Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary A book by Brant Pitre INTRODUCTION
THE NEW EVE
THE NEW ARK CATHOLIC BELIEF INTRODUCTION WHERE DOES IT SAY THAT IN SCRIPTURE?
LOOK THROUGH ANCIENT JEWISH EYES PERPETUAL VIRGINITY SINLESSNESS MOTHER OF GOD IDENTITY INTERCESSOR ASSUMPTION 1. ROOTED IN ANCIENT CHRISTIANITY INTRODUCTION 2. FLOWS FROM WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS ANCIENT CCC 487 3. CHRISTIAN BELIEFS – FROM OLD TESTAMENT
TYPOLOGIES OF JESUS AND MARY
PREFIGURE FULLFILLMENT BEGIN WITH JESUS JESUS IS THE NEW ADAM –THE LAST ADAM (St. Paul) THE NEW EVE Romans 5:17-19 1Cor 15: 45, 47 WHO IS THE NEW EVE? 1
ADAM & EVE – CREATED IN A STATE OF MORAL GOODNESS & THE NEW EVE IMMORTALITY ~ 2ND CREATION STORY – “She shall be called woman” ~ THE WOMAN Gn 2: 21-23
IN EDEN ~ THE WOMAN IS NOT CALLED EVE UNTIL AFTER THE FALL Gn 3:20 2
THE FALL Gn 3:16
Eve is not alone when she sins THE NEW EVE Neither acts in isolation They both suffer the effects of their choice Driven out of garden ~ THE WOMAN Childbirth painful IN EDEN Toil to eat
LOOSE THE GIFT OF ORIGINAL GOODNESS & IMMORTALITY 3
THE SERPENT IS ALSO PUNISHED Gn 3:14-15
Spiritual Battle between offspring of woman and snake THE NEW EVE Humanity and the Devil and his angels
Gn 4:1.7 ~ THE WOMAN IN EDEN FOUR PARTIES IN THE BATTLE IN GEN 3:15 1. The Serpent vs 2. The Woman 3. Serpent’s offspring vs 4. Woman’s offspring Strike the heel Strikes head
BOTH SIDES APPEAR TO LOOSE • LATER JEWISH WRITING –THE SERPENT IS SATAN
WISDOM 2:24 THE NEW EVE • SIN & DEATH ARE TRANSMITTED TO ALL DESCENDENTS SIRACH 25:24
~ OUTSIDE THE • AROUND THE TIME OF JESUS ~ JEWISH BIBLE FOUNDATIONS ~ FOR WHAT WOULD BECOME DOC. OF O. S. • THE PROTOEVANGELIUM (1st Gospel) ROOTED IN JEWISH SOIL
GN 3:15 ~ PROPHECY OF THE MESSIAH
. GOSPEL OF JOHN / REVELATION MARY’S DEPICTION ECHOS EVE
JOHN: MARY APPEARS TWICE – CANA, (2:1-12) CROSS (19: 25-27) Cana – took place on the 3RD day.*** THE NEW EVE Book of Genesis Gospel of John In the beginning God created In the beginning was the Word… ~ MARY – the heaven and the earth… (1:1) and the Word was God. (1:1) THE NEW EVE Seven days of the New Creation - John 1. Testimony – John the Baptist (1:19) 2. “The next day” (Jn 1:29) Baptism of Jesus 3. “The next day” (Jn 1:35) Jesus meets Andrew & Peter 4. “The next day” (Jn 1:43) Jesus meets Philip & Nathan 7. “The third day” (aft day 4) (Jn 2:1) CANA GOSPEL OF JOHN / REVELATION MARY’S DEPICTION ECHOS EVE / John’s gospel
MARY APPEARS TWICE – CANA, (2:1-12) & the CROSS (19: 25-27)
Seven days of the New Creation – John THE NEW EVE NEW CREATION – JESUS IS THE NEW ADAM
~ MARY – AT CANA – JESUS ADDRESSES HIS MOTHER AS ”WOMAN” THE NEW EVE IN GENESIS
EVE – 1 X EVE INVITES ADAM TO SIN
WOMAN 11 X MARY INVITES JESUS TO HIS FIRST SIGN GOSPEL OF JOHN / REVELATION MARY’S DEPICTION ECHOS EVE / John’s gospel
The Crucifixion Jesus’ death – the hour in which the devil will be conquered Jn 12: 31-33 THE NEW EVE Addresses Mary as “Woman” again Jn 19: 25-27
EVE ~ Gn 3:1-6, 15 MARY ~ Jn 2: 1-12 & Jn 19:25-27 ~ MARY – 1. Woman 11 times Woman 2 times THE NEW EVE 2. Invites Adam to sin (1st sin) Invites Jesus (1st sign) 3. With Adam at the Fall With Jesus at the Crucifixion 4. Mother of offspring who Mother of offspring who conquers the serpent conquers the Devil GOSPEL OF JOHN / REVELATION MARY’S DEPICTION ECHOS EVE / Book of Revelation WOMAN ~ SERPENT ~ MESSIAH
• Rev 12:1-9, 13 The woman clothed by the sun ~ Who is she? THE NEW EVE Individual? A group? ____ • Mother of the Messiah ~ MARY – Births a male child who rules all nations THE NEW EVE OR • A Symbol for the People of God Jerusalem ~ ”Bride of God” Is 62:1-6 Hos 2:16 Sufferings of the people Is 26:17 Jer 4:31 – 5:1 Micah 4:10 GOSPEL OF JOHN / REVELATION MARY’S DEPICTION ECHOS EVE / Book of Revelation WOMAN ~ SERPENT ~ MESSIAH ---- THE NEW EVE • Church = The Bride of Christ / New Jerusalem Rev 19: 7-8 21: 1-9 ~ MARY – • Woman = Symbol for Israel / Church / Both THE NEW EVE BOTH / AND ~ INDIVIDUAL / SYMBOL FOR THE CHURCH
THREE INDIVIDUALS IN REV 12 SERPENT DEVIL (individual) SATAN CHILD MESSIAH “ CHRIST WOMAN MOTHER OF MESSIAH “ MARY GOSPEL OF JOHN / REVELATION MARY’S DEPICTION ECHOS EVE / Book of Revelation WOMAN ~ SERPENT ~ MESSIAH NOT MERE SYMBOLS ~ Apocalyptic symbols for larger groups THREE INDIVIDUALS IN REV 12 SERPENT DEVIL (individual) SATAN THE NEW EVE CHILD MESSIAH “ CHRIST WOMAN MOTHER OF MESSIAH “ MARY ~ MARY – 7 HEADS - 10 HORNS 7 KINGS - 10 KINGS 17:7-14 THE NEW EVE CHILD – persecuted by the dragon Followers of Jesus 12:17 “rest of the woman’s offspring” DRAGON Wicked kings of the world WOMAN The Church –The people of God
BOTH / AND Woman = BOTH Mary AND the People of God THE NEW EVE MARY ~ EVE ~ THE DOCTRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
~ IMMACULATE ANCIENT CHRISTIANS – MARY IS THE NEW EVE
MARY CHURCH FATHERS CREATION OF EVE – IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Mary, like Eve, created without sin THE NEW EVE Mary, the second Eve, must be greater than Eve
~ IMMACULATE THE RULE : O.T. “TYPES” ARE NEVER GREATER THAN THE N.T. FULFILLMENT MARY EVE – created “very good” (without sin) Gn 1:27-31 MARY – the exception to the rule after the Fall Not earned – a pure gift of God’s grace CREATION OF EVE – IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
MARY – created without sin, then is she less than fully human? ADAM & EVE – were also created “very good” OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT THE NEW EVE Adam: created without sin Jesus: conceived without sin Eve: created without sin Mary: conceived without sin ~ IMMACULATE Pius X - dogma 1854 – singular grace of God and by the virtue of the MARY merits of Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:47 Mary can truly declare that “God” is her “Savior” MARY – BEGINNING OF THE NEW CREATION What grace can do! 2 Cor 5:17 – Undoing the effects of the Fall
Jesus – lived without sin (earth) – we too can be completely free THE NEW EVE Heb 12:23 Spirits of just men made perfect Rom 5:19 God makes us Righteous by grace ~ IMMACULATE Rev 21:5 Behold, I make all things new
MARY Eve is not the only figure in the Jewish Bible that points to Mary. At Jesus’ time: Jerusalem, Temple, Holy of Holies is empty THE NEW ARK Hope for the Ark’s return The Lost Ark of Jesus ~ New Adam ~ New Moses ~ New Exodus the Covenant MOSES JESUS Fasted 40 days Fasted 40 days People fed with Manna Fed the multitude, loaves and fishes Twelve tribes of Israel Twelve Apostles differ Journey Egypt --> the Promised Land Jerusalem à Heaven
Where is the New Ark? THE ARK 1. Dwelling place for God on earth 2. Held the Ten Commandments 3. Incorruptible wood (Acacia) 4. Gold THE NEW ARK 5. Where Cloud of Glory will descend Cloud – A means for God to lead people in battle The Lost Ark of Israelites victorious when Ark was in their midst. (Joshua 6: 1-21) the Covenant Ark absent they were defeated. (Numbers 14:44-45) 1000 BC: David, Ark àTemple ~ David rejoices Ps 132 A Psalm of Ascent Ark à Holy of Holies… Cloud fills the Temple
Death of Solomon – Kingdoms split / 587 Temple destroyed / Glory cloud disappears Ezekiel 10 Where is the Ark? There are many claims: Jeremiah à Mt. Nebo 2 Maccabees 2:2-8 THE NEW ARK Jeremiah : priest in Jerusalem Temple Nebo: Where Moses had gone up to see the Promised Land
The Lost Ark of Location: the Covenant unknown until God shows his mercy and brings back the Cloud of Glory
First century people were waiting for the return of the Ark The new Moses and the new Ark Annunciation: Return of the Cloud of Glory ~ Luke and Revelation Luke 1:26 – 38 Through Ancient Jewish Eyes THE NEW ARK Mary : “How shall this be….?” Gabriel’s response: Lk 1:35 Mary the new Ark Compare LXX and Greek of Luke EPISKIAZO Ark in the tabernacle – special place of God’s dwelling New Exodus
THE TABERNACLE THE VIRGIN MARY
The cloud of the Lord’s glory The Holy Spirit “overshadows” “overshadows” (episkiazo) the (episkiazo) the Virgin Mary. Tabernacle. Ex 40: 34-35 Luke 1:35 Visitation: New Ark Revealed (Lk 1:39 – 56) Read in light of the story of David, Ark – Jesus THE ARK OF THE COVENANT THE VIRGIN MARY The glory of the Lord and the cloud cover The Holy Spirit comes upon Mary and the Tabernacle (containing the Ark) and the power of the Most High “overshadow” (episkiazo) them. “overshadows” (episkiazo) her. THE NEW ARK Ex 40:34 – 35 Lk 1:35 David “arose and went” to the hill Mary ”arose and went” into the hill country of Judah, to bring up “the ark of country of Judah to visit Elizabeth. Mary the new Ark God.” 2 Sm 6:2 Luke 1:39 David admits his unworthiness to receive Elizabeth admits her unworthiness to the Ark by exclaiming : “How can the Ark receive Mary by exclaiming : “and why is of the Lord come of me?” 2 Sm 6:9 this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Lk 1:43 David “leaped” before the Ark as it was John “leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb at the brought in “with shouting.” 2 Sm 6:15-16 sound of Mary’s voice and Elizabeth cried “with a loud shout.” Lk 1:41 - 42 The Ark remained in the hill country, in Mary remained in the hill country, in the house of Obed-Edom, “three Elizabeth’s house, “three months.” months.” 2 Sm 6:11 Lk 1:56 Revelation: Ark / Woman / Heaven Rev 12:1-12 The woman clothed with the sun Context for the woman and the Ark Rev 11:19 – 12:2 1. There was no chapter break in the Greek text. 11ff not the end of the chapter, but the beginning of new section. THE NEW ARK 2. Ark & Woman appear to be in Heavenly Temple. Imagery, noises “In anguish for delivery: (11:19 12:2) “A voice from the Temple” Mary the new Ark Before she was in labor she gave birth Is 66:6-7 The Ark in the Temple is the true Ark. 3. Heavenly Ark is associated with the heavenly woman. Appeared (ophthe) Gk Ark appears in Heaven 11:10 Woman appears in heaven 12:2 Assumed into Heaven Three important theological implications 1. Mary’s body ~ the dwelling place of God on earth A sacred container The Ark of the Covenant Mary, the new Ark THE NEW ARK Ten Commandments “Word” made “Flesh”
Golden Urn of Manna “Bread of Life” from Heaven
Mary the new Ark Staff of Aaron that budded Heavenly “High Priest” Hebrews 9:4 John 1:14, 6:53 - 58
Mary – new Ark – dwelling place of God on earth
“Mary, in whom the Lord himself has just made his dwelling, is… the Ark of the Covenant CCC 2676 Assumed into Heaven Three important theological implications
2. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven THE NEW ARK Mary the New Ark ~ Jesus the New David ~ brings her to Heaven forever
King David ~ Priority ~ Bring Ark to the Temple Ps 132:8 Mary the new Ark Woman in Revelation 12 ~ in Heaven
Dormition of Mary 7th C. AD
Dogma of Assumption: 1950 Pius XII
Ark… not just Mary’s soul but her body as well. Benedict XVI Assumption: A Sign of our Resurrection Three important theological implications 3. Where is the Ark? Rev 11:19 ~ In heaven THE NEW ARK True Exodus: This world à Heavenly world to come
Mary the new Ark Mary ~ New Ark ~ Destiny of our bodies Holy by God’s Grace Preserved from bodily corruption Assumed into Heaven Jesus’ death Every body can be transformed into a temple of the H. S. 1 Cor 6:19 THE QUEEN MOTHER
THE PERPETUAL VIRGIN
THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A KINGDOM RULED BY A SOVERIGN?
God’s promise to David – 2 Sm 7:13 ~ Everlasting monarchy
Mk 1:14 – 15 “The kingdom of God is at hand……” THE QUEEN MOTHER Matthew’s genealogy 1:1-17 The point is…..?
Luke 1:30 – 33 “God will give him the throne of his father David.”
If Jesus is the new King….who is the new Queen?
King / Queen at the time of David Q. M. in Jewish Bible ~ 1 & 2 Kings ~ David and his successors
ONE ~ Q.M. is the King’s mother gebirah fem. form of master 1 Kings 15: 1-2 Mother, not wife, is mentioned THE QUEEN 1 Kings 2:19-20 King honored his mother ~ powerful intercessor MOTHER TWO ~ Q.M. reigns with the King Official position, 2nd only to the King THE QUEEN MOTHER Royal authority OF ANCIENT ISRAEL Wore a crown Solomon’s mother sat at his right hand Ps 45:6-9 Shares King’s authority Ps 110:1 THE QUEEN Q. M. in Jewish Bible ~ 1 & 2 Kings ~ David and his successors
MOTHER THREE ~ A powerful intercessor with her son. 1 Kings 2:13-14, 17-18 THE QUEEN MOTHER OF ANCIENT ISRAEL FOUR ~ Not just in the past…. Appears in prophecies of future King (Messiah) Prophecies of future King (Messiah) 1. Isaiah 7:10-14 8c Immanuel Prophecy • Isaiah à King Ahaz ~ declares God will give him a sign. THE QUEEN • “Maiden” = mother of the future king…. So mother of MOTHER Immanuel would be the queen mother
THE QUEEN MOTHER 2. Micah 5:2-3 OF ANCIENT ISRAEL • Future king, new David, come from Bethlehem • “From Ancient Days ~ origin~ With God from beg. of time • She who gives birth ~ Human mother of future King MATTHEW ~ LUKE ~ REVELATION
MATTHEW: Mother of Immanuel
1. Son of David (1:1) in the genealogy THE QUEEN ~tells Jesus is the Christos, Royal Messiah MOTHER so….his mother is the new Queen ~ Mary is named in Jesus’ genealogy 1:16-17 MARY ~ ~ Women usually not named in genealogy Royal Queen mother is exception THE NEW QUEEN 2. 1:18 -23 Joseph, son of David MATTHEW ~ LUKE ~ REVELATION
LUKE: The Annunciation THE QUEEN MOTHER Gabriel’s address to Mary ~ The mother of the child who….
MARY ~ Visitation: 1:36 Older relatives do not honor younger ones THE NEW QUEEN MATTHEW ~ LUKE ~ REVELATION
REVELATION: The Queen in Heaven
1. The Royal identity of the woman in Rev. 12 12 stars 12 tribes of Israel Gen 37:9-10 THE QUEEN MOTHER 2. Woman appears to be based on Isaiah’s prophecy Isaiah 7:13 – 14 MARY ~ MOTHER OF IMMANUEL WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN A sign… in the height A sign …in the heaven, a woman THE NEW QUEEN The virgin will be with child She was with child And she gave birth to a son (Is 7:13-14) She gave birth to a son (Rev 12:1-2, 5)
3. Woman (sun / stars) standing above the moon and stars in Heaven (Rev 12:1) Jesus ”caught up” to the :”throne” of God…..so Mary = Heavenly Queen VIRGIN MOTHER OF IMMANUEL / QUEEN MOTHER OF KOG THE QUEEN MOTHER 1. Mary’s ID as ”Mother of God” 2. Honoring Mary and asking for her intercession Mother of “God with us” 3. Difference between veneration and worship VIRGIN MOTHER OF IMMANUEL / QUEEN MOTHER OF KOG
”Mother of God” Mary is the queen mother of Jesus, the divine king THE QUEEN To deny Mary is to deny the incarnation MOTHER Mary is NOT a divine person Mary IS a human creature
Mother of “God with us” Mary is NOT the mother of the Trinity Mary IS the mother of the divine son who became human
Mary illuminates the mystery of the Incarnation OBJECTIONS
The New Testament does not call Mary ”Mother of God” Elizabeth inspired by the Holy Spirit “The mother of my Lord” THE QUEEN Luke 1:43 MOTHER The Council of Ephesus “God bearer” “A virgin shall conceive and bear (tikto) a son… which Mother of “God with us” means God (theos) is with us” Matthew 1:23
Isaiah 7:14 – First to speak of a woman bearing a child ~ God with us. Give honor to the Queen, Mother of the King Mary = the Queen of Christ’s Kingdom
THE QUEEN Rev 12:1 Queen in Heaven… ask her to intercede with Jesus (King) MOTHER Earthly Kingdoms bestow honor on their leaders. Mother of “God with us” James 5:16 Rev 5:8 Veneration & intercession Ancient Christians: Those who asked for intercession rejected the idea of worshiping Mary. Those who did worship her were condemned THE QUEEN
MOTHER Reverence = praise, special devotions
Mother of “God with us” Worship = offer sacrifice
Honor / Worship LUKE 20:34 – 35
Final resurrection – everyone is celibate THE Living a life of virginity now PERPETUAL VIRGIN The world to come, when death will be no more.
Questions: Mark 6:3 Brothers and sisters? Mary was both married and celibate? LUKE 1:26 – 34 Mary’s response to Gabriel
Mary is already betrothed to Joseph. THE Betrothed = Legally married Dt 22:25-27 PERPETUAL At the Annunciation ~ Mary is married, however, the marriage is not VIRGIN consummated
EVIDENCE Gabriel ~ “ will conceive”
Mary’s response ~ “How can this be?” LUKE 1:26 – 34 Mary’s response to Gabriel
Mary’s response ~ “How can this be?” THE PERPETUAL Absurd question for a bride! VIRGIN Translation problem: RSV “since I have no husband”
EVIDENCE “To know” Marital relations
“I do not know” – fixed principle, applies to present and future
Mary intends to remain a virgin Zechariah’s question is different Vows of sexual abstinence taken by ancient Jewish women Numbers 30: 6-8, 13 – 16 1. Vow to “afflict” or deny THE 2. Nm 3:13 Vows of Abstinence PERPETUAL 1. Unmarried women 30:3-5 VIRGIN 2. Married women 30: 6-8, 13=15 3. Widowed / Divorced 30: 9-12 Father or husband’s consent EVIDENCE 3. If they hear and consent the vow if perpetually binding 4. ____ Mt 1:19 Joseph was a righteous man – obedient to the law Mary’s response to Gabriel indicates his acceptance of her vow Mt 1:20-21, 24-25 “he took his wife but knew her not until… Until (heos) gk. Describes a certain period of time, does not imply a change afterwards THE PERPETUAL Mt 22:44 VIRGIN Mt 28:20
2Sam 6:23 ~ David’s wife, after she disapproved of his dancing EVIDENCE : JOSEPH ”… had no child until the day of her death.”
Joseph’s abstinence does not imply any thing about the time after Jesus is born. THE Why not consummate the marriage after Jesus’ conception??? PERPETUAL VIRGIN Mary’s vow / Joseph’s acceptance
EVIDENCE : JOSEPH Why? Perhaps Joseph understood Mary to be consecrated to God? The children of “another Mary” Mark 6:1-3 Mark 15:37, 40- 41
THE At the crucifixion ~ Mary the mother of James the younger & Joses PERPETUAL (Mk 15:40) VIRGIN 1. Crucifixion Mark 15:40 2. Burial Mark 15:47 EVIDENCE : Brothers and Sisters of Jesus 3. Resurrection Mark 16:1 Matthew 27:55-56, 59-61 Evidence: Mt 13:55 Ancient Jewish context: Brothers (Gk) adelphoi, syn. for close relative Mk 6:3-4 Other Mary = the wife of Clopas John 19:25-27 Sister adelphe someone other than a blood sister THE PERPETUAL VIRGIN 19:25 – James and John are not Jesus’ brothers
Jn 19:26-27 Jesus gives Mary to the beloved disciple EVIDENCE : Brothers and Sisters of Jesus Mk 7:9-15 Care for an aging parent “Brothers” of Jesus are the first bishops of Jerusalem according to the first historian of that period. THE PERPETUAL Cousins VIRGIN Mary/ Joseph ~ Jesus
Clopas / other Mary ~ James – 1st bishop EVIDENCE : Brothers and Sisters of Jesus ~ Joses (Joseph) ~ Simon – 2nd bishop ~ Jude Perpetual Virginity of Mary ~ Ancient Christian belief
THE Why does this matter??? PERPETUAL 1. Truth matters VIRGIN 2. Points to the final resurrection of the dead and coming of new creation EVIDENCE : Ever Virgin 3. Mary, like Jesus is no ordinary person 1. New Eve 2. New Ark 3. Queen Mother 4. Symbol of the Church NEXT WEEK MONDAY MORNING IS MOVED TO TUESDAY MORNING
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Today THE NEW RACHEL
AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS Paradox
First Birth = Joy and Pain The Birth of the Messiah Life = Joy and Suffering Jesus Paradox
Jesus’s ministry ~ taking away suffering by taking it upon himself.
The Birth of the Messiah Mark 10:45
Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 Mary’s Paradox
Joy: Annunciation, Conception, the Star, Magi, Joseph’s dream, escape from Herod.
Suffering: Threat of divorce, no room at the The Birth of the Messiah inn, poverty of Joseph, Herod’s massacre, flight from Egypt, Jesus lost in temple, the Cross
Ancient Jewish prophecies about the Mother of the Messiah Mother of the Messiah THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH Mary’s Birth Pangs
Womb to Tomb Ancient Jewish Scripture
THE BIRTH OF THE 2 conflicting expectations MESSIAH
Isaiah’s prophecy Mother of the Messiah Micah’s prophecy Isaiah’s prophecy = Painless birth 66:7-8
THE BIRTH OF THE 65: 17-18 Isaiah’s oracle – the coming of the new MESSIAH creation
65:23 Undoing the effects of A/E sin Mother of the Messiah 66:7-8 The birth of the woman’s son is a miraculous and unprecedented “act of the new creation.” Isaiah’s prophecy = Painless birth 66:7-8
THE BIRTH OF THE Identity of the mother is ambiguous MESSIAH 66:7 Individual woman, individual son 66:8 Zion (Jerusalem) , multiple children Mother of the Messiah Ancient Jewish poem Micah’s prophecy = 5:2-3 Suggests suffering 1. About the coming of the future Davidic King 2. 5:3 Human mother of the future King THE BIRTH OF THE In travail until labor MESSIAH 3. 5:3 People of Israel will experience intense suffering before the King comes Labor in Hebrew Scriptures: Mi 4:9-10, Mother of the Messiah Gn 35:16-17, Jer 30:4-9
Micah 5:4 Return to the Promised Land Woman in Revelation: Birth Pangs of Cross
Rev 12: 1-6 Woman clothed with the sun gives birth and the child is caught up to heaven
THE BIRTH OF THE 12:2 Crying out - apocalyptic vision, not bio MESSIAH Gk for anguish, torment basanizo No single case where verb is used to refer to labor pains. Mary’s Birth Pangs
Rev 11:10, 9:5, 14:10. 20:20 used as torment/ torture. Symbolizing tribulation at the end of the age. Woman in Revelation: Birth Pangs of Cross
THE BIRTH OF THE Symbolic of Death, Resurrection, Ascension MESSIAH Mother of Messiah Woman in Heaven
She who was in labor odinousan She was in labor odiousan Mary’s Birth Pangs She escaped exephygen She escaped ephygen
She gave birth to a male eteken arsen And she bore a male son eteken huion Is 66:7 LXX arsen Rev 12:2, 6, 5 Woman in Revelation: Birth Pangs of Cross
“Revelation is not a literal description of the THE BIRTH OF THE mystery of the nativity.” MESSIAH
“It is an apocalyptic description of the Mary’s Birth Pangs description of the mystery of the crucifixion.”
“Not Bethlehem, but Easter morning” Gospel of John: Woman’s “hour” and Cross
THE BIRTH OF THE Last Supper Discourse John 16: 16, 20-22 MESSIAH Jesus uses the image of woman suffering childbirth as a metaphor for the Paschal Myst. The Woman’s Labor Jesus’ Crucifixion Mary’s Birth Pangs Childbirth: Woman’s “hour” Passion: Jesus’ “hour”
Labor pains: she has “sorrow” Death: brings “sorrow”
Delivery: she has “joy” Resurrection: brings “joy” Gospel of John: Woman’s “hour” and Cross
THE BIRTH OF THE 16:25 Jesus is speaking “in figures” MESSIAH Childbirth mix of suffering and joy “Hour” tech term Jesus’ passion and death
Mary’s Birth Pangs ”Birth pangs of Messiah” – suffering ushers in the age of salvation. Gospel of John: Woman’s “hour” and Cross
19:25-27 Jesus’ words at the Last Supper fulfilled Compare Passion / Death to labor and the sorrow THE BIRTH OF THE of a woman (gyne) whose hour of child birth has MESSIAH come. Crucifixion becomes the hour of sorrow woman (gyne) ~ (Mary) Mary’s Birth Pangs Mary suffers in a unique way References the joy Mary will have at Jesus’ resurrection Ancient Christians
THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH Isaiah’s prophecy – painless birth was fulfilled at Bethlehem. Mary, new Eve, mother of Messiah spared Mary’s Womb ordinary childbirth, but not the extraordinary Jesus’ Tomb pain of the Cross. Ancient Christians
THE BIRTH OF THE Rev 12 Meaning of the miraculous birth MESSIAH A sign of Jesus’ divinity Does not detract from Jesus’ humanity
Mary’s Womb Jesus’ Tomb Early Christians and childbirth
Pangs of childbirth a result of the 1st sin Nativity ~ Beginning of a new creation THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH Miraculous birth of Jesus a sign of resurrection Matthew 28:2
Mary’s Womb Womb & tomb oft compared in Ancient Judaism Jesus’ Tomb Jeremiah 20:15. 17 Sirach 40:1 Romans 8:28 Jesus the first born of many Joseph beats the odds Gen 37-50 THE LIFE OF JOSEPH THE LIFE OF JESUS First born son of Rachel and beloved son of First born on Mary and beloved son of God. Jacob Gn 30:22-24 & 37:3 Mt 1:25, 3:17 Sold to Gentiles for 20 pieces of silver by Judah, Sold to Gentles for 30 pieces of silver by Judas, one on of his 12 brothers Gn 37: 25-36 of the 12 disciples Mt.26:15, 30 With 2 condemned men, (cupbearer & baker) With 2 condemned men, one who is forgiven by one is pardoned. Gn 40: 1-23 Jesus and given everlasting life. THE NEW Luke 23:32, 39 - 43 RACHEL 30 years old when he enters Pharaoh’s service 30 years old when he begins his ministry Lk 3:23 Gn 41:46 Exalted to the right hand of the Pharaoh, rules Exalted to the right hand of God, rules over the WOMAN OF over kingdom of Egypt Gn 41:40-44 kingdom of heaven. Acts 2:32 - 33 SORROW AND JOY Saves Israel & Gentiles from death, feeds life- Saves Israel and Gentiles from spiritual death and giving wheat Gn 41:55-57 feeds them living bread. John 6 Gives special honor to Benjamin at a banquet Gives special honor to the Beloved disciple at the Gn 43:33-34 Last Supper John 13:23 Revealed to his brothers who don’t recognize Revealed to his disciples who do not recognize him at first, after he is exalted to the throne of him at first, after he is raised from the dead. Egypt Gn 42:8 Luke 24 Early Christians Joseph as a “type” of Jesus
THE NEW RACHEL Rachel is the mother of Joseph Honored by Muslims and Jews Tomb is visited by Jews who believe in her WOMAN OF SORROW prayers of intercession AND JOY Rachel ~ Ancient Christian understanding
Mother of Joseph, Benjamin and beloved wife of THE NEW RACHEL Jacob (Father of the 12 tribes of Israel) Joseph is first born of Rachel 11th born of Jacob ~ brothers were jealous WOMAN OF SORROW Rachel dies while giving birth to Benjamin AND JOY Rachel ~ Ancient Christian understanding
Mother of Joseph, Benjamin, all of Israel She suffers and weeps for Israel even after her THE NEW RACHEL death. Jer 31:15 6c BC
Her tomb near the place where the exiles were WOMAN OF SORROW taken captive by Babylonians. AND JOY Jer 31: 16-17 God tells Rachel – Cry no more. Rachel ~ Ancient Christian understanding
Powerful intercessor THE NEW RACHEL Woman of intense suffering Geographical link Tomb / Bethlehem
WOMAN OF SORROW Rabbinic Commentaries AND JOY Mary~ the New Rachel Herod – Holy Innocents in Bethlehem Mt 2:16 – 21 (quoting Jer 31:15)
THE NEW RACHEL 1. Massacre in the vicinity of Rachel’s tomb 2. Somehow she is aware of her decendent’s suffering WOMAN OF SORROW 3. Rachel & Mary both suffer for their children AND JOY Rev: Woman, Sun, Moon, Stars Rev 12:1-6 Several layers, Eve, Ark, Q.M. Rev 12:1-3 Based on Joseph’s dream Gn 37:9-11 Moon- under one’s feet = royal dominion THE NEW RACHEL Mary – exalted over all of Israel 12:2 Crying out odinousa anguish from delivery WOMAN OF SORROW Rachel – hard labor – died in childbirth AND JOY 12:17 Dragon was angry – made war with the rest of the offspring. Mother of Jesus, Mother of Beloved disciple THE NEW RACHEL Mother of Joseph, Mother of Benjamin
Old Testament New Testament Rachel Mary WOMAN OF SORROW AND JOY Joseph, first born son of Rachel Jesus, first born son of Mary Benjamin, “son” of Rachel’s sorrow John, ”son” of Mary’s sorrow 12 Sons: Benjamin is beloved 12 Apostles: John is beloved 3 theological implications
First, Mother of all disciples Jer 31:15 Rachel, mother of all Israel THE NEW RACHEL Mary, matriarch of all the Church
MOTHER OF “Mary is not the mother of the church (biological) THE CHURCH but because she willingly consented to share in the sufferings of Christ on the Cross.” 3 theological implications
Second, Mother of Sorrows THE NEW RACHEL Rachel & Mary’s maternal roles involved suffering Mary: not a doctrine of dogma – she is a person
MOTHER OF THE CHURCH Mary knows what it is like to endure excruciating pain. Luke 2:35 Soul pierced by a sword 3 theological implications
Third, like Rachel, a powerful intercessor
THE NEW RACHEL Does not abandon her maternal relationship with church when her earthly life ends.
MOTHER OF THE CHURCH God listens to the weeping Rachel… he will also listen to the weeping Mary. The last words of a dying person reveals their heart ~ what is most important to them. Mary, at the foot of the Cross John 19:25 – 30 Behold your mother… I thirst It is finished John’s gospel - spiritual – always deeper meaning B.D. is ideal figure
Mary, at the foot of John 15:8-9 the Cross Every true disciple is called to be a B.D. From the cross Jesus speaks to every disciple He took her as his own
Mary ~ Mother of all the faithful B.D. ~ Ideal Christian Convert Relationship created through passion and death Mary, at the foot of John 1:12-13 the Cross Every disciple called to be B.D. He took her as his own Each is invited to make Mary their mother, this was Jesus’ dying wish. What happens when you take these words to heart?
~ Begin to know Jesus himself more clearly Mary, at the foot of ~ Realize teachings about Mary are based on the Cross teachings about Jesus (since Ancient times) ~ See Mary as new Eve, and Jesus as new Adam Behold your mother ~ New ark takes no more away from the glory of Christ than the Ark from the Glory of God. ~ Realized the new Bread of Life was hidden in the new ark. What happens when you take these words to heart?
~ Behold Mary as the Q.M. of Kingdom of God Mary, at the foot of does not take away from the majesty of Jesus. the Cross ~ Understand Mary as the mother of the Messiah, grasp the truth that salvation comes through Behold your mother suffering and sorrow. ~ Behold as new Rachel, mother of the new Joseph, we realize we are loved.