What is most striking to you in this story of Jesus' conception? How have you experienced Jesus as Immanuel in your life lately? (Serendipity Bible 10th Anniversary Edition, page 1339).
Literature (and real life) has many examples of Christ figures. That is, the person so resembles Jesus that we bestow upon them the likeness of Christ. Now none of these persons are attributed to having a virgin birth. That is unnecessary to be identified as a Christ figure—the ultimate qualification being a willingness to undergo self-sacrifice for the redemptive benefit of others.
Now as to the title of this blog: “Why the Virgin Birth of Jesus Is Unnecessary,” let me first state that I totally believe in the virgin birth. I am by grace an adamant believer and doubt is not in the least an issue. Others are not so lucky and for them it is a matter with which they wrestle.
Let me approach this as an American that believes in accord with our ethos that where you came from is immeasurably less important than who you are. To the extent that this is a striven for goal, America approaches achieving the classless society. It matters not one whit if you were high or low born, or rich or poor, exquisitely educated or matriculated instead from the school of hard knocks, indeed, whether your daddy was a pedigree or not. The content of your character and the scope of your abilities are what matters most. If the account of Jesus’ birth were written by an American, the long listing of Jesus’ pedigree would be completely unnecessary and irrelevant. The question always is: What are you made of and what do you have to offer?
Even Jesus’ resurrection is not dependent upon a virgin birth because final accomplishments are not dependent upon fortuitous beginnings. For instance, one conceived in unholy lust and addicted to crack as a fetus can become unexcelled in holiness and righteousness. I often think if God were to visit earth today how many would expect him to drive up in a limousine escorted by thousands rather than as a humble lone person—maybe even a hobo recycling trash? If I had to make a guess, I would vote for the hobo. That is the American ethos again, royalty does not dress pretentiously. This supports the irony at the foundation of democratic society: the Son of God would be conceived as you would least expect—not by spiritual razzle dazzle, but by the simple love of a carpenter.
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