4 the birth of the messiah

The Birth The Birth of the of the

MessiahMessiah

IntroductionIntroduction

The gospels of Matthew and Luke differ from The gospels of Matthew and Luke differ from the Mark and John by beginning with stories the Mark and John by beginning with stories of Jesus’ conception and birthof Jesus’ conception and birth Mark never mentions JosephMark never mentions Joseph John never gives the name of Jesus’ motherJohn never gives the name of Jesus’ mother


To understand these infancy narratives, we To understand these infancy narratives, we must remember:must remember: The gospels were not intended be historical The gospels were not intended be historical

biographies, but rather proclamations of the good biographies, but rather proclamations of the good news of salvation in the life of Jesusnews of salvation in the life of Jesus

All gospel material was colored by the faith and All gospel material was colored by the faith and experience of the Church of the first centuryexperience of the Church of the first century


The origin and historical accuracy of the birth The origin and historical accuracy of the birth stories are unknownstories are unknown The stories in Matthew and LukeThe stories in Matthew and Luke

Agree in only a few detailsAgree in only a few details Contradict each other in other detailsContradict each other in other details

There is no good historical record of public events There is no good historical record of public events mentioned in the birth stories (a new star, a mentioned in the birth stories (a new star, a worldwide census)worldwide census)

Unlike what Jesus said and did during his ministry, Unlike what Jesus said and did during his ministry, no one claims apostolic witness to the events at no one claims apostolic witness to the events at BethlehemBethlehem

So why did Matthew and Luke So why did Matthew and Luke begin their gospels (the good begin their gospels (the good

news of Jesus) with these news of Jesus) with these birth stories?birth stories?

IntroductionIntroductionReason for the Birth StoriesReason for the Birth Stories

To make the “To make the “ChristologicalChristological” ”

declaration thatdeclaration that

Jesus was God at his birthJesus was God at his birth

IntroductionIntroductionEarly Church’s Understanding of JesusEarly Church’s Understanding of Jesus

Church’s understanding of who Jesus was Church’s understanding of who Jesus was grew during the first centurygrew during the first century

Oldest part of the gospel was the Passion Oldest part of the gospel was the Passion narrative of the death and resurrection of Jesus. narrative of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Some ancient preaching suggested Jesus’ Some ancient preaching suggested Jesus’ exaltation as God occurred at his resurrection:exaltation as God occurred at his resurrection: Acts 2:32; 2:36; 5:31; 13:33Acts 2:32; 2:36; 5:31; 13:33 Romans 1:4 (by his resurrection from the dead, Romans 1:4 (by his resurrection from the dead,

Jesus was designated Son of God in power Jesus was designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness)according to the Spirit of holiness)

IntroductionIntroductionEarly Church’s Understanding of JesusEarly Church’s Understanding of Jesus

Mark’s gospel (the earliest gospel) begins his Mark’s gospel (the earliest gospel) begins his account of the good news of Jesus Christ at account of the good news of Jesus Christ at Jesus’ baptismJesus’ baptism At the moment of his baptism, the Holy Spirit At the moment of his baptism, the Holy Spirit

descends upon Jesus who is revealed as God’s Sondescends upon Jesus who is revealed as God’s Son Matthew and Luke (later gospels), through the Matthew and Luke (later gospels), through the

infancy narratives, make clear Jesus was God’s infancy narratives, make clear Jesus was God’s Son Son at his birthat his birth

The Birth of the The Birth of the MessiahMessiah

Matthew 2:1-23Matthew 2:1-23

The Meaning of The Meaning of the Magi; the the Magi; the

Significance of Significance of the Starthe Star

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’come to pay him homage.’

Matt 2:1-2 NRSVMatt 2:1-2 NRSV

When King Herod heard this, he was When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’


Then Herod secretly called for the wise men Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homagehim homage


When they had heard the king, they set out; When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by Herod, they left for their own country by another road.another road.


Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’ of Egypt I have called my son.’


When Herod saw that he had been tricked by When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’ no more.’


When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazorean.’called a Nazorean.’


Old Testament ImageryOld Testament Imagery

Annunciation to Joseph in Matthew 1 follows Annunciation to Joseph in Matthew 1 follows pattern similar to:pattern similar to: Birth of Isaac (Gen 17:15-21)Birth of Isaac (Gen 17:15-21) Birth of Samuel (Judges 13)Birth of Samuel (Judges 13)

Portrait of Joseph with revelations through Portrait of Joseph with revelations through dreams (1:20; 2:13, 19) who goes to Egypt is dreams (1:20; 2:13, 19) who goes to Egypt is similar to portrait of Joseph in the Old similar to portrait of Joseph in the Old Testament (“the master of dreams Gen 37:19) Testament (“the master of dreams Gen 37:19) who went down to Egypt (Gen 37:28)who went down to Egypt (Gen 37:28)

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament Imagery Jesus’ escape from Herod is like Moses’ Jesus’ escape from Herod is like Moses’

escape from Pharaoh. From Philo and escape from Pharaoh. From Philo and Josephus:Josephus: Pharaoh forewarned through scribes of a child to Pharaoh forewarned through scribes of a child to

be born who would threaten his crownbe born who would threaten his crown He decides to kill all Hebrew male childrenHe decides to kill all Hebrew male children In a dream, it is revealed to Moses’ father that his In a dream, it is revealed to Moses’ father that his

wife, then pregnant, would bear a child who would wife, then pregnant, would bear a child who would save Israelsave Israel

Moses flees to Sinai; returns only when “All those Moses flees to Sinai; returns only when “All those who are seeking your life are dead (Ex 4:19 cf who are seeking your life are dead (Ex 4:19 cf Matt 2:20)Matt 2:20)


Story of the Magi echoes story of Moses’ Story of the Magi echoes story of Moses’ encounter with Balaam in Num 22-24encounter with Balaam in Num 22-24 Moses on the way to promised land encounters Moses on the way to promised land encounters

Balak, the wicked king of MoabBalak, the wicked king of Moab Balak summons a non-Israelite, the famous seer Balak summons a non-Israelite, the famous seer

(practicer of enchantment = magi) Balaam (practicer of enchantment = magi) Balaam from the from the EastEast (Num 23:7) (Num 23:7)

Balaam and two servants arrive (Num 22:22). Balaam and two servants arrive (Num 22:22). Instead of cursing Moses, Balaam declares:Instead of cursing Moses, Balaam declares:


There shall come a man out of Israel’s There shall come a man out of Israel’s seed, and he shall rule many nations… seed, and he shall rule many nations… I see him, but not now; I behold him, I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not close; but not close; a star shall risea star shall rise from from Jacob, and a man [scepter] shall come Jacob, and a man [scepter] shall come forth from Israelforth from Israel

- Num 24:7; 17; partially the Greek Septuagint: LXX- Num 24:7; 17; partially the Greek Septuagint: LXX


This statement of Balaam:This statement of Balaam: Refers to the emergence of the Davidic monarchy. Refers to the emergence of the Davidic monarchy.

David was the star who would be given the scepter David was the star who would be given the scepter over the United Kingdom of Judah and Israelover the United Kingdom of Judah and Israel

In later Judaism, passage taken refer to the In later Judaism, passage taken refer to the Messiah, the anointed king of Davidic descentMessiah, the anointed king of Davidic descent


Herod reminiscent of:Herod reminiscent of: Pharaoh who tried to destroy baby MosesPharaoh who tried to destroy baby Moses King Balak of Moab who tried to destroy Moses King Balak of Moab who tried to destroy Moses

with the Magus Balaam from the Eastwith the Magus Balaam from the East Just as the magus Balaam saw the star of Just as the magus Balaam saw the star of

David rise, Matthew’s magi see the star of the David rise, Matthew’s magi see the star of the King of the Jews riseKing of the Jews rise

Gospel in MiniatureGospel in Miniature

The story of the Magi and the Star in Matthew The story of the Magi and the Star in Matthew is also a story about the fate of the is also a story about the fate of the proclamation good news of salvationproclamation good news of salvation The good news draws believers – the magi, The good news draws believers – the magi,

GentilesGentiles God reveals himself to the Gentiles through nature God reveals himself to the Gentiles through nature

– the birth star– the birth star This revelation is imperfect; true meaning must This revelation is imperfect; true meaning must

come from the special revelation of God to Israel come from the special revelation of God to Israel in Scripturein Scripture


Yet those who know the Scripture – the Jews – Yet those who know the Scripture – the Jews – refuse to worship the newborn Kingrefuse to worship the newborn King

Instead, the king, chief priests, and scribes Instead, the king, chief priests, and scribes conspire against the Messiah. The wicked king conspire against the Messiah. The wicked king decrees his deathdecrees his death

But God spares Jesus and brings him back from But God spares Jesus and brings him back from another landanother land


In other words, the stories reminiscent of Old In other words, the stories reminiscent of Old Testament Joseph, Moses, and Balaam are also Testament Joseph, Moses, and Balaam are also an anticipation of the story of the passion and an anticipation of the story of the passion and resurrection of Jesusresurrection of Jesus Pilate, the chief priest and scribe conspire against Pilate, the chief priest and scribe conspire against

JesusJesus God makes Jesus victorious by bringing him backGod makes Jesus victorious by bringing him back


Those who have the Scripture reject Jesus, but Those who have the Scripture reject Jesus, but the Gentiles come and with the help of the the Gentiles come and with the help of the Scripture, find and adore himScripture, find and adore him Magi become the anticipation of all those who Magi become the anticipation of all those who

would come to worship Jesuswould come to worship Jesus Magi (like Balaam), see the star of the King of the Magi (like Balaam), see the star of the King of the

Jews at its rising, see (but not now) the one whose Jews at its rising, see (but not now) the one whose kingship will not be clear historically until his kingship will not be clear historically until his death and resurrectiondeath and resurrection

The Birth ofThe Birth ofthe Messiahthe Messiah

Luke 2:1-21Luke 2:1-21

The Meaning of The Meaning of the Manger; the the Manger; the Significance of Significance of the Shepherdsthe Shepherds

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.

Luke 2:1-4 NRSVLuke 2:1-4 NRSV

He went to be registered with Mary, to whom He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the because there was no place for them in the inn.inn.


In that region there were shepherds living in In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’manger.’


And suddenly there was with the angel a And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ When the angels had left whom he favors!’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’place, which the Lord has made known to us.’


So they went with haste and found Mary and So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.as it had been told them.


After eight days had passed, it was time to After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:21 NRSVLuke 2:21 NRSV

Parallel StructureParallel StructureLuke and MatthewLuke and Matthew

Annunciation to one parentAnnunciation to one parent Matthew: to JosephMatthew: to Joseph Luke: to MaryLuke: to Mary

Brief reference to birth of child in BethlehemBrief reference to birth of child in Bethlehem Divine proclamation of the messianic birth to Divine proclamation of the messianic birth to

an audiencean audience Matthew: Gentile Magi via the starMatthew: Gentile Magi via the star Luke: Jewish shepherdsLuke: Jewish shepherds

Parallel StructureParallel StructureLuke and MatthewLuke and Matthew

Each group guided by revelation to BethlehemEach group guided by revelation to Bethlehem Magi pay homage, bring giftsMagi pay homage, bring gifts Shepherds praise GodShepherds praise God

Both groups return to where they had comeBoth groups return to where they had come

Caesar and ChristCaesar and Christ

Center of Luke’s narrative: the proclamation to Center of Luke’s narrative: the proclamation to the Shepherds and their reactionthe Shepherds and their reaction Verses 1-5: census brings Joseph and Mary to Verses 1-5: census brings Joseph and Mary to

BethlehemBethlehem Verses 6-7: Mary gives birth to Jesus, swaddled Verses 6-7: Mary gives birth to Jesus, swaddled

him and laid him in a mangerhim and laid him in a manger


Luke needs the census to explain why Mary Luke needs the census to explain why Mary and Joseph traveled from home in Nazareth to and Joseph traveled from home in Nazareth to BethlehemBethlehem

Major historical problems with Luke’s census:Major historical problems with Luke’s census: There was never a single census of the Roman There was never a single census of the Roman

Empire under Caesar AugustusEmpire under Caesar Augustus Herod the Great died 4 BC; Quirinius was Herod the Great died 4 BC; Quirinius was

governor of Syria and conducted a census of Judea governor of Syria and conducted a census of Judea (not Galilee) in 6-7 AD(not Galilee) in 6-7 AD


In evoking Augustus, Luke gives the birth of In evoking Augustus, Luke gives the birth of Jesus a solemn setting and hints at its cosmic Jesus a solemn setting and hints at its cosmic significancesignificance

Age of Augustus propagandized as a glorious Age of Augustus propagandized as a glorious age of rule over a world made peaceful by age of rule over a world made peaceful by virtue, in fulfillment of Virgil’s dream in the virtue, in fulfillment of Virgil’s dream in the Fourth EclogueFourth Eclogue

Caesar and ChristCaesar and Christ Great altar to the peace of Augustus (Great altar to the peace of Augustus (Ara Pacis Ara Pacis

AugustaeAugustae) erected in 13-9 BC) erected in 13-9 BC Greek cities of Asia Minor had adopted Sep. Greek cities of Asia Minor had adopted Sep.

23, birthday of Augustus, as first day of the 23, birthday of Augustus, as first day of the New YearNew Year Hailed at Halicarnassus as “savior of the whole Hailed at Halicarnassus as “savior of the whole

world”world” Priene inscription: “The birthday of the god Priene inscription: “The birthday of the god

marked the beginning of the good news for the marked the beginning of the good news for the world.”world.”


Luke contradicts this propaganda by having an edict Luke contradicts this propaganda by having an edict of Augustus serve as a setting for the birth of Jesusof Augustus serve as a setting for the birth of Jesus

A heavenly chorus proclaims the A heavenly chorus proclaims the pax Christi:pax Christi: “On “On earth, peace to those favored by God.”earth, peace to those favored by God.” (2:14) (2:14)

The “good news” does not begin with the birthday of The “good news” does not begin with the birthday of Augustus, but with the angels’ cry: Augustus, but with the angels’ cry: “I announce to “I announce to you the good news of a great joy which will you the good news of a great joy which will be for the whole people. To you this day be for the whole people. To you this day there is born in the city of David a Savior there is born in the city of David a Savior who is Messiah and Lord”who is Messiah and Lord” (2:10-11) (2:10-11)

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament ImageryCensusCensus

Luke’s census may be intended as that foretold Luke’s census may be intended as that foretold in the Psalm 87:6 “In the census of the in the Psalm 87:6 “In the census of the peoples, this one will be born there.”peoples, this one will be born there.”

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament ImageryMangerManger

Speculations about “no room in the inn” or the Speculations about “no room in the inn” or the hardship of impoverished parents detract from hardship of impoverished parents detract from Luke’s purposeLuke’s purpose

Luke’s purpose is the symbolism of the Luke’s purpose is the symbolism of the manger in God’s complaint against Israel in manger in God’s complaint against Israel in Isaiah 1:3 Isaiah 1:3 “The ox knows its owner and “The ox knows its owner and the donkey knows the the donkey knows the manger of its manger of its lordlord; but Israel has not known me, and ; but Israel has not known me, and my people have not understood me.”my people have not understood me.”

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament ImageryMangerManger

Luke wants to proclaim that this Isaian dictum Luke wants to proclaim that this Isaian dictum has at last been repealed!has at last been repealed! The good news of the birth of their LORD has The good news of the birth of their LORD has

been proclaimed to the shepherdsbeen proclaimed to the shepherds They have found the baby Jesus in the manger and They have found the baby Jesus in the manger and

have begun to praise Godhave begun to praise God God’s people have at last begun to know the God’s people have at last begun to know the

manger of their LORDmanger of their LORD

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament ImageryShepherds and Their FlockShepherds and Their Flock

Intended to evoke the memory of David as a Intended to evoke the memory of David as a shepherd in Bethlehemshepherd in Bethlehem Bethlehem, not Jerusalem, called the “city of Bethlehem, not Jerusalem, called the “city of

David”David”

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament ImageryShepherds and Their FlockShepherds and Their Flock

Mention of their flocks may be intended to Mention of their flocks may be intended to evoke memories of the Migdal Eder, “Tower of evoke memories of the Migdal Eder, “Tower of the Flock,” the Flock,” in Micah, identified as where the kingdom would in Micah, identified as where the kingdom would

be restored and fulfilled (Micah identifies it with be restored and fulfilled (Micah identifies it with Jersusalem)Jersusalem)

In Targum Pseudo-Jonathan translation of Genesis In Targum Pseudo-Jonathan translation of Genesis 35:21, identified as where the King Messiah will be 35:21, identified as where the King Messiah will be revealed at the end of day”revealed at the end of day”

Luke may be trying to identify the Tower of the Luke may be trying to identify the Tower of the Flock with BethlehemFlock with Bethlehem

Old Testament ImageryOld Testament ImageryThe Gloria in Excelsis CanticleThe Gloria in Excelsis Canticle

Four poetic canticles in Luke’s infancy Four poetic canticles in Luke’s infancy narrative:narrative: 1. Gloria in Excelsis (2:13-14) 1. Gloria in Excelsis (2:13-14) Glory in the Glory in the

highest heavens to God, and on peace to highest heavens to God, and on peace to those favored by Himthose favored by Him

2. Magnificat2. Magnificat 3. Benedictus3. Benedictus 4. Nunc Dimittis4. Nunc Dimittis


Jewish scholars have noted the similarity Jewish scholars have noted the similarity between the Gloria, and the Sanctus sung by between the Gloria, and the Sanctus sung by the seraphim to the Lord of Hosts in the the seraphim to the Lord of Hosts in the Jerusalem temple (Isaiah 6:3)Jerusalem temple (Isaiah 6:3) In Jewish prayer tradition, the “holy, holy, holy” In Jewish prayer tradition, the “holy, holy, holy”

expanded to “Holy in the highest heaven; … holy expanded to “Holy in the highest heaven; … holy on earth, …”on earth, …”


Luke may again be moving focus from Luke may again be moving focus from Jerusalem to BethlehemJerusalem to Bethlehem

The hosts of angels have moved from the Holy The hosts of angels have moved from the Holy of Holies in the Temple to the presence of the of Holies in the Temple to the presence of the LORD in BethlehemLORD in Bethlehem

Reaction to the ProclamationReaction to the Proclamation

Shepherds hear the word, believe and praise Shepherds hear the word, believe and praise GodGod Symbolize an Israel that has at least recognized its Symbolize an Israel that has at least recognized its

Lord (know at last the manger of their Lord)Lord (know at last the manger of their Lord) Hearers who are astonished at the news (2:18)Hearers who are astonished at the news (2:18)

Astonishment not necessarily beliefAstonishment not necessarily belief Like those in the Parable of the Seed (Luke 8:13) Like those in the Parable of the Seed (Luke 8:13)

who “hear the word, receive it with joy, but have who “hear the word, receive it with joy, but have no root.”no root.”

Reaction to the ProclamationReaction to the Proclamation

Reaction of Mary: “kept with concern all these Reaction of Mary: “kept with concern all these events, interpreting them in her heart” (2:19)events, interpreting them in her heart” (2:19) In the Parable of the Seed (8:15): “Those who, In the Parable of the Seed (8:15): “Those who,

hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart.”good heart.”

Nativity Stories:Nativity Stories:Luke vs. MatthewLuke vs. Matthew

Thematic similarities in the Nativity stories of Thematic similarities in the Nativity stories of Luke and Matthew:Luke and Matthew: Both proclaim the “good news” that Jesus was the Both proclaim the “good news” that Jesus was the

Son of God at his birthSon of God at his birth News proclaimed to a group not present at the News proclaimed to a group not present at the

birth:birth: By a star to the magiBy a star to the magi By an angel to the shepherdsBy an angel to the shepherds

Each group comes to Bethlehem to believe and Each group comes to Bethlehem to believe and worshipworship

Each group goes back to where they came fromEach group goes back to where they came from


Matthew’s aftermath:Matthew’s aftermath: modeled after Pharaoh’s attempt to kill infant modeled after Pharaoh’s attempt to kill infant

MosesMoses King Herod orders the slaughter of male infants to King Herod orders the slaughter of male infants to

kill Jesuskill Jesus Escape to EgyptEscape to Egypt Return (but to Nazareth) after Herod diesReturn (but to Nazareth) after Herod dies


Luke’s aftermath: Luke’s aftermath: Peaceful presentation of Jesus in the Jerusalem Peaceful presentation of Jesus in the Jerusalem

templetemple Greeted by Simeon and AnnaGreeted by Simeon and Anna Modeled after Hannah’s presentation of the boy Modeled after Hannah’s presentation of the boy

Samuel in the shine at Shiloh, where he is accepted Samuel in the shine at Shiloh, where he is accepted by priest Eli (1 Samuel 1-2)by priest Eli (1 Samuel 1-2)


Matthew’s story:Matthew’s story: ““passion” narrative shift to infancy: themes of passion” narrative shift to infancy: themes of

persecution and opposition introducedpersecution and opposition introduced Luke’s story:Luke’s story:

Also introduces theme of persecution and Also introduces theme of persecution and opposition: Simeon identifies Jesus as a:opposition: Simeon identifies Jesus as a:

sign that will be contradictedsign that will be contradicted occasion for the fall of many in Israeloccasion for the fall of many in Israel occasion for a sword passing through the soul (Luke occasion for a sword passing through the soul (Luke

2:34-35)2:34-35)


Matthew and Luke:Matthew and Luke: Both introduce a motif of passion and suffering Both introduce a motif of passion and suffering

into the aftermath of the birth storyinto the aftermath of the birth story Writing fifty years later, both know that the good Writing fifty years later, both know that the good

news of Jesus will be accepted by many, but also news of Jesus will be accepted by many, but also rejected and vigorously opposedrejected and vigorously opposed

4 the birth of the messiah

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