In this series we trace Jesus’ life from his miraculous birth in Bethlehem, his family’s escape to Egypt, through to his life as a growing boy in his home village of Nazareth in Galilee. Matthew and Luke focus on this period of Jesus’ life and provide us with almost all of our material in this series.
Luke, a non-Jew Christian convert, writes a historical Gospel using eye witnesses, for Theophilus - also not a Jew. The four different Gospel writers have different styles and purpose but together give a whole picture of Jesus.
John, the Apostle, takes a big picture view. Jesus is called the Word because he communicates God - even today. God is one God but three persons - the Trinity. John the Baptist is introduced.
Matthew wrote for the Jews. The genealogy of Jesus is traced back to Abraham, the father of the nation. Matthew traces the ancestry through Joseph but Luke through Mary. Ancestry was important to Jews.
John's father, Zechariah, was on duty in the Temple, when an angel announced the birth of a son in his old age. Zechariah hesitated to believe and was struck dumb. John's mission was to call Israel back to true faith.
The virgin Mary is engaged to Joseph. They live in Nazareth. Luke gives details of the angel visit and Mary's response. Jesus is uniquely God and man. Mary is seen to be faithful.
Mary and Elizabeth are related and miraculous births are happening for both. They spend three months together. Mary's prophetic song is studied statement by statement.
After John's birth, Zechariah confirms his name and is able to speak again. He prophesies, with reference to covenants made between God and the Jewish people. Old Testament covenants are explained.
Joseph is reassured by an angel in a dream. Matthew quotes from the Old Testament which is explained, together with three forms of Old Testament prophecy used in the New Testament. Joseph and Mary marry.
A Roman census meant Jesus was born in simple accommodation in Bethlehem. Information is given about Bethlehem - the town of King David. Shepherds are surprised by a great light and angels announcing the birth. They visit the family.
Bethlehem is near Jerusalem and the Temple where Jesus is circumcised which was a sign of God's covenant relationship with the Jews. Simeon and Anna meet them and they prophesy. Circumcision and baptism are compared.
The identity, origin and journey of the Magi are all discussed. Links trace back to the Old Testament. The star phenomena is considered. Herod the Great is introduced and the effect of the Magi's visit.
Herod is angry. Joseph, warned in a dream, takes the family to Egypt where they are refugees. They return to Nazareth, in Galilee. Matthew uses many Old Testament prophecies.
Jesus is taken to Jerusalem at Passover but goes missing on the return journey. His parents re-trace their steps to the Temple where he is conversing with spiritual leaders. He shows an awareness of his true identity and his knowledge of the Scriptures. He is obedient and grows up in the family.
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