It is not something that happens often, but on occasion I make contact with an individual who wants no part in “the lowly Nazarene”.
In fact, they may lose their “cool” in an effort to destroy any allegiance that I might possess in acknowledging Christ as my Lord and Savior. They wonder why I might show allegiance to a “made up story” about an illegitimate child who is purportedly God in flesh. Of course they address it as a “fable” and probably have already solidified their arguments to their own satisfaction. When I present some thoughts on fulfilled prophecy, the weight of evidence in our discussion usually comes to an abrupt halt.
History is filled with evidence of Jesus and His ministry, but people usually revert to some speculative arguments they heard in childhood, or just allow the desires of their heart, which is controlled by their “old nature”, to supersede the authority of Scripture.
When the accounts of Scripture clash with opinions, they simply say: “He was a lowly Nazarene!” They have quoted from the very same portion of Scripture which said, “His name is Immanuel!” which actually means “God with us”. (Matthew 1:23)
No matter what others say, Joseph was told by the Holy Spirit of God: “She will have a son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Your hope and mine rests in Jesus Christ!
-Ted
ETCetera 