Symbolism in the Bethlehem Birth of Jesus
Nov 16, 2010 Michael Streich
The birth of Jesus as celebrated at Christmas by Christians has been interpreted in many ways. The New Testament books Matthew and Luke provide the most comprehensive, if rudimentary, versions of the Bethlehem story. Matthew focuses on the Magi or wise men from the East while Luke highlights the response and role of the shepherds. Even King Herod figures into the story, adding a distinctly political perspective to the birth of Jesus. Much of the traditional Christmas “crèche,” popularized by St. Francis of Assisi, is an embellishment. But the symbols of the Bethlehem birth still resonate.
The Symbolic Role of the Bethlehem Shepherds
Shepherds were people of the land, pastoral, and associated with the oldest profession in the ancient world, perhaps even predating agriculture. This is alluded to in Genesis. Abel was a “keeper of sheep” (Genesis 4.2) and pleased God while his older brother, Cain, was involved in agricultural pursuits. Both brothers offered a sacrifice. Abel’s was pleasing and accepted; Cain’s was not.
This story from the Old Testament demonstrates that from earliest times, God, or whatever creator force or being was being placated, preferred the role of the shepherd. In Psalm 23, a Psalm of David – himself a shepherd who rose to be king, the reader is reminded that the “Lord is my shepherd.” This same divine shepherd used his “rod and staff” to “comfort” or protect.
The shepherds who came to the manger in Luke had been visited by angels – a heavenly ensemble that celebrated the birth of the Messiah. They represented the ordinary people, the hard working masses. Being a shepherd was no easy task; it was difficult work and demanded the attention of the shepherd around the clock.
King Herod and the Political Perspective
Herod was a very paranoid ruler. When the wise men from the east came to him inquiring about the birth of a new king, he became concerned and called advisers to discern where this possible usurper was to be born. From Old Testament prophetic literature, they interpreted the birth of the long awaited Messiah.
But the wise men, after finding Jesus, never returned to Herod. Warned in a dream, they returned to Persia after leaving their gifts. The wise men or Magi are symbolic of several things: hidden knowledge, intellectual knowledge, philosophy, and the search for truth.
They based their quest, significantly, on a star. Charles B. William’s translation of the New Testament refers to them as “stargazers.” The New American Standard Bible calls them Magi. They were definitely not “kings” and no actual number is given. Their names are of Medieval origin.
Future Political Perspectives on Jesus
Jesus was no Henry David Thoreau who refused to pay taxes in support of the Mexican-American War. In Matthew 22.15ff he responded to the Roman poll tax by saying, “Pay Caesar, therefore, what belongs to Caesar, and pay God what belongs to God.” The 16th Century Reformer Martin Luther used this text to differentiate between church and state.
In Matthew 17.24ff, Jesus actually pays the temple tax, but not out of the funds held by his Apostles. The coin is retrieved from a fish by Simon Peter. It can be argued that by paying the imperial and local taxes, Jesus separated God’s kingdom from the kingdom of man (separation of church and state) and even, indirectly, accepted the rule of Rome.
When before Pilate at his trial, the people of Jerusalem clamored for the release of Barabbas, a man of action, over the meek and shepherdly Jesus. Yet the Jewish forces of insurrection, identified with men like Barabbas, would be destroyed while the humble “good shepherd” (John 10.11-14) would found a mighty and global religious movement.
Symbolism of the Magi or Wise Men from the East
Whatever their number, these travelers represent the hidden knowledge of the ancient world, the esoteric ideals that Rome associated with the many “mystery cults.” Their pedigree predated Rome and their deeper understanding was universally respected. They relied on astronomy and astrology, focusing on a particular star to guide them.
They never questioned the humble and decidedly poor conditions associated with the birth of Jesus. Ancient history was full of such tales. Sargon the Great was floated down the Euphrates River in a basket as a baby, retrieved, and forged the first Mesopotamian Empire. The same can be said of the legends about Moses. Cyrus the Great was brought up from birth by humble peasants, according to the Greek historian Herodotus. Why should this child in Bethlehem be any different?
The Bethlehem Birth of Jesus as Symbolic of all Mankind
Each participant in the Bethlehem story reflects an aspect of humankind. Joseph was a carpenter, a skilled craftsman. Mary was the vulnerable birth mother whose strength rested in her faith, supplied by angelic guidance.
The Shepherds represented the hard working peasants while the wise men symbolized knowledge and learning. Herod, the arch-villain in this story, was the duplicitous politician, willing to kill any potential claimant to his throne.
Almost two thousand years have sanitized the Bethlehem story. The animals in the manger – not specified in any account, are docile, recognizing the Creator made flesh. Hymns and stories embellish the story. The very date of the Bethlehem birth, December 24th, is highly improbable.
But symbols satisfy everyday people that long for a spiritual dimension in their lives. Christmas in July or August is a commercial stunt, although it might be closer to the truth. The Bethlehem birth of Jesus offers a wide array of symbolic meanings, good and evil characters, and the starting point of Christianity.
Sources:
- Herbert Lockyer, All the Trades and Occupations of the Bible (Zondervan, 1969)
- New American Standard Bible (The Lockman Foundation, 1963)
- Charles B. Williams, The New Testament in the Language of the People (Moody Press, 1963)
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