Website updated with Revolution/Chapter Four--The Birth and Childhood of Jesus

The Compassion Revolution makes its book entitled,  Revolution--The Life of Jesus available to internet patrons through its website at: http://www.thecompassionrevolution.net/ . This month marks the posting of the Fourth Chapter in the book, The Birth and Childhood of Jesus. Each chapter describes the life of Jesus from a historical persepctive and examines the traditions which emerged from the early Christian movement. This is done to provide a balanced look at Jesus' life and teachings. Revolution is available free online. Revolution II--The Parables is available through either Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

The Birth & Childhood of Jesus of Nazareth


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Genuinely Jesus—
Very little is known about the birth and childhood of Jesus of Nazareth. The earliest written canonical gospel (Mark) does not mention the event, nor do the Gospels of John and Thomas. Further, none of the numerous writings of Paul allude to Jesus’ birth. What is revealed through these omissions is telling: Jesus’ birth (the ‘how’ and ‘where’) was not important to the early stages of the Christian movement. Rather, it seems that the stories emerged later in the tradition to solidify the movement’s perspective of Jesus.

In regard to what has been written, we look to only two gospel accounts: Matthew and Luke, both of which were written in the late first century (80-90 CE). Those two accounts have similarities and differences. Therefore, it is difficult to paint an accurate picture of Jesus’ birth and early years.

The events detailed in Matthew and Luke seem to be recounted with a purpose which matches the underlying theme presented by each author for their gospels. For example, in Matthew, we see a theme of Kingship emerge, which is most likely established to prove Jesus’ Messiah status to others, including his Jewish audience. Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage back through Jewish Kings, which is greatly in-sync with his message of the glory and royal pedigree of Jesus. Further, in Matthew Jesus is visited by three magi, who presented gifts of holy royalty.

Meanwhile, Luke (3:23-38) traces Jesus lineage back to Adam, through the social prophets starting after David. Luke’s writing emphasizes Jesus’ message of love and compassion to be extended to all. He sets that tone early with the announcement of Jesus’ birth made to a group of shepherds, a group considered to be marginal socially within first century Jewish culture. All of this is very much in-sync with the embracing social messages omnipresent in Luke’s writing.

Aside from these stories, and the brief tale of Jesus’ trip to the Temple at the age of 12, little else is known about his actual childhood. It is doubtful that even these tales bear the mark of historical accuracy. One thing is certain: To have such tales recounted, Jesus’ impact on the culture of his time and centuries thereafter, is tremendous.

Following the Christian Tradition: Away in a Manger
“Away in a manger, no crib for his bed.” The story has been recounted infinitesimally in Sunday Schools, pulpits and Christmas Pageants. It is a tremendous story stemming from the Christian tradition that carries profound and metaphoric meaning. While uncertain of the tale’s historical accuracy, the following is taken from Luke and Matthew…

Luke 1:26-38
It was probably a day like many others. It would become a day like no other. Mary, a woman living in Nazareth of the Galilee area, would soon receive a visitor. Mary was betrothed to Joseph, from the family of David. In our modern-day society, being betrothed was somewhere between engagement and marriage. It was a serious commitment. In fact, infidelity during this period could possibly result in death for the unfaithful party. This was of particular concern when a special visitor delivered a very extraordinary message.

That special guest was an angel named Gabriel. Gabriel is mentioned four times in the Bible. During each reference, he is delivering great news. In Daniel 8:16 and 9:21, Gabriel brings to light a dream for Daniel. The latter reference is the Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks (the prophecy that foretold the time in which the Messiah would appear). In Luke 1:11-20, Gabriel spoke to Zacharias, telling him of the birth of John the Baptist, who was foretold as the one who would pave the way for the Messiah. (read entire chapter)