WAS JESUS REALLY BORN OF A VIRGIN?

 PARABLE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

FOUR PASTORS EATING LUNCH 

Each month a group of young pastor from different denominations eat lunch together to talk and pray.  

Scott, a red haired pastor finishes praying for the fast food; then opens the discussion.

"Christmas falls on Wednesday this year.  What is your Sunday sermon about?"

Diego, a Hispanic pastor says, "Our message is entitled, 'Emmanuel, God With Us.'  It's about how important it was for Jesus Christ to come down to the earth and die for our sins."

Elijah, a black minister speaks, "My sermon is 'From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is Lord!"   Jesus is the I AM, the first and the last, the Alpha and Omego and by no other name are we saved."

Scott begins, "My message first deals why God chose Mary.  She was a maid servant, and the most humble young Hebrew woman on earth.  I will end by talking about God sending an angel to watch after Joseph, Mary and Jesus."

Everyone looks at Carl to speak.

Carl says, "My sermon Sunday morning focuses on Investigating the Truth about the Virgin Birth of Christ.  Is it fact or fiction?

Elijah adds, "Interesting."

Carl continues, "Science today proves it's impossible for a virgin birth.  Is this real or just a metaphor?"

Diego comments, "Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?"

Scott remarks, "Carl you might want to read the Luke account:"

"The the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end."

Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be since I do not know a man?"

And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with GOD nothing will be impossible."

(Luke 1:30-37 NKJV – New King James Version).

Diego blurts out, “Jesus is fully God as God’s only begotten son; and fully man being born of Mary!”

Carl states, “The word VIRGIN in Isaiah 7:14, is the Hebrew word ALMA, meaning  young woman; and was mistranslated into the Greek word ‘PARHENOS’ meaning virgin.  This is proof that Mary was never a virgin, it was all a translation error.

Scott replies, “Words can have multiple meanings. For example, what does the word ONE mean when we’re talking about one God and three persons are God.  I believe the word Alma can also mean virgin, as translated in your King James Bible!”

Diego remarks, “If there is no virgin birth, than Jesus was born with a sin nature and no longer be the Son of God.  We would have no salvation. His dying on the cross would be all in vain!”

Scott asks Carl, “Do you believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, the son of God, one who heals the lepers, blind, raises the dead to life, walks on water and died for your sins Carl?"

Carl gets up from the table without speaking a word, turning around saying ‘goodbye.’ 

Elijah speaks, “Carl, where are you going, why don’t you finish your food? There’s starving children.”

Carl smiles, “Iron sharpens iron.  I am sure glad we had this discussion.  I’m in a hurry to go home and change tomorrow’s sermon to: “Why is the Virgin Birth is so important!”

Other people in the restaurant overhearing the conversation clap, as Carl walks out the door.