The Birth of Jesus According to Matthew’s Gospel: Exploring Narrations, Reactions, and Questions Surrounding His Virgin Birth.
Written by Jamal Dookhy
Aug 2023
Doha, Qatar
Introduction:
The birth of Jesus Christ, as chronicled in the New Testament, has long been a subject of debate, intrigue, and analysis. Matthew 1:16 onwards recounts the genealogy leading up to Jesus' birth, while also emphasizing the unique circumstances of His conception through the narrative of the Virgin Mary. This article aims to delve into the reactions and questions that may have arisen during that time period when a woman, like Mary, conceived a child out of wedlock. By examining insights from scholars like Adam Clarke and Spurgeon, along with Jewish sources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the doubts and disbelief surrounding Jesus' birth.
Reactions to Mary's Unconventional Conception and Societal Norms and Attitudes Towards Unwed Mothers:
In first-century Palestine, society held strict expectations regarding premarital relationships and conceived children. The circumstances of Mary's conception would undoubtedly have raised eyebrows and invited skepticism. The expectation that a woman would conceive only after marriage would naturally precipitate doubt, thus necessitating a plausible explanation for the newly pregnant Mary. During the time of Jesus' birth, Jewish society adhered to strict moral and religious codes. Unwed motherhood was generally considered highly disgraceful and viewed as a breach of societal expectations. Women who became pregnant outside of a legally recognized marriage were often stigmatized, shamed, and ostracized by their communities, facing harsh scrutiny and condemnation. Mary's unexpected pregnancy would have been perceived with suspicion and scandal by the Jewish community. According to the Book of Matthew, Joseph initially planned to divorce Mary quietly, highlighting the potential social consequences Mary faced in her community.
Scholarly Perspectives on Disbelief:
Reverend Adam Clarke, a renowned biblical commentator, notes the disbelief faced by Mary surrounding Jesus' birth. Clarke suggests that Mary's ambiguous reference to her conception ("The Holy Spirit will come upon you") likely added to the skepticism. Similarly, Charles Spurgeon, a prominent Baptist preacher, acknowledged the challenge faced by Mary in convincing others of her virgin conception, emphasizing the inherent nature of faith in accepting such an extraordinary event. Reverend Clarke says in his commentary on Matthew 1:18 “She was found with child - Her situation was the most distressing and humiliating that can be conceived. Nothing but the fullest consciousness of her own integrity, and the strongest confidence in God, could have supported her in such trying circumstances, where her reputation, her honor, and her life were at stake. What conversation passed between her and Joseph, on this discovery, we are not informed; but the issue proves that it was not satisfactory to him: nor could he resolve to consider her as his wife, till God had sent his angel to bear the most unequivocal testimony to the virgin's innocence. His whole conduct, on this occasion, was exceedingly benevolent and humane. He might at once have taken the advantage of the law, Deuteronomy 22:23 , Deuteronomy 22:24 , and had her stoned to death.
Jews' Skepticism of the Virgin Birth:
The Jewish concept of Alma, meaning "virgin," as referenced in the Old Testament, has fueled controversy in interpreting the Messianic prophecy linked to Jesus' birth. While Matthew's usage of the Greek term "Parthenos" clearly implies virginity, Jewish scholars have argued that the Hebrew word Alma does not explicitly convey virginity but rather refers to a young woman of marriable age. This linguistic divergence has led some Jews to reject the notion of a virgin birth as predicted in their own Scriptures. The account of the virgin birth, where Mary conceives Jesus through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, is central to Christian theology. However, Jewish scriptures and oral tradition offer differing interpretations of this concept. While some Jewish sources support the possibility of a virgin birth, others challenge the idea and emphasize the role of Joseph in Jesus' lineage.
References to Jewish Scriptures and Oral Tradition:
The prophecy in Isaiah7:14, which refers to a virgin conceiving a child, is often cited to support the concept of the virgin birth in the Jewish tradition itself. Moreover, the Midrash (a Jewish collection of ancient commentaries) and Talmud mention the possibility of a virgin birth, albeit in different contexts. These references demonstrate that the idea of a virgin birth was not entirely foreign to Jewish thought at that time
Inconsistencies and Contradictions in Lineage:
Within the New Testament and oral traditions, discrepancies concerning Jesus' lineage emerge. For instance, Matthew and Luke provide different genealogical lines for Jesus, with variations in the list of ancestors. Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, while Luke traces it through Mary. These differences have led some scholars to propose that Matthew's genealogy represents Joseph's legal line, whereas Luke's focuses on Mary's biological line. Others, however, argue that these genealogies may be symbolic rather than strictly literal.
Consequences for Adultery in Jesus' Era and the Absence of Punishment for Mary:
While the Bible does not explicitly describe the social reactions Mary faced for conceiving out of wedlock, we can infer potential consequences by examining broader cultural and religious context. In the Jewish society of Jesus' time, adultery was severely condemned and carried significant repercussions, including public shame, divorce, or even stoning. Considering this, Mary's courage in accepting her role as Jesus' mother and Joseph's decision to marry her despite the circumstances demonstrate their commitment and faith in their divine calling. According to Jewish law, adultery was considered a serious offense, punishable by death through stoning. However, the Bible's silence on any explicit mention of punishment for Mary raises questions about her supposed adultery. Claims in the Talmud further fuel the controversy, suggesting that Mary was unfaithful. These conflicting viewpoints demonstrate the divided opinions on Mary's actions and the subsequent consequences
Insights from Jewish Sources:
Jewish sources provide additional perspectives on the skepticism surrounding Jesus' birth. Some traditional Jewish writings and commentaries criticize the Christian concept of the virgin birth, often maintaining that Jesus' birth resulted from infidelity. These sources reflect the resistance Jewish scholars have historically displayed toward the belief in Jesus as the Messiah. The Talmud contains passages that imply Mary's supposed infidelity. For example, in Sanhedrin67a, it is stated, "She who was the descendant of princes and governors played the harlot with carpenters." These quotes from the Talmud reflect the prevalent perception and accusations surrounding Mary's pregnancy among some sectors of Jewish society. This entails the death penalty then Why was it not imposed on Mary, the bible fails to mentions.
Joseph's Role and Silence:
Joseph's initial decision to divorce Mary quietly indicates his lack of belief in her explanation. The Book of Matthew suggests that an angel visited Joseph in a dream, revealing the divine origin of Mary's pregnancy, and instructing him to proceed with the marriage. However, Joseph chooses not to publicly defend Mary's reputation, allowing her to bear the burden of societal judgment.
The solution is frowned upon
Since the bible has not answer no solution for such a serious matter which would have cost the life of Mary, why do Christians frown upon the true solution of what happened mentioned in the Quran? If you have nothing and another source of evidence is brought from a credible source the why frown upon it and deny it? When the Quran in Chapter (19:27)
Then she came to her people, carrying her baby. They said: "O Mary! You have committed a monstrous thing.
As mentioned above they claimed she had done a monstrous thing, it was not Kumbaya a girl of 12 gave birth outside of marriage and we are going to celebrate a king born today. The consequences were serious as put forward by as Christian scholars agree. It was not the 21st century Europe or America where a Christian girl from a (supposedly) pious and church going family goes out gets drunk has intercourse with a man she has no connection with, not married to who she does not even remember his name the next day, come home and later find she is pregnant every body rejoices even the pastor who impregnated her. It was more serious than that she had committed adultery and her supposed Christian family should not be rejoicing as they are. This is first century Palestine. There is no Kumbaya a king is Born today, there is punishment for adultery (19:28)
O sister of Aaron!19 Your father was not an evil man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman. The Christians don’t see the whole picture here and never comment about it, all the see is the “Oh! sister of Aaron” part and use that as a mockery of Islam as Allah and His prophet did not know what they were saying and claimed Mary was the sister Moses which the verse never claims. The fails to read further and see the Bigger which their learned scholars agree with the Quran on there was a scandal, and eye brows were raised, it was not Kumbaya Halleluiah a King is Born let us rejoice. This was a scandal that risked Mary being stoned to death, why does the Bible and its readers cover it up? A young girl who was betrothed comes up with a child and her Husband does not defend her that is my child, or that the angel of the Lord came to me and promised this was a miracle from God? And the community the High priest, the pharisees who were so harsh just let it go. Rather than mock the Quran and claim Allah or the Prophet did not know about marry sister of Moses and Mary Mother of Jesus. Focus on the big picture.
19:29 Thereupon Mary pointed to the child. They exclaimed: "How can we speak to one who is in the cradle, a mere child?
Islam comes with a solution, that saves Mary from being stoned to death because the Bible has no solution no answer and the Quran being the Muhaimin, the criteria comes in and corrects it and brings a solution, Isa (as) came and defended his mother in the cradle. They mock that too and prefer to believe that prophet isa or Jesus’ first miracle was to ridiculously turn water into wine. Are you serious, you deny a miracle that saved Mary from being saved from death to claim Jesus turned water into wine. Islam has a solution to every problem we have if only the non Muslims open their eyes, woke up and smelt the coffee. Christian need to thank Islam, thank Allah for having solved the conundrum they could not solve so many years. In verse 32 Jesus makes it clear that he is dutiful to his mother i.e he is talking in defense of her.
(19:32) and has made me dutiful to my mother.20a He has not made me oppressive, nor bereft of God's blessings.
So, what is the better message, to defend his mother from being accused of adultery and getting stoned or turning water into wine and getting people drunk? You tell me Conclusion: The birth of Jesus, as conveyed in the Book of Matthew chapter 1:16 onwards, sparked significant reactions, questions, and disbelief during his time. Mary's unconventional conception out of wedlock, contrary to societal norms, naturally drew skepticism and scrutiny. Scholars such as Adam Clarke and Spurgeon acknowledge the doubts surrounding Jesus' birth and the necessity of faith in accepting it. The Jewish tradition's interpretation of the prophecy regarding the virgin birth, along with inconsistencies in genealogical accounts, further complicate the understanding of Jesus' birth. While the social reactions and consequences of Mary's presumed adultery remain inferential, her faith and Joseph's unwavering support highlight the profound significance of Jesus' birth. By exploring diverse scholarly perspectives and Jewish sources, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexity surrounding the birth of Jesus and its historical context.
Muslim Apologist blogger, Author.