Why Did Joseph Take Mary to Bethlehem When They Were Not Married?
The biblical narrative is replete with mysterious and profound elements, one of which is the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Critics and faithful alike often question why Joseph took his fiancée, Mary, on this long and strenuous journey when they were not yet married. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this decision, the context of their unique wedding, and the purpose of their journey.
The Prophetic Journey
According to the Bible, Joseph knew that Mary was pregnant with the child who was prophesied to be the Messiah. This revelation came from an angel, who informed Joseph of the importance of bringing Mary to Bethlehem. The purpose of this journey was to fulfill a prophecy: the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.
Joseph's decision to take Mary was driven by his commitment to fulfilling divine mandates. The angel's communication was a clear call to action, indicating that Mary's presence in Bethlehem was critical for the fulfillment of the prophetic promise. As a devout Jew, Joseph was well-versed in the prophecies related to the Messiah, including the one stating that the promised king would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
The Legal and Social Reasons
Joseph and Mary's relationship was not only a matter of personal faith but also of social and legal significance. Had they not fulfilled this journey, Mary's pregnancy would have shamed her in the community. In first-century Jewish society, unmarried women who conceived were often subject to ostracism and even stoning. To avoid this scandal, Joseph decided to marry Mary, thus assuring her protection and societal standing.
Moreover, by marrying Mary, Joseph avoided any questions regarding the paternity of the child. The Bible states that Joseph "took her to his home" and that "he did not have marital relations with her until after she gave birth to a son" (Matthew 1:24-25). This decision ensured that the child could be recognized as the legitimate heir to the throne of David, as all legal heirs needed to be born to a married couple.
The Roman Census and Divine Intervention
The journey to Bethlehem was also necessitated by a Roman decree that required all citizens to return to their ancestral towns for the census. This imperial mandate had to be obeyed without exception. The Bible records that “all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1), and Joseph, as a citizen, had no choice but to comply.
This journey was profoundly different from a typical wedding trip. The gospel narratives describe a period of about five months during which Joseph prepared for their marriage while Mary remained in her first trimester. It is noteworthy that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary to save her from societal disgrace but ultimately decided to marry her once he was convinced of the truth of the angel's message. Their final marriage was performed in Bethlehem, as Mary was already in her first trimester at this time.
The narrative also touches on the details of their consummation, ensuring that Mary's purity was preserved until the child's birth. The bedsheet they used was used as evidence of Mary's virginity, a testament to the fulfillment of the divine plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joseph's decision to take Mary to Bethlehem was motivated by several factors: divine prophecy, social and legal necessity, and personal faith. The journey was not only a physical one but also a spiritual and theological act. Through their actions and the events that unfolded, Joseph and Mary exemplified the commitment to fulfill the divine will and prepare for the birth of the Messiah, the predicted savior of the world.