The life of Jesus is not fully described in the New
Testament. The Gospels were not written by historians. They were never intended
to be a written history of his life. Thus the record of his life is incomplete.
But is it possible to create a timeline of the events that framed his life?
Of course. It is possible to establish credible dates for
the events that shaped the life of the man we call Jesus. What follows is a
rather long discussion for those seeking to understand the man and his mission.
It is more accurate and more credible than anything I could find on the
Internet.
Introduction
One cannot write a realistic novel without creating a
timeline of events. The action must evolve in a credible sequence. A novel’s
characters must react to these events, and acknowledge their occurrence both
during and after the fact. If the events
in a novel occur over a long period of time - say years - then the novel’s
characters must age. We need to know how old they are, chapter after chapter,
event after event, and how life has affected them intellectually, emotionally,
and physically. Establishing a timeline provides a frame of reference for the
reader and acts as a map for the story line.
Developing a timeline for the life of Jesus is a challenge.
One is exposed to cynical comments, contradictory information, erroneous
information, and endless (frequently unfounded) opinion. Credible dates are
hard to find. Historical data is incomplete and scarce. There are only a few
clues in the New Testament.
Early church theologians and elders ignored the first 30
years of his life because they believed ordinary human life was too “dirty” for
a man they wanted to caste as a God who was far above kings and emperors. In so
doing, the early church distorted his message, caused theological problems that
have plagued Christian discourse for thousands of years, and debased the
credibility of his mission in a 21st century America. If we want to be
accurate, we have to ignore the words of early church elders and Roman
politicians who used the words and life of Jesus to promote their own
objectives.
One is forced to sift through available information,
select the data that makes sense, is consistent with other information, and
construct a time line that is both credible and logical. Dates for the
construction of buildings, Jewish rebellions, and Roman characters are
relatively easy to find. Descriptions of 1st century Jewish culture provide
clues about religious practices and expected behaviors. Rebellion leaders, the
effect of their rebellion, and the Roman response have been documented.
Information is available about 1st century medical science, education,
technology, mathematics, construction, and food production.
It is from these resources that I constructed my timeline
for “Am I Your Son?”
Some Background
Jesus would have been influenced by the Jewish mores and
traditions of his time, including expectation he would be married at an early
age and have children.
Jesus became a carpenter and stone mason, worked at his
trade in Nazareth, Sepphoris and Capernaum. He may also have worked on Roman
structures in Tiberias, Judea and Alexandria, Egypt.
The events of his life were framed by Jewish insurgence
against the Romans. He would have been encouraged and tempted to join the
rebellion. Jewish rebellion activity, which has been documented, provides us
with reference points for the events in the life of Jesus.
Several of his Apostles were initially Jewish
Nationalists who were attracted to Jesus because he was a natural leader whom
they thought could lead them against the Romans. To his everlasting credit,
Jesus diverted their energy toward a far greater mission.
Most of his followers believed Jesus could use his powers
to expel the Romans from Israel. When he failed to do so, many turned against
him. That is why, for example, toward the end of his ministry he was not
welcome in Capernaum. That is also why adoration suddenly turned to disbelief,
cynicism, and hatred the week of his crucifixion in Jerusalem.
The Life of Jesus
From my novel: Am I Your Son?
Constructing a realistic timeline for the life of this
baby, boy, teenager, man and son of God presented an interesting challenge. The
following timeline I developed for my gospel “Am I Your Son” is, I believe, very
credible - if not perfect.
6 B.C. September. Mary was busy with morning chores when
she heard the front yard gate close with a clatter. Curious, she looked out the
small kitchen window to see who was coming to the door. It was Joseph. (Note 1).
And so begins the love story of Joseph and Mary. Incidentally, it has been
alleged Mary was actually born in Sepphoris to Anna and Joachim. They
apparently moved to Nazareth after her birth.
6 B.C. October. It
is time for Joseph to consummate his betrothal to Mary, Jacob (Joseph’s
father) decided. He abruptly moved to act on his decision.
6 B.C. November. “Mary of Nazareth,” a young man’s voice
called out to her “we meet again.” It was Maximus, the Roman Centurion. I
introduce Maximus, who is a sympathetic character, to illustrate the attitudes
of Jesus and Mary towards a Roman soldier.
25 B.C. December. Mary (age 14) and Joseph (age 15) were
married in a traditional village ceremony.
6 B.C. June. The aches and pains of age troubled
Zechariah (the date is correct: John was born before Jesus). Elizabeth had
become pregnant six months before Joseph and Mary were married.
5 B.C. January. Word went out to the family Elizabeth was
having trouble with her health. Mary volunteered to help Elizabeth until she
gave birth. Although they had been married for only two weeks, Joseph
reluctantly agreed.
5 B.C. February. Mary was just finishing breakfast when
she suddenly jumped up from the table and ran outside. Several minutes later
she returned, looking very ill. (Most women will recognize morning sickness.
Mary was pregnant.).
5 B.C. Mid-March. The shriek of pain coming from the
bedroom told Mary that John (who would become known as John the Baptist) was
coming into the world.
5 B.C. April. Three weeks after John’s birth, Mary
returned home to be with the man she loved.
5 B.C. Late August. Although Joseph had steadfastly
resisted being drawn into the rebellious hatred mounting in Nazareth,
Sepphoris, Cana, Nain, and elsewhere, he knew he was being ridiculed for his attitude.
Jewish nationalists were threatening the safety of any man who refused to join
the rebellion. (Mounting anger had been ignited by the enumeration ordered by
King Herod in late 6 B.C. or early 5 B.C. Matthews story about the census,
which did not occur until after the birth of Jesus in 6 A.D., is a mistake.)
5 B.C. September. It
is likely that Joseph and Mary, like thousands of other Jews, left Israel to
escape the coming carnage. Joseph also knew there would be many opportunities
for employment in Alexandria, reinforcing the selection of Egypt as their
destination.
5 B.C. Late September or early October. Although Joseph
and Mary had intended to visit Jerusalem as they traveled south toward Egypt,
it was obviously too dangerous to do so. They circumvent the city and head south.
By the time they reach Bethlehem, Mary can travel no further and gives birth to
Jesus. (Note 1 and 2).
4 B.C. When Herod
died all Judea erupted. Pious Jews, Jewish nationalists, and would be Messiahs
rose up, all hoping to restore Judea's liberty.
Publius Quintilius Varus, governor of Syria, led three complete legions
and numerous Arab auxiliaries into Judea, marched on Sepphoris and down the
center of Judea to Jerusalem, systematically and brutally suppressing all
opposition. After occupying Jerusalem, he crucified 2000 Jewish rebels. This
was, of course, the bloodshed Joseph wanted to avoid by taking Mary to Egypt.
4 B.C. While in Egypt, Mary gave birth to a second child,
a girl named Deborah, and in April of 2 B.C. Mary gave birth to a boy, whom
they named James (who will become known as the Apostle James the Lessor).
2 B.C. July. Wanting to establish a more permanent home
among friends and family, Mary and Joseph start the long walk back to Nazareth.
6 A.D. There was a commotion in the street. The people of
Nazareth were gathering to meet a large band of armed men who had gathered at
the village well. Mary went to the door of the shop. “Who is that man in
front?” “He is known as Judas of Galilee,” Joseph said quietly “he is from the
village of Gamala.” “He is leading a rebellion against the Romans.” This second
rebellion, which made a great impression of a young Jesus, also failed.
9 A.D. A whisper
of a breeze brought welcome relief to the heat of a summer afternoon. Deborah
(11), James (10), Joses (9), Jude (8) Simon (7) and Rachel (5) were playing a
lively and animated game of hide and go seek. (Yes. Mary had seven children.)
12 A.D. Jesus liked working with his father in Sepphoris.
Here he falls in love with Sarah. Jesus and Sarah were married in December, 12
AD. He was 16. Sarah was 17. The wedding was held at Jamel’s home in Sepphoris.
14 A.D. Some of the women in Nazareth would turn away
from Sarah as though she were unclean. The men of the village gossiped and
joked about Jesus. Because they had no children.
14 A.D. Late Spring. Sarah shows her compassion and
healing ability for a little girl.
14 A.D. Summer. Jesus and Sarah had few possessions. With
the help of Joses and Jude it took them only two and one half hours to pull the
cart to Sepphoris.
18 A.D. Jesus had
worked as a carpenter and mason in Sepphoris for almost four years. Sarah was
struggling up the hill to her home when she was suddenly confronted by two of
Herod’s mercenary soldiers.
18 A.D. “Thankfully April rains and the darkness of night
should cover your escape.
20 A.D. Late summer. James and John persuaded Jesus to go
with them to help Simon move from Bethsaida to Capernaum.
20 A.D. James, John, Simon and Jesus returned to
Bethsaida with two carts to help Andrew move to Capernaum. As they climbed the
hill into town, Jesus saw a familiar figure on the road ahead. It was Salome,
his mother’s sister
23 A.D. Summer. According to local gossip, Matthew was
the richest man in Capernaum. That’s because he was the local tax collector for
Herod Antipas.
23 A.D. Early November. Jesus had just celebrated his
27th birthday.
24 A.D. April. Although the pain of Sarah’s death had
ebbed away with the healing power of time, Jesus was lethargic, depressed and
restless.
24 A.D. August. Early the next morning he left Capernaum
for Bethsaida, pulling the cart behind him. He meets and has a conversation
with a shepherd (who is Micah the angel). Jesus is surprised to find John at
Salome’s house.
24 A.D. September. Upon reaching Caesarea Maritima, John
and Jesus find a way to work their fare to Alexandria. (I choose to believe
Jesus wanted to heal. In Alexandria he could learn from some of the best
physicians of the first century.)
25 A.D. Late
Spring. Jesus had been diligent in his studies and was ready to leave
Alexandria. Joseph dies in late August.
26 A.D. Late Fall. Jesus remained in Capernaum and
developed a method of resistance to Roman harassment. A strong, robust,
self-confident and charismatic man had begun to emerge from the humble image of
the carpenter. Jesus has just turned 30.
27 A.D. Early Spring. Jesus had resolved his
nationalistic feelings and wanted to focus his attention on the spiritual
health of his people. He knew he wanted to heal both spiritually and
physically, but he was unsure of what to do. Connects with God.
27 A.D. May. Without saying a word about his conversation
with God, he closed up his shop in Capernaum. In late May he leaves Nazareth for
the Essene communal structures of Qumran to prepare himself for his mission. By
late July Jesus was thoroughly proficient in the message he was to deliver.
Then God connects: And I will call you
son. That too is a familiar name for someone whom I love.
27 A.D. Late
July. John was baptizing on the east bank of the Jordan River where the
road from Jerusalem and Jericho crosses into the lands of Peraea. John baptizes
Jesus. After two days Philip, Simon and Andrew join Jesus for his trip to
Galilee.
27 A.D. September. Jesus accompanied Mary, his brothers
Simon and Joses, and his sister Deborah on the 4.5 hour walk to Cana. In January,
28 A.D. he moves to Capernaum with Mary and Joses.
28 A.D. March. One evening Jesus gathered together with
Peter, Andrew, James and John Boanerges, Simon Zealotes, and Bartholomew around
a fire. They were soon joined by his brothers James and Jude along with Philip,
all from Bethsaida. Jesus addressed the group. “I plan to preach in Magdala and
Tiberias. If two or three of you could find the time to go with me, I would be
pleased to have your company.”
29 A.D. Two important events occurred in early 29 A.D.
Jesus selects his Apostles and gives what is known as The Sermon on the Mount. He
later learns John has been sent to prison in Herod’s fortress at Machaerus.
29 A.D. Accompanied by his Apostles and several women,
Jesus began his second tour of Galilee.
29 A.D. Two men approached the shop where Jesus was
working. “John the Baptist has been beheaded.”
29 A.D. September. Jesus walked to the shore of the Sea
of Galilee with Peter, Matthew and his brother Jude. He looked gravely at his
companions. The Romans have beheaded John the Baptist. Now they will come after
me.
29 A.D. October.
Judas came into the shop where Jesus was working, stood for a moment as though
uncertain what to say, and then sat down on the bench. Jesus knew what Judas
was thinking.
30 A.D. March. Traveling to Passover was a mixture of
fatigue, discomfort, aggravation, fear, elation, happiness, noise, and
ceaseless activity. (Note 3)
30 A.D. Wednesday April 5. A man dressed in a white robe
with a purple sash appears on the top step of the entrance to the inner Temple
Courtyard. It is the High Priest. “These fools can talk of nothing but this man
Jesus. We must be ready to deal with him. Assemble the Sanhedrin Counsel.”
30 A.D. Friday.
Passover (which by Jewish tradition, started at dusk last night and will
end at dusk next Thursday night) had begun. On the following Sunday Jesus will
make a triumphant entrance to the Temple in Jerusalem and briefly speak to an
enthusiastic crowd. On Monday he will
again enter the Temple Mount and go into the Court of Gentiles to preach. Jesus
will also go to the Temple Mount on Tuesday with his Apostles and a number of
disciples.
Late Wednesday
afternoon, Caiaphas the High Priest called another session of the Sanhedrin
Council. “For three days that renegade has preached in the Court of Gentiles
and below the Temple Mount. The first day, everyone who heard him was filled with
joy. The second day, many began to have doubts he would be their liberator.
Today the crowd dwindled down to a handful of disciples and curious pilgrims.
He is losing favor with our people. Today someone even jeered that he has lost
his magic power.... I have decided to act. With the help of the Levites, we can
turn the crowd against him.”
Thursday
afternoon the Sanhedrin Council had a meeting to decide on a number of matters,
including their rising concern about the rebellious preacher from Galilee. They
decide: “We will look for Jesus and take him to the Romans. They will crucify
him.”
Passover ends
Thursday afternoon after Sundown. Tomorrow most of the pilgrims will leave
Jerusalem for home. Judas convinces the High Priest he must capture Jesus
before he can leave the city. They find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where
he is waiting for the mob. Thus begins an ordeal that lasted approximately 20
hours.
......................
Note 1: After
substantial research, I have concluded Jesus was born in 5 B.C. by the
Gregorian calendar.
If we assume he
was born before the death of King Herod the Great, who died in early 4 B.C., then
he would have been born in either 6 or 5 B. C.
According to
general consensus, Mary his mother was born in 20 B.C. That means she would
have been eligible for betrothal in 7 B.C. and Marriage in 6 B.C. Jesus, her
first son, would have arrived in late 5 B.C. (September or October).
Jesus began his ministry, according to
tradition, in August of 27 A.D. at age 30. Counting backward places the date of
his birth in 5 B. C.
The enumeration
ordered by Herod began in late 6 or early 5 B.C., causing general rebellion
among the Jewish population who believed any kind of census was illegal according
to God’s laws. The death of King Herod in 4 B.C. gave the rebels an opportunity
to elevate their rebellion into open war. Thus the only time of relative safety
for travel would have been in mid-5 B.C. between months of high tension,
further supporting 5 B.C. as the year of birth.
Note 2: We celebrate the birth of Jesus on December, 25
because that date was chosen by early church leaders to replace a pagan
holiday. Given the sequence of events, late September or early October is more
likely. Ironically, Jesus could have been conceived on December 25, 6 B.C.
Note 3: According to 1st century Jewish Passover dates,
30 A.D. is the only one that fits Matthew’s story of the crucifixion (which was
affirmed by Luke), and the timeline for the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Note 4: This is, of course, an attempt to clarify the
traditional Christian story about the life of Jesus. It makes no attempt to
resolve the interesting parallels between the life of Jesus and the historical information
we have about the life of Judas of Galilee.
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