THE HUMAN NATURE OF MARY'S SON

The Conception of Jesus Christ
Index

     All humans share similar fundamental characteristics which define their unique "humanness," and separates them from all other forms of creation, i.e., rocks, plants, animals or created spirits.  While humans enjoy this common "humanness," at the same time, each enjoys unique differences from all others.

     As the result of ancestral and parental genetic mixing, the very strengths and weaknesses of the organs in the individual's body are special  and unique to that particular person, while at the same time, there is a common defining human trait of rationality (the ability to understand concepts and freely make decisions).

     Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to create a visual image of Christ's human nature drawing from the typical characteristics of a male Jew living at that time.  But the Bible contains few references to his physical appearance.  " . . . there was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, or appearance that would attract us to him." (Isaiah 53:2)  Rather, the Bible is concerned with announcing Christ's message and his role in our salvation.

     However, since the angel told Mary she would conceive and bear a son, we do know that Christ entered the world after the normal course of human growth and development in his mother's womb possessing his own unique human nature.

    
     If Sonograms had been available at the time, the physical image of Mary's son would appear as that of a normal baby.

“. . . He was like us in every way but sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

The Birth of Jesus Christ
God became man

  Luke 2:4-7 

     And Joseph also went from Galilee out of the town of Nazareth into Judea to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem - because he was of the house and family of David - to register, together with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.  And it came to pass while they were there, that the days for her to be delivered were fulfilled.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for the in the inn. 

  Luke 2:8-11    

     And there were shepherds in the same district living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of God shone round about them, and they feared exceedingly.  And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all the people; for today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord.

   Luke 2:12-14
 
     "And this shall be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will." 

  Luke 2:15 - 16
     . . . "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this things that have come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."  So they went with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
 

  Luke 2:17-18
 
     And when they had seen, they understood what had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard, marveled at the things told them by the shepherds. 

 

  Matthew 2:1-2

     Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi came from the East to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he that is born king of the Jews?  For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him." 
 
 

  Matthew 2:9-11  

        Now they, having heard the king, went their way.  And behold, the star that they had seen in the East went before them, until it came and stood over the place where the child was.  And when they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly.  And entering the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they worshipped him.  And opening their treasures they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another way.

Manager Relic in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major - Rome, Italy

 

    
    Hail blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. . .        

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

  Luke 2:25-32

     And behold, there was in Jerusalem a man named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.  And he came by inspiration of the Spirit into the temple.  And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he also received him into his arms and blessed God, saying, "Now you may dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory for your people Israel."

  Luke 2:33-35

    And his father and mother were marveling at the things spoken concerning him.  And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted.  And they own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Luke 2:36-38

    There was also Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser.  She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, and by herself as a widow to eighty-four years.  She never left the temple, with fastings and prayers worshipping night and day.  And coming up at that very hour, she began to give praise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Finding of Christ in the Temple

  Luke 2:42-49

     And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast  (Passover).  And after they had fulfilled the days, when they were returning, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it.  But thinking that he was in the caravan, they had come a day's journey before it occurred to them to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances.  And not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.  And after three days, they found him, in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

   And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.  And when they saw him, they were astonished.  And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us?  Behold, in sorrow your father and I have been seeking you."  And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me?  Did you not know that I must be about my Fathers' business?"

  Luke 2:51-52

     And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them; and his mother kept all these things carefully in her heart.  And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.

  Matthew 4:17

      “ . . . for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

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Index
An Angel visits her
Divinity of Mary's Son
Mary leads by example
Mary approaches us as a loving mother