The question of whether Mary and Joseph were married at the time of Jesus's birth is a fascinating one that delves into the cultural, historical, and theological aspects of the New Testament narratives. Understanding the nature of their relationship requires examining the context provided by the Gospel accounts, particularly those of Matthew and Luke, which are the primary sources for the nativity story.
The Betrothal and Marriage Customs
To begin with, it's essential to grasp the Jewish customs surrounding marriage during the first century. In Jewish culture, marriage was a two-step process: betrothal and the wedding ceremony. Betrothal, or "kiddushin," was a formal engagement that was legally binding. Unlike modern engagements, a betrothed couple was considered husband and wife, although they did not live together or consummate the marriage until the wedding ceremony, known as "nissuin."
The Gospel of Matthew provides insight into Mary and Joseph's relationship status. In Matthew 1:18-19 (NIV), it states: "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly."
Here, Matthew uses the term "pledged to be married," indicating that Mary and Joseph were betrothed. Joseph is referred to as her "husband," which aligns with the Jewish understanding of betrothal as a legally binding agreement. The passage clarifies that they had not yet "come together," meaning they had not yet consummated the marriage or started living as husband and wife.
The Angelic Visitation and Joseph's Response
Joseph's response to Mary's pregnancy is crucial in understanding their relationship. According to Matthew 1:20-24, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife because the child conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit. The angel's message reassured Joseph of the divine nature of Jesus's conception.
Joseph's decision to take Mary as his wife after the angel's visitation suggests that he moved forward with the marriage process. Matthew 1:24-25 (NIV) states, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus."
This passage indicates that Joseph took Mary into his home, which would typically occur after the wedding ceremony in Jewish custom. However, they did not consummate the marriage until after Jesus's birth, maintaining the integrity of the virgin birth.
The Gospel of Luke's Account
The Gospel of Luke provides another perspective on the nativity story. In Luke 2:4-5 (NIV), it is recorded: "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child."
Luke's account reaffirms that Mary was "pledged to be married" to Joseph, maintaining the language of betrothal. The emphasis on their betrothal status prior to Jesus's birth is consistent with Matthew's narrative, portraying them as legally bound but not yet fully married in the sense of consummation.
Theological Implications
The virgin birth is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming Jesus's divine origin and the miraculous nature of His conception. The accounts of Matthew and Luke emphasize this miracle by highlighting that Mary was a virgin at the time of Jesus's birth. This doctrine underscores the belief that Jesus was both fully God and fully human, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a woman.
The legal and social context of Mary and Joseph's relationship also serves to protect Mary from societal disgrace. Joseph's righteous character is demonstrated by his initial intention to divorce Mary quietly, which would have spared her public shame. However, his obedience to the angel's message and his acceptance of Mary and her child reflect his faith and integrity.
Historical and Cultural Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of first-century Jewish marriage customs is vital in interpreting the Gospel narratives. The betrothal period was not merely a casual engagement but a formal and binding contract. Breaking a betrothal required a divorce, as indicated by Joseph's contemplation of such an action.
Furthermore, the journey to Bethlehem for the census, as described in Luke 2, suggests that Mary and Joseph were acting as a family unit. Joseph's decision to bring Mary along, despite her advanced pregnancy, indicates a level of responsibility and care consistent with a husband for his wife.
The Role of Faith and Obedience
The story of Mary and Joseph is also a profound testament to faith and obedience. Both Mary and Joseph received divine messages and responded with trust in God's plan. Mary's acceptance of her role as the mother of the Messiah is beautifully expressed in Luke 1:38 (NIV): "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled."
Joseph's actions demonstrate a deep commitment to God's will, as he took Mary into his home and raised Jesus as his own son. His willingness to embrace this extraordinary situation reflects a remarkable level of faith and submission to God's purpose.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary and Joseph were betrothed at the time of Jesus's birth, a status that was legally binding and akin to marriage in Jewish culture. They had not yet consummated the marriage, preserving the doctrine of the virgin birth, which is central to Christian theology. The narratives in Matthew and Luke provide a harmonious account of their relationship, emphasizing their faithfulness and obedience to God's plan.
The story of Mary and Joseph is not only a historical account but also a profound example of faith, trust, and divine intervention. It highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus's birth and sets the stage for the unfolding of the Gospel message, which continues to inspire and transform lives today.
