The Scandal of the Birth of Jesus – The Paradox of Incarnation

Abstract

If we read the Mt 1,18-19 and the hint in Jn 8,41 with open eyes, a scandal surfaces. The origin of Jesus is uncertain, even regarded as a result of fornication. Is it possible that Jesus was regarded as a mamzer, an illegitimate child, whose father is either unknown, or known and identified as a pagan? This essay takes ancient texts under scrutiny – biblical, extra-canonical and apochriphal, in order to examine the possible meaning of mamzerim in the time of Jesus, and the consequences it might have had on the teachings and mentality of Jesus. I conclude that Jesus might have experienced two restrictions: he had restricted opportunities for marriage, as he was not counted among the „pure Israelite”, and he was banned from the sanctuary of the Temple. We have some hints in the Gospels that can be read in this direction.