Exploring the Biblical Teachings on Jesus' Death vs. Birth Celebrations

Humans have often sought salvation and spiritual guidance through religious practices and customs. The Bible, as a foundation of many religious beliefs, has been a significant source of these practices. However, different aspects of Jesus' life and teachings have often been a subject of discussion and interpretation. One such topic is the comparison between celebrating Jesus' birth and His death. In this article, we delve into the biblical context to understand why Jesus and the Bible have not emphasized celebrating His birth while emphasizing His death.

The Fall and Genesis of Mankind

According to the Bible, the first humans, Adam and Eve, were disobeying God's instructions. Instead of having perfect bodies and eternal lives, they faced the consequences of mortality. This disobedience led to the birth of their children, Cain and Abel, marking the first generation of human beings. While babies are precious, as they grow up, they need to be taught and guided to become the best versions of themselves.

The Case of Cain and Abel

Cain and Abel were the first children of Adam and Eve. Cain's story ended tragically, as he became jealous and murdered his brother Abel. This event highlights the dangers of unregulated emotions and the importance of following God's instructions. By the time someone dies, they have created a legacy, which can be either good or bad, depending on their life choices.

Death and Its Commemoration

Death is a natural part of life, and while it is not something to be celebrated, it is important to remember the deceased and their contributions. For instance, it is customary to hold memorial services even for believers in Jehovah's Witnesses, who have hope in the resurrection promised by Jesus in Acts 24:14. The Bible doesn't explicitly mention celebrating death, but it does emphasize the importance of remembering Jesus and His teachings:

Luke 22:19–20, New American Standard Bible

19 And when He had taken some bread and given thanks He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood."

The events on the night of Jesus' Last Supper are a powerful reminder of the importance of commemorating His death. On the Jewish calendar, this event corresponds to Nisan 14, which falls between late March and early April. Jehovah's Witnesses, among others, celebrate this event annually, commemorating the New Covenant established through Jesus' death.

Why not Celebrate Birth?

While birth is a significant event, the Bible does not provide explicit instructions to celebrate it. There is no record of any faithful servants of Jehovah from Noah to the Apostle John celebrating their birthdays. Instead, the Bible focuses on celebrating Jesus' death, as seen in the commands to remember the Passover and the Last Supper:

1. Luke 22:17–18

“And when He had taken a cup, and given thanks, He said, ‘Take this, and share it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

2. Luke 22:19–20

“19 And when He had taken some bread, and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.’”

These verses clearly show that Jesus' death is a central part of His teachings and that remembering Him is crucial. The command to not drink of the grape at future Passovers (Luke 22:18) emphasizes the importance of this remembrance.

Why Jesus Did Not Mention His Birth

The fact that Jesus did not mention His birth in the Bible, despite its significant historical and cultural importance, is intriguing. Other events, such as the virgin birth, adoration of the Magi, and the visit of the wise men, have been subjects of many Christian traditions and myths. However, these are not recorded as commands or direct teachings in the Bible. The focus on His sacrifice and death for humanity's sins is a clear indication of Jesus' priorities and the intentions of the authors of the Bible.

Key Points:

Mortal lives result from disobedience to God's commands. The Bible emphasizes remembering Jesus' death through rituals like the Last Supper and Passover. The death of loved ones is a sad event, but it is meaningful to honor them. Birth is a personal and cultural celebration, not recorded as a religious duty in the Bible.

In conclusion, the Bible sets a clear precedent of remembering Jesus' death through specific rituals and commands, rather than His birth. This focus on His sacrifice and the promises of the New Covenant provide a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings and the importance of community in remembering and teaching His words.