Messiah is given in Isaiah 7;14. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Many today translate the Greek word parthenos as a young woman, but as Mary herself states, in her case, it meant more than that. The word used in Isaiah means specifically a woman or girl who has had no sexual experience. If Mary were not in fact a virgin, then Jesus could not fulfill the prophecy, and could not be the Messiah. To be born of just a young woman would be meaningless as a sign, as babies are born to young women every second of the day. To be born of a virgin, however, would be miraculous. Even modern science requires a complex surgical procedure to approximate it.
Numerous times it was prophesied that Christ would be of the house of David and sit on his throne. Isaiah 9:6-7 is one such reference. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
Jeremiah 23:5 makes a very similar statement. “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.” To Qualify as Messiah, Jesus had to meet this requirement. Because Joseph was descended from David, he would be recognized by the people as being qualified, even though joseph were not his father.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” (Luke 1:26-29)
Gabriel’s greeting to Mary was unusual, and left her wondering what was going on, but it definitely caught her attention. Even more surprising was his prophecy of her pregnancy and of the son she would bear, that he would be a king and that he would be called the son of God.
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
Knowing that there was no way she could be pregnant since she was still a virgin, Mary did not question what the angel said, but she did ask how it was going to happen. As the angel explained it, the Holy spirit would implant the sperm, Making the child truly the son of God. He then referred to the pregnancy of Elizabeth at her age as evidence that God could do what he said.
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:34-37)
Unlike Zacharias, Mary accepted the angel’s prophecy, believing and yielding to God’s will in her life. She demanded no special sign to convince her of the angel’s message.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)
I John 5:6 stresses that the best proofs that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior of the world are seen in his physical birth and his death, proving that he is God in the flesh, and that he is human. “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” I John 5:8 declares that three things, the physical birth, the physical death, and the actions of the Holy Spirit are the earthly testimony of who he is. “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
One evidence that He is the Messiah is given in Isaiah 7;14. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Many today translate the Greek word parthenos as a young woman, but as Mary herself states, in her case, it meant more than that. The word used in Isaiah means specifically a woman or girl who has had no sexual experience. If Mary were not in fact a virgin, then Jesus could not fulfill the prophecy, and could not be the Messiah. To be born of just a young woman would be meaningless as a sign, as babies are born to young women every second of the day. To be born of a virgin, however, would be miraculous. Even modern science requires a complex surgical procedure to approximate it.
Numerous times it was prophesied that Christ would be of the house of David and sit on his throne. Isaiah 9:6-7 is one such reference. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
Jeremiah 23:5 makes a very similar statement. “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.” To Qualify as Messiah, Jesus had to meet this requirement. Because Joseph was descended from David, he would be recognized by the people as being qualified, even though joseph were not his father.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” (Luke 1:26-29)
Gabriel’s greeting to Mary was unusual, and left her wondering what was going on, but it definitely caught her attention. Even more surprising was his prophecy of her pregnancy and of the son she would bear, that he would be a king and that he would be called the son of God.
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)
Knowing that there was no way she could be pregnant since she was still a virgin, Mary did not question what the angel said, but she did ask how it was going to happen. As the angel explained it, the Holy spirit would implant the sperm, Making the child truly the son of God. He then referred to the pregnancy of Elizabeth at her age as evidence that God could do what he said.
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:34-37)
Unlike Zacharias, Mary accepted the angel’s prophecy, believing and yielding to God’s will in her life. She demanded no special sign to convince her of the angel’s message.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Miraculous Birth of John the Baptist
Luke 1:5-25
In order to accurately portray the events and teachings of Christ completely, it was necessary to show the basis for believing he is the Messiah. This necessitates the examination of prophecies concerning the birth of the Messiah, and whether they were fulfilled. Malachi 3:1 prophesied that one would come to lay the foundation before Messiah came. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”
If Jesus Christ is the Messiah, it is essential that this prophecy be fulfilled just as every other must. Luke shows that John the Baptist fulfilled this role. He starts by explaining the situation with John’s parents when the prophecy was made.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” (Luke 1:5-12)
John’s birth is to be a miraculous birth in it’s own right, since they were both beyond the normal childbearing years. The angel gave specific directions as to his raising, similar to the command given to Samson’s mother in Judges 13:7. “But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.” While we are never told that John was a Nazarite, his subsequent lifestyle would seem to indicate that he was.
“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)
The angel makes it clear that John is to be the fulfilment of the prophesies by Malachi that we already read, and the one in Isaiah 40:3. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” He is to prepare people to receive Christ’s ministry. Like Sarah in Genesis 18:11-15, Zacharias found the prophecy of having a child at their age hard to believe. He asked for a sign to prove it.
“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” (Luke 1:18-20)
God expects us to verify that what we hear is the word of God. He instructed Israel to check what the prophets said in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
Samson’s parents asked for proof that the angel was from God. Believing that God would speak the truth. Zacarias, on the other hand, believed the angel was from God, but asked for proof the message was true. He was to be punished for his failure to believe God. Romans 14:23 states, “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” The proof would be judgment on Zacarias himself.
“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.” (Luke 1:21-22)
The prophecy was fulfilled immediately, demonstrating that the angel was speaking God’s word. That the prophecy was fulfilled got the attention of the faithful at the temple immediately, although they didn’t know what it meant at the time. They began to see the prophecy fulfilled within just a very short time, causing rejoicing on Zacarias and his wife’s part.
“And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:23-25)
In order to accurately portray the events and teachings of Christ completely, it was necessary to show the basis for believing he is the Messiah. This necessitates the examination of prophecies concerning the birth of the Messiah, and whether they were fulfilled. Malachi 3:1 prophesied that one would come to lay the foundation before Messiah came. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”
If Jesus Christ is the Messiah, it is essential that this prophecy be fulfilled just as every other must. Luke shows that John the Baptist fulfilled this role. He starts by explaining the situation with John’s parents when the prophecy was made.
“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” (Luke 1:5-12)
John’s birth is to be a miraculous birth in it’s own right, since they were both beyond the normal childbearing years. The angel gave specific directions as to his raising, similar to the command given to Samson’s mother in Judges 13:7. “But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.” While we are never told that John was a Nazarite, his subsequent lifestyle would seem to indicate that he was.
“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:13-17)
The angel makes it clear that John is to be the fulfilment of the prophesies by Malachi that we already read, and the one in Isaiah 40:3. “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” He is to prepare people to receive Christ’s ministry. Like Sarah in Genesis 18:11-15, Zacharias found the prophecy of having a child at their age hard to believe. He asked for a sign to prove it.
“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” (Luke 1:18-20)
God expects us to verify that what we hear is the word of God. He instructed Israel to check what the prophets said in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
Samson’s parents asked for proof that the angel was from God. Believing that God would speak the truth. Zacarias, on the other hand, believed the angel was from God, but asked for proof the message was true. He was to be punished for his failure to believe God. Romans 14:23 states, “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” The proof would be judgment on Zacarias himself.
“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.” (Luke 1:21-22)
The prophecy was fulfilled immediately, demonstrating that the angel was speaking God’s word. That the prophecy was fulfilled got the attention of the faithful at the temple immediately, although they didn’t know what it meant at the time. They began to see the prophecy fulfilled within just a very short time, causing rejoicing on Zacarias and his wife’s part.
“And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:23-25)
Friday, October 1, 2010
A Historical Record for Validating Religious Writings
Luke 1:1-4
Several months ago, I read an article in which the author commented that the gospels would be a lot more believable if there were not so many discrepancies between the different accounts. About the same time I watched a program about interviewing witnesses to an accident or crime to obtain evidence.
In the program, various demonstrations were made of how differently people saw a series of events. In one instance, a man in a gorilla suit walked through a group of basketball players while one team was trying to get a shot. The majority of the spectators were so focused on the game they didn’t even see him, and some of those who did didn’t register the gorilla suit.
In other demonstrations, people remembered things as being in different sequences, and gave conflicting descriptions of the events just seconds before. When they were allowed to hear another person describing a completely different events account as if it was theirs, they tended to accept that persons version, if it included some of the details they remembered. The conclusion was that people do not remember every detail, but a series of snapshots of an event. Later they organize and fill in the gaps from their logic to make sense of the snapshots.
Even the way the questions are asked can affect how people remember an event, so the interview process greatly affects the testimony of the witness. It explains why we have so many innocent people convicted of crimes, because the interviewer questions in manner that leads to a certain conclusion. Experience has shown that testimony that agrees too completely has been compromised by other opinions, and is not to be trusted.
Since only the snapshots are real, it is necessary to examine testimony for the facts that agree, and recognize that the differences indicate that the points of agreement are the facts. The points they disagree on are the results of their attempts to make sense of the snapshots.
As a result, we find that the Gospels are a series of eyewitness accounts, based on their memories. The fact of the differences indicates that they are in fact real experiences, not a result of collaboration to make a story sound more convincing. The events they describe actually took place, although perhaps in slightly different order than the witnesses remembered them.
As Apostles. Matthew and John could write most of their Gospels from their own memories. Matthew was focused on a historical record of the events, while John focused on what Christ taught. None of the disciples were present for every event. Luke was not one of the twelve, and would not have been present for a lot of the events, supplying them by interviewing the other apostles. Mark was considerably younger, and we can only assume his presence in Mark 14:51-52. As a result, his account is almost totally a compilation of interviews with others. It is one occurrence that none of the others record, and was probably noted because it happened to him or a personal friend. The very differences make it apparent that these were actual personal memories. Luke explains his purpose in writing the book.
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4)
Because many had written books about Jesus’ life, and some were not factual, Luke wrote the book of Luke to present the most complete and accurate record he could develop, based on both his own observation, as a participant in some of the events, and by interviewing others about the parts he did not observe himself. As a result, he wanted to provide a basis by which Theophilus could judge the claims of other writers.
Luke has written a frame work laying out the basic principles and doctrines that Jesus taught, as well as historical background to enable us to judge the validity of books purporting to be from God. A genuine eye witness should record mostly the same major events and teachings. The differences should be found in the details. If the differences are with major teachings or events, it implies that the author is not who he claimed to be. Even in that day spurious documents were being presented, and Paul warned the Thessalonians not to be taken in by fake letters. II Thessalonians 2:1-2 implores, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
In Acts 1:1-2, Luke describes what he covered in the book of Luke as comprising Jesus’ ministry here on earth, from the beginning until his ascension into heaven. “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.” As an eyewitness and participant in much of what happened, and through close association with the apostles throughout the time, Luke was singularly fitted to know and explain what actually happened.
Luke makes no pretense of revealing every thing Jesus did. As John 21:25 says, he couldn’t describe every detail. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” The other gospels contribute a lot of detail, but Luke gives a way to verify the accuracy of details. Books which don’t agree on the main events are of doubtful value.
Several months ago, I read an article in which the author commented that the gospels would be a lot more believable if there were not so many discrepancies between the different accounts. About the same time I watched a program about interviewing witnesses to an accident or crime to obtain evidence.
In the program, various demonstrations were made of how differently people saw a series of events. In one instance, a man in a gorilla suit walked through a group of basketball players while one team was trying to get a shot. The majority of the spectators were so focused on the game they didn’t even see him, and some of those who did didn’t register the gorilla suit.
In other demonstrations, people remembered things as being in different sequences, and gave conflicting descriptions of the events just seconds before. When they were allowed to hear another person describing a completely different events account as if it was theirs, they tended to accept that persons version, if it included some of the details they remembered. The conclusion was that people do not remember every detail, but a series of snapshots of an event. Later they organize and fill in the gaps from their logic to make sense of the snapshots.
Even the way the questions are asked can affect how people remember an event, so the interview process greatly affects the testimony of the witness. It explains why we have so many innocent people convicted of crimes, because the interviewer questions in manner that leads to a certain conclusion. Experience has shown that testimony that agrees too completely has been compromised by other opinions, and is not to be trusted.
Since only the snapshots are real, it is necessary to examine testimony for the facts that agree, and recognize that the differences indicate that the points of agreement are the facts. The points they disagree on are the results of their attempts to make sense of the snapshots.
As a result, we find that the Gospels are a series of eyewitness accounts, based on their memories. The fact of the differences indicates that they are in fact real experiences, not a result of collaboration to make a story sound more convincing. The events they describe actually took place, although perhaps in slightly different order than the witnesses remembered them.
As Apostles. Matthew and John could write most of their Gospels from their own memories. Matthew was focused on a historical record of the events, while John focused on what Christ taught. None of the disciples were present for every event. Luke was not one of the twelve, and would not have been present for a lot of the events, supplying them by interviewing the other apostles. Mark was considerably younger, and we can only assume his presence in Mark 14:51-52. As a result, his account is almost totally a compilation of interviews with others. It is one occurrence that none of the others record, and was probably noted because it happened to him or a personal friend. The very differences make it apparent that these were actual personal memories. Luke explains his purpose in writing the book.
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4)
Because many had written books about Jesus’ life, and some were not factual, Luke wrote the book of Luke to present the most complete and accurate record he could develop, based on both his own observation, as a participant in some of the events, and by interviewing others about the parts he did not observe himself. As a result, he wanted to provide a basis by which Theophilus could judge the claims of other writers.
Luke has written a frame work laying out the basic principles and doctrines that Jesus taught, as well as historical background to enable us to judge the validity of books purporting to be from God. A genuine eye witness should record mostly the same major events and teachings. The differences should be found in the details. If the differences are with major teachings or events, it implies that the author is not who he claimed to be. Even in that day spurious documents were being presented, and Paul warned the Thessalonians not to be taken in by fake letters. II Thessalonians 2:1-2 implores, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”
In Acts 1:1-2, Luke describes what he covered in the book of Luke as comprising Jesus’ ministry here on earth, from the beginning until his ascension into heaven. “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen.” As an eyewitness and participant in much of what happened, and through close association with the apostles throughout the time, Luke was singularly fitted to know and explain what actually happened.
Luke makes no pretense of revealing every thing Jesus did. As John 21:25 says, he couldn’t describe every detail. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” The other gospels contribute a lot of detail, but Luke gives a way to verify the accuracy of details. Books which don’t agree on the main events are of doubtful value.
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