The Trouble with Jesus
by Constance Hastings
The Trouble with Jesus is how scandal reverses itself by the scandal in his own life.
Now, listen Jesus, all families have those things that are better kept in the background. Yours is one of them. That’s good. You know what it’s like. But really, given how you want to be known as a good guy, wouldn’t it be better if you just drew the curtain over some things? Your trouble is you let the dirty laundry show right at the start. It doesn’t make you a stellar example of who you want us to be.
Scandal on the Homefront
True, his birth wasn’t the sweetness of Christmas carols and candy canes. Actually, the trouble you speak of started way before he was born. Even in his ancestral tree , there were scoundrels and rascals, cheaters, and even women (Lord have mercy!) who were not as pure as the driven snow. What’s more, three of those women weren’t even Jewish but despised Gentiles. You’ve heard that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?
A Dad’s Dilemma
What’s more, you’ve got to feel for Joseph in this story. Some say he was an older man, others feel he was young, maybe naïve somewhat. Anyway, he’d entered into a marriage contract (no Hallmark romance here) with the family of Mary. In that culture, young women still in puberty were promised to men whose family had basically given gifts and money in exchange for her becoming his wife. The usual practice was for vows to be exchanged, but she would remain with her family while the groom made provisions of a home and job to support them. Only when that was completed, the two would live together and only then begin sexual relations.
So when Joseph found out that his fiancé was pregnant, for more than one reason this did not go over well. Like all of us, he thought the worst. According to the ancient law, Mary would be deemed an adulterer having broken the marriage promises. But besides the apparent betrayal, Mary’s life was in jeopardy.
Jewish law stipulated if a woman was found to have had sexual relations with someone other than her fiancé, both she and the man were to be stoned to death. Whoever the presumed man was might have been overlooked here; double standards are nothing new. At any rate, if Joseph as the wronged man made a big deal over this and called for a public trial, Mary could die an awful death.
What we do know of Joseph though is that he was a righteous and just man, one whose life reflected the best of those whom God deemed the chosen people. He couldn’t in all good faith enter into a relationship that had violated the sacredness of marriage, but in the deep compassion of his heart, he couldn’t set in motion that which would end the life of another. What’s a man supposed to do, for goodness’ sake and the sake of all that is good?
Joseph is smart even in his woundedness. He decides to break the engagement quietly. Maybe he thought he’d just return the bride’s price, come up with some excuse that he’s changed his mind, let her family send her away to have the baby. Not the best outcome of what he may have hoped for his life and hers, but at least Mary would be spared the worst.
Dreamlike Decision
Likely from emotional exhaustion, having made the decision, Joseph falls into a deep, deep sleep. But the mind never rests, playing out the struggles of the day in dreams that reveal the questions, weighing the answers. While in a dream, the answer that Joseph may have wanted and for which he may have wished permission comes with more than he could have imagined on his own.
An angel, angel of the Lord no less, speaks to Joseph in this dream state. First words say exactly what Joseph needs to hear, “Don’t be afraid.” While it could sound consoling, these words also invoke worst fears. This isn’t going to be easy, you are going to require strength to live into that which most people avoid. But don’t back away from it just because it looks scary.
Complete the betrothal vows with Mary and bring her into your home as your wife. But what about…? Now this is going to get really interesting. The angel explains why and what Joseph should do.
The child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, not by human conception. In other words, this birth is going to be no less than a miracle. Nothing in this gets explained that should make sense as the world is known to operate, but that which sits in the mystery of God. Joseph, the angel was saying, embrace Mary, this child, and ultimately this mystery.
There’s more. The child will be a boy whom you are to name Jesus. Though this was a common name early in the first century, it spoke to the hoped-for promise for which the people were watching. The name Jesus means, The Lord Saves. To be saved from Roman oppression was certainly the hope and desire of the Jews. Yet, the angel says it’s for more than that.
Born for Trouble
“He will save his people from their sins.” You spoke of trouble earlier. Yes, Jesus’ birth was surrounded with a lot that shouldn’t have been. But herein may have been the biggest trouble of his life. He came to save people, pull them from and out of what they lived in and who they are. Not that all come willingly for reversals of life choices and lifestyles.
Yet in that saving, reversing of who and where they sit in life would be lives transformed into more and better than they thought they could ever be. Saving, salvation is not just from the worst of our selves, but so we can become the best of ourselves.
The greater miracle in this story is more than a baby conceived by the intervention of God or how persons would redirect their lives to live for purpose beyond themselves. For this to happen, the greater miracle was in the prophecy of which the angel reminded Joseph.
“He will be called Emmanuel, which means God is with us.” Not God out there distant, uncaring, remotely watching but unhearing of human cries for help. Not God somewhere in the skies or heavens sitting on some celestial throne. Not God in some holy place like a mountain or a dedicated worship center above a decorated altar. Not God who only cares for “good” people and sneers at forgotten lowlifes. Not that kind of God at all.
God with us, Emmanuel comes and resides among those whose generational backgrounds are storied with wrong turns and wronged people. God with us is the God who works through circumstances that are less than ideal. God with us moves in ways unexpected, miraculous, mysterious, the never-saw-that-coming events. This God with us is the God of not the best time but Kairos time, when timely opportune moments burst forth just as God designs.
Silent Man of the Silent Night
In all of this, Joseph is quiet. When the angel spoke to Mary, she had some questions. Not Joseph. No where do we have any words recorded which he spoke. But if not for his faith and faithfulness, Mary and her baby would not have survived. Only by his action do we have this story which began as trouble for Jesus and his family and was lived into the world.
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded.”
Named 2024 Notable Book Award by Southern Christian Writers Conference!
The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away by Constance Hastings
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