The Shepherd of the Lost Sheep

The Gospels began in the heart of God and the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew and Luke begin with the story of Jesus’ birth. The major record about Christ’s birth is the New Testament Jesus is the shepherd of the lost sheep. The major ages of betrothed or marriage of families during New Testament time were 13 and 14. A few married at the age of 15 or 16. Joseph asked his parents if he could marry Mary and at the time he was only 17 and Mary was only 13. Both parents agreed. The biblical standard for marriage is a monogamous relationship. Human sexuality was a part of God’s creation. Joseph was visited by an angel in his sleep after their engagement to be married. Joseph was told that his future virgin wife would be pregnant and give birth. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to find a place for their child to be born, but there were no vacancies. They ended up in a stable for the baby to be born. Mary had her baby without pain. The shepherds heard about the birth of Jesus, the baby. They were led by a star to the location. The shepherds left praising God and told the people that the promised Messiah had come. On day eight (8) Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Synagogue in Bethlehem to be circumcised. The Greek word “Jesus” is Joshua in Hebrew. It means “God is Savior and God Saves”. Note: Christ is not a surname. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be named Emmanuel which means “God with us,” Note: Jesus was now an infant Jew, a son of the family of David. Two ceremonies were performed before Joseph and Mary traveled home to Nazareth. These ceremonies were the circumcision of Jesus and the purification of the mother. The first ceremony could take place any time after the 31st day of a male child and the second ceremony could not occur before the 41st day. Joseph was told by an angel from God to take Mary and the child to Egypt, this was done for protection of the child from Herod Antipas. Joseph taught Jesus the art of carpentry. After Herod’s death, Joseph and his family went to Nazareth. In Nazareth Jesus grew in wisdom and strength. Remember! Christ is the way to God.