Page 33 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook

During the betrothal period, the man and wife were legally and permanently bonded. While waiting to
receive his bride, the “husband” constructed a future house for the two in which to dwell. Then father
of the groom verified that the house was worthy of a bride, giving his son permission to go get his bride.
On their “wedding day,” the groom would simply gather his friends, march to the house of his bride, and
take her to the home he had prepared amidst much rejoicing and merry making by all observers. There
was no official ceremony where they said vows. Their vows were recorded when they were betrothed.
The bride did not know when the husband would come; she had to be ready for his arrival.

It is hard to imagine how shocking the angelic visit must have been and, even more shocking was the
message concerning the child to be born to her. Consider the cost to be borne by Mary. It was an awful
disgrace in that culture to conceive a child before the wedding day and could result in the loss of life.
She knew that she would be accused of adultery. All of the joy and delights of the wedding day,
anticipated by every young woman, would be forfeited by Mary. Much was being offered her by the
angel, but much was being asked of her as well.

It is also important to note that just a few miles away in the city of Sepphoris, there was a garrison of
Roman soldiers. The soldiers were known for their drunkenness and for their moral infidelity. It
appears that the local cities had women of ill repute living close by to “service” the troops. It was
without question that many of these women lived in the vicinity of Nazareth. That is why Nathanael
said to Philip, upon finding the Messiah, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). The
townships surrounding the Roman garrison had a poor reputation among other people living in
Palestine.

The angel Gabriel told Mary that her
relative, Elizabeth, a relative of Mary’s
mother, was pregnant in her sixth month.
Almost immediately, Mary decided to go
visit Elizabeth, a trip of almost 80 miles
(see map on the right). After all, Elizabeth, of
all people, certainly would understand the
miraculous announcement from the angel
Gabriel. Mary certainly did not travel by
herself, so she probably joined a caravan
traveling in the same direction. That distance
would take around 4 days or more to make
the journey, mostly on foot.

Mary most likely conceived shortly after the
announcement from Gabriel. She was a virgin
which is extremely important. A right view of
the incarnation of Christ hinges on this truth.
The Messiah would have NO physical father
through which the sin nature was passed.
The Holy Spirit wrought the conception
through supernatural means. His conception
testifies of both His deity and His sinlessness,
both required for the substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all men.

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