The Enigmatic Days: Joseph and Mary After the Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus is one of the most central events in the Christian faith. However, the immediate days following His birth are shrouded in mystery. Why do you care? Understanding these early days can provide insight into the traditions and practices that developed around the celebration of Christmas and the unique context in which the Holy Family lived.
Why Do You Care?
The circumcision of Jesus, a significant step in His Jewish cultural heritage, occurs on the 8th day after His birth. The official purification ritual for Mary and the dedication of the baby take place later, specifically on the 40th day. It's these days, the four days between these events, that we explore to better understand the life of the young Holy Family.
Four Days of Revelation
The narrative in the New Testament is brief and does not specify exactly what transpired these four days. Some scholars, particularly those who examine the Textus Receptus more closely, offer insights that differ from the New International Version (NIV).
Engancers of religious texts such as Textus Receptus and the traditional Gospel of Luke shed light on the depth of detail about these days. To delve into the specifics, one might refer to the Textus Receptus rather than the NIV, as it aligns more closely with the original.
Modern Misconceptions and Cultural Clarity
One common misconception is the “no room in the inn” phrase. This is a relatively modern interpretation that stems from a Western misunderstanding of the Middle Eastern cultural context. Kenneth E. Bailey, a prominent scholar who grew up in the Middle East and spent 40 years there, offers a refreshing and insightful perspective in his book Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels.
According to Bailey, a typical peasant house in that era consisted of a rectangular room with a flat roof divided into two halves. The upper part served as living quarters, while the lower part housed the family’s animals for both security and warmth in winter. This arrangement suggests a multi-functional living space rather than separate distinct areas.
Accommodation and Practicalities
It is probable that Joseph and Mary were taken into a relative’s home, a common practice in that time. In the context of a census, Joseph and Mary would have likely traveled to Bethlehem with members of their family. If Mary felt well enough, they would return to Nazareth, the traditional family home.
Regarding the scene in Luke 11:5-8, Jesus illustrates the importance of persistence. This story, set in a typical house, reflects the practical life of the Holy Family. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, is situated on a cave, a natural feature that could serve as half the structure.
Practical Arrangements for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus
During their stay in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary likely remained in a relative’s home, sharing living space with the family’s animals. The upper part of the home, often the guest room, would be used for this purpose. The lower part, which housed the family’s animals, would include a manger—a simple feeding trough carved into the floor that served as a convenient crib for the newborn Jesus.
According to the first-century customs reported in the Gospel of Luke, Mary would have given birth with midwives and female relatives present. After the circumcision on the 8th day, the Holy Family would then present Jesus at the Temple on the 40th day, after Mary became ritually clean again.
After Mary’s Purification and Presentation
The period after the 40th day marks a return journey to Nazareth. After perhaps a stay in Egypt to avoid Herod the Great, Joseph and Mary would have moved to Nazareth, where Joseph worked. The journey back to Nazareth would have been facilitated by the fact that relatives were already present, making the transition smoother.
Conclusion
Understanding the first days of Joseph and Mary after the birth of Jesus provides a richer context for the traditions and beliefs that have developed over the centuries. By examining historical and cultural texts, we can better grasp the significance of these pivotal moments in the life of the Holy Family.
Key to this understanding are the following keywords: Joseph and Mary, Birth of Jesus, Early Life of Jesus, Cultural Context, Luke 2.
If you are interested in exploring these topics further, consider reading Kenneth E. Bailey’s Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels.