Archaeologist Answers Question: "What is the Archaeological Evidence for the Birth of Jesus?"
"Kings build temples and palaces. They change the landscape and construct roads. Archaeologists tend to find the evidence of kings...that is why we locate numerous finds from King Herod's kingdom but not a single artifact from the King's manger. Those who are looking for it [evidence of Jesus' birth] either do not understand the nature of the archaeological record or the nature of God's Kingdom."
(Fort Worth , Texas)—With the lead question, "What is the archaeological evidence for the birth of Jesus?" Steve Ortiz—associate professor of archaeology and Biblical studies and director of the Charles C. Tandy Archaeology Museum at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary—gives his answer in an article posted by the Christian Examiner.
"Kings send their military to conquer the land and the evidence of this destruction of battles is found by the archaeologists," explains Ortiz. "Kings build temples and palaces. They change the landscape and construct roads. Archaeologists tend to find the evidence of kings...that is why we locate numerous finds from King Herod's kingdom but not a single artifact from the King's manger." So, "it is usually only the elite of society who leave their individual mark in the archaeological record." (Photo: Grotto Star believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus)
"Jesus did not come as any other ruler of this world would come," he continues,."His kingdom was not one constructed of palaces and temples. Ironically, He was born to an earthly father who was a construction worker, and there probably are many buildings in the Nazareth region that He helped build, but none built to honor Himself."
Concludes Ortiz: "As an archaeologist I am fairly confident that we will not find archaeological evidence for the birth of Jesus. Those who are looking for it either do not understand the nature of the archaeological record or the nature of God's Kingdom. The lack of archaeological evidence illustrates this description offered by the apostle Paul. He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2:7-8).
"God sent His Son as a baby in a manger, born to an earthly peasant family in Bethlehem , in a humble manger—not a palace. Jesus did not come to establish a kingdom of wood and stone. His Kingdom was established with flesh and blood."
Read Steve Ortiz' editorial in its entirety by clicking on the link provided.
