CHRIST THE REVOLUTIONARY
Born to Raise Hell
(continued)
Mary and Joseph left Nazareth to be counted by the census being taken by
Rome in Bethlehem. They arrived to find that the Inn they had planned on
staying in was full. The innkeeper, seeing that Mary was pregnant and about to
have a child, allowed them to stay in an out-building, which has been described
as a stable. He supplied them with blankets and linens to make their stay as
comfortable as possible.
Herod hired the three wise men to see what was going on with the birth.
The baby was being described as “King of the Jews.” The word King upset him.
They were basically hired as spies for the King. When the shepherd’s arrived,
they were overcome with joy and thanksgiving. Rather than report back to the
King in Rome, they fled to the country-side, never to be heard of again.
In apparent response to the wise men not providing a report, Herod
decreed that all first born male children were to be killed. However, there is
no historic evidence to suggest this was ever carried out. Something that
dramatic would definitely have caught the attention of historians.
At his same time, another
miraculous birth had taken place. Elizabeth, wife of Zackerius, was a cousin of
Mary. It is reported that they actually spent about 2 months together while they were
pregnant. Writers of the gospels described Mary's pregnancy as an “immaculate
conception,” and Elizabeth’s a “miraculous conception.” Elizabeth’s child was
named John. He would come to be known as John the Baptizer, (Baptist), who
would eventually baptize Jesus.
Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus left Bethlehem and fled to Egypt. They
would eventually return to Nazareth. From that time until Jesus was
approximately thirty-three, there is little information available.
(to be continued)
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