Joshua Bennett
The question of whether baby Jesus cried is a doctrinal question in Christianity. While the New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which provide the earliest accounts of Jesus' birth, do not detail his infancy or childhood, Christian doctrine holds that Jesus was both God incarnate and fully human. As such, there is every reason to assume that Jesus cried as a baby. This is supported by the New Testament, which reports that Jesus experienced human emotions and needs, including fatigue, hunger, and grief as an adult. Christmas carols such as Away in a Manger suggest that the little Lord Jesus no crying he makes, which, if taken literally, would imply that Jesus did not cry as a baby. However, this interpretation has been declared a heresy by some, as it denies the full humanity of Jesus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baby Jesus crying | Yes, Jesus was human and babies cry |
| Crying as sinful | No, crying is not necessarily sinful |
| Jesus' divinity | Jesus was divine and crying does not detract from that |
| Jesus' humanity | Jesus was human and experienced human emotions |
| Jesus' perfection | Jesus was perfect, but crying does not contradict that |
| Infant Jesus in the Bible | The Bible does not mention Jesus' infancy or childhood |
| Christmas carols | Some carols suggest Jesus did not cry as a baby |
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What You'll Learn
The belief that Jesus was fully human and divine
The idea that Jesus was both human and divine is supported by various biblical passages. For instance, Philippians 2:6-7 states, "though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Additionally, Colossians 2:9 affirms, "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." The ancient church's Nicene Creed also proclaims Jesus as "true God of true God" who "was made man."
The belief in Jesus' dual nature holds significant theological implications. From a Christological perspective, it is essential to affirm that Jesus was fully human. Any suggestion that he did not experience human frailty and emotions like crying would be a serious error, as it undermines his ability to identify with and redeem humanity. As Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, "For that which He has not assumed He has not healed; but that which is united to His Godhead is also saved."
Furthermore, Jesus' humanity and divinity serve distinct purposes in the redemption narrative. His humanity allowed him to identify with and suffer for humankind, while his divinity enabled him to bear God's wrath, offering a sacrifice of infinite value and securing eternal life for believers.
While some may view the concept of Jesus being fully human and divine as a logical contradiction, it is a fundamental aspect of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the unique and complex nature of Christ's identity and role in salvation.
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The interpretation of Christmas carols
Christmas carols are traditional songs celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, typically sung during the Christmas season. They are an integral part of Christmas celebrations, evoking feelings of joy, nostalgia, and inspiration. The history of Christmas carols dates back to the early days of Christianity, with the first recorded carol being the "Angels Hymn" from 129 AD. Over time, Christmas carols have evolved and spread across different cultures, with various composers contributing to the rich repertoire of carols we know today.
One interesting aspect of interpreting Christmas carols involves the depiction of Jesus' infancy and childhood. Some carols, like "Away in a Manger," suggest that the baby Jesus did not cry: "The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes." This interpretation, however, has been questioned by theologians who emphasize the importance of recognizing Jesus' full humanity, including the expression of human needs through crying.
Theological discussions around the crying of the baby Jesus are not limited to Christmas carols. Sources outside of carols, such as the New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke, provide little detail about Jesus' infancy or childhood, except for an incident at age 12. However, it is generally accepted that Jesus, as a human being, experienced the same physiological and emotional needs as any infant, which would include crying.
In conclusion, the interpretation of Christmas carols is a multifaceted endeavour that involves examining the theological, historical, and cultural contexts in which they were created. While some carols may reflect specific doctrines or beliefs, it is also important to recognize the symbolic and celebratory nature of these songs. Christmas carols are a cherished part of Christmas traditions, bringing communities together and spreading the message of joy and hope associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
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The significance of a crying baby Jesus
The idea that baby Jesus did not cry is a common belief, perhaps stemming from the popular Christmas carol "Away in a Manger", which includes the line, "the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes". However, this belief has been questioned and debated, especially considering the Christian doctrine that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human.
Denying the humanity of Jesus distances him from the struggles and experiences of human beings. A crying baby Jesus serves as a powerful reminder of God's vulnerability and humility in taking on human form. It emphasises the profound mystery of God becoming incarnate as a vulnerable, helpless, and whimpering baby.
Moreover, a crying baby Jesus underscores the significance of his tears as an adult. Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus, over the city of Jerusalem, and for a world filled with grief and suffering. His tears reflect his understanding and empathy for the sorrows of humanity, which is integral to his role as our Saviour.
In conclusion, the significance of a crying baby Jesus lies in affirming his full humanity, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. It brings Jesus closer to our human experience and highlights his ability to understand and redeem our tears. By acknowledging that baby Jesus cried, we embrace the mystery of God's incarnation and savour the beauty of a Saviour who truly walked in our shoes.
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The New Testament's portrayal of Jesus' humanity
The New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide the earliest accounts of Jesus' birth. However, they tell us very little about his infancy or childhood, except for the incident of teaching in the Jerusalem Temple at age 12. The New Testament does, however, report that the adult Jesus could experience human emotions and states such as tiredness, hunger, perturbation, pain, grief, and death.
The New Testament also establishes Jesus' dual nature as both divine and human. For instance, in Philippians 2:6-7, it is written:
> "Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
This theme of Jesus' humanity and divinity is also reflected in the four Gospel portraits of Jesus. While Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah, Mark emphasizes Jesus as a sacrificial servant, John emphasizes his deity, and Luke emphasizes the humanity and perfect example of Jesus.
Luke's gospel, in particular, is filled with practical teachings and illustrative accounts from Jesus' own experiences on day-to-day topics of Christian living, such as money, prayer, priorities, and compassion towards the outcasts. Luke also emphasizes Jesus' growth and development as a human being, stating that the boy Jesus "increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52).
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The theological implications of Jesus' tears
Jesus' tears also hold theological significance in understanding His divine nature. While He experienced a full range of human emotions, His tears were not like those of other humans. Jesus cried without sin, reflecting His unique position as both fully God and fully man. This dual nature of Christ is a central and mysterious belief in Christianity, and His tears reveal an inner pain and a deep divine love for humanity.
The tears of Jesus provide comfort and hope to those who grieve. They serve as a reminder that Jesus meets people in their sorrow, offering healing and eternal joy. This idea is often referred to as "The Gift of Tears," symbolizing the consolation and love that Jesus desires for all, especially the poor and afflicted.
Furthermore, Jesus' tears can be interpreted as a powerful expression of His mission to redeem a broken world. Through His tears, Jesus empathizes with the weight of human grief and the presence of sin and death. His tears reflect a deep desire to save humanity and bring them closer to God.
Lastly, Jesus' tears can be seen as an invitation to conversion and a deeper relationship with God. Mystics, saints, and prophets have experienced tears as a manifestation of God's desire for union with humanity. Tears of repentance and desire lead to spiritual joy and a turning back towards God. Thus, Jesus' tears not only reveal His own emotions but also serve as a catalyst for spiritual transformation in others.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Jesus cried as a baby. Crying is a normal means of communication for infants, and Jesus was fully human.
Jesus likely cried when he was hungry, tired, or uncomfortable, just like any other baby.
The belief that Jesus didn't cry as a baby may come from the Christmas carol "Away in a Manger," which includes the line, "The little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes." However, this interpretation has been declared a heresy by some, as it denies the full humanity of Jesus.
