Gospels and Birth Narratives © John Stevenson, 2012

Gospels and Birth NarrativesGospels and Birth Narratives

© John Stevenson, 2012

The The Gospel of Gospel of the Kingthe King

The Gospel According to MatthewThe Gospel According to Matthew

• The Author: Matthew / Levi• Writes to the Jews

– A Jewish Genealogy through David to Abraham– A focus on the Kingdom of Heaven– Describes the bribery of the guards

• Mention is made of a number of Gentiles– Women in the Genealogy– Herod the Great & the Magi– Canaanite woman (15:22-28).– Two Centurions (8:5-10 & 27:54).

Jesus as the KingJesus as the King

• The Genealogy of the King

• Contrast with Herod the Great

• Forerunner of the King

• Power of the King– Over the natural world– Over the supernatural world

• The Identity of the King

• The Triumphal Entry of the King

Matthew 1:1 - 4:11 Matthew 4:12 - 25:46 Matthew 26 - 28

Introductory Narratives

Five narratives&

Five Sermons

Death & Resurrection Narratives

Matthew 1:1 - 4:11 Matthew 4:12 - 25:46 Matthew 26-28

Introductory Narratives

Five Narratives& Five Sermons

Death & Resurrection Narratives

• Genealogy• Birth

Narrative• Assassination

Attempt by false king

• Forerunner & Baptism of the King

• Temptation

• Call of Disciples / Sermon on the Mount

• Miracles / Demands of Discipleship

• Unpardonable Sin / Parables of the Kingdom

• Great Confession & Transfiguration / Forgiveness

• Road to Jerusalem / Olivet Discourse

• Last Supper, Gethsemane, & Arrest of Jesus

• Trials & Crucifixion of Jesus

• Resurrection of Jesus & the Great Commission

Note theCorollariesBetween

theBeginning

and Endingof the book

Key Words & PhrasesKey Words & Phrases

• Kingdom of Heaven• Parables of the Kingdom (chapter 13).• Keys to the Kingdom (16:19).• See the Son of man coming in His kingdom

(16:28).

• Authority• Teaches as one having authority (7:29).• Centurion: “I am also a man under authority” (8:9).• Chief Priests: “Who gave you this authority?”

(21:23).• All authority given to Jesus (28:18).


• Fruit• John the Baptist: Trees that do not produce fruit

will be cut down (3:10).• Jesus: Good trees produce good fruit; bad trees

produce bad fruit (7:17-19).• A tree is known by its fruit (12:33).• The fig tree is cursed because of a lack of fruit

(21:19).• The Kingdom to be given to a nation producing the

fruit of it (21:43).

The Son who Came to ServeThe Son who Came to Serve

The Gospel According to MarkThe Gospel According to Mark

• The Author: John Mark• Writes to the Gentiles

– No Genealogy– Only a single quote from the Old Testament

• Shortest of the four Gospels.• Short, vivid details.

– Jesus loved the rich, young ruler– At the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus had

the people sit in groups of 100’s and 50’s.– Unnamed man clothed in linen.– Names the sons of Simon of Cyrene.

Matthew MarkMatthew Mark• An eye witness of the An eye witness of the

life and ministry of life and ministry of JesusJesus

• Associated with the Associated with the apostles Peter and apostles Peter and PaulPaul

• Writes to JewsWrites to Jews • Writes to GentilesWrites to Gentiles

• Jesus presented as a Jesus presented as a KingKing

• Jesus presented as a Jesus presented as a ServantServant

• Focus on the Focus on the sermons of Jesussermons of Jesus

• Focus on the miracles Focus on the miracles of Jesusof Jesus

Jesus as the ServantJesus as the Servant

• A Servant needs no Genealogy or A Servant needs no Genealogy or Birth NarrativeBirth Narrative

• Narrative begins with the ministry of Narrative begins with the ministry of JesusJesus

• Only two sermons of Jesus are givenOnly two sermons of Jesus are given– Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 4)Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 4)– Olivet Discourse (Chapter 13)Olivet Discourse (Chapter 13)

1:1 1:14 7:24 8:27 8:31 11:1 14:1

Prologue Public Ministry “Who do

men say

that I am?”

Private Ministry

Public Ministry

Death & Resurrection

Baptism & Temptation

Galilee Gentile Regions

Road to Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Service of the Servant Suffering of the Servant

Outline of MarkOutline of Mark

Rising Rising ActionAction

Who is Who is Jesus?Jesus?

Falling Falling ActionAction

What did He What did He come to come to

Accomplish?Accomplish?


• Immediately

• And…

• A regular use of the Historic Present

Mark 10:42-45Mark 10:42-45 42 And calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

43 “But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

The Gospel According toThe Gospel According to

The The Master Master

TeacherTeacher

The Gospel According to Luke

• The Author: LukeThe Author: Luke

• Writes to Theophilus (Greek)Writes to Theophilus (Greek)– Genealogy goes back to AdamGenealogy goes back to Adam– Birth and Childhood narrativesBirth and Childhood narratives

• Longest and most personal Parables.Longest and most personal Parables.– Good SamaritanGood Samaritan– Rich man & LazarusRich man & Lazarus– Prodigal SonProdigal Son– Unjust StewardUnjust Steward

Outline of LukeOutline of LukeLuke 1 – 3 Luke 4 – 9 Luke 10 – 18 Luke 19 – 24

Birth & Baptism of Jesus

The Identity of

Jesus

Jesus… set His

face to go to

Jerusalem (9:51)

The Parables & Teachings of Jesus

Death, Burial &

Resurrection of Jesus

Judea & Jordan

Galilee On the Road to Jerusalem

At Jerusalem

Preparation Miracles Parables Sacrifice

30 Years 2½ Years 6 Months 1 Week

BeginsIn the

Temple

ConcludesIn the

Temple

Observations from Luke• Luke is a Historian

– His historical notations include mention of the various Caesars and the local governors

– He seeks to relate an “accurate account”

• The Temple is a Geographical Focus– Infant and child narratives

take place in the temple– Jesus sets his face to go to

Jerusalem– Resurrection appearances

are all in or around Jerusalem

Observations from Luke• Tabletalks of JesusTabletalks of Jesus

– Nineteen meals are mentioned in Luke Nineteen meals are mentioned in Luke – Thirteen of these are unique to Luke’s GospelThirteen of these are unique to Luke’s Gospel

• Emphasis on the Poor & the OppressedEmphasis on the Poor & the Oppressed– Mary sings of how God has filled the hungry and Mary sings of how God has filled the hungry and

sent away the rich empty-handed (1:53)sent away the rich empty-handed (1:53)– Jesus came to set free the downtrodden (4:18-Jesus came to set free the downtrodden (4:18-

21)21)– Woe to the rich (6:24)Woe to the rich (6:24)– Parable of the Rich Fool (12:16-21)Parable of the Rich Fool (12:16-21)– Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus (16:19-31)Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus (16:19-31)

Luke & the Luke & the SamaritansSamaritans

• Disciples and the Disciples and the Samaritans (9:51-Samaritans (9:51-56)56)

• Parable of the Parable of the Good Samaritan Good Samaritan (10:29-37)(10:29-37)

• Healing of the ten Healing of the ten lepers (17:11-19)lepers (17:11-19)

Samaria

Judea

Galilee

Luke & Women• Luke views the birth of Jesus

from Mary’s perspective• Luke describes the raising of

the widow’s son (7:11-17)• Jesus anointed by a sinful

woman (7:36-50)• Luke mentions that the

ministry of Jesus was supported by women (8:1-3)

• Mary & Martha (10:38-42)• Jesus speaks to “daughters of

Jerusalem” (23:27-29)• Women at the empty tomb

(24:1-10)

Outline of LukeLuke 1 – 3 Luke 4 – 9 Luke 10 – 18 Luke 19 – 24

Birth & Baptism of Jesus

The Identity of

Jesus

Jesus… set His

face to go to

Jerusalem (9:51)

The Parables & Teachings of Jesus

Death, Burial &

Resurrection of Jesus

Judea & Jordan

Galilee On the Road to Jerusalem

At Jerusalem

Preparation Miracles Parables Sacrifice

30 Years 2½ Years 6 Months 1 Week

Preparation&

Birth

Death&

Preparation

MarkMark

An eye witness An eye witness of the life and of the life and ministry of Jesusministry of Jesus

Associated with the apostles Associated with the apostles Peter and PaulPeter and Paul

Writes to JewsWrites to Jews Writes to GentilesWrites to Gentiles

Jesus presented as a King

Jesus presented Jesus presented as a Servantas a Servant

Focus on the sermons of Jesus

Focus on the Focus on the miracles of miracles of JesusJesus

MatthewMatthew

Jesus presented Jesus presented as a Teacheras a Teacher

Focus on the Focus on the teachings & teachings & parables of Jesusparables of Jesus

LukeLuke

The Gospel According toThe Gospel According to

The Son of God

The Gospel According to JohnThe Gospel According to John

• The Author: JohnThe Author: John– He does not mention himself by name.He does not mention himself by name.– Instead, he refers to himself as “the disciple Instead, he refers to himself as “the disciple

whom Jesus loved.”whom Jesus loved.”

• Begins with a reference to the Word Begins with a reference to the Word ─ the ─ the eternal Logoseternal Logos– He wasHe was– He was with GodHe was with God– He was GodHe was God– The Word became fleshThe Word became flesh– John gives no Birth or Childhood narrativesJohn gives no Birth or Childhood narratives

Synoptic Gospels John’s Gospel

Emphasize the kingdom inheritance

Emphasizes eternal life inheritance

Descriptive of historical eventsReflective of the significance of

various events

Relates many of the short sayings of Jesus

Gives more of the long discourses of Jesus

Emphasis upon the Kingdom of Heaven / Kingdom of God

Emphasis upon eternal life

Emphasis on future prophecy Very little about future prophecy

Matthew Mark Luke John

Portrait of Jesus King Servant Teacher Son of God

Original readers Jews Romans? Greeks Church

Key phrase Kingdom of heaven

Immediately Son of man Believe

Prominent sections Sermons Miracles Parables Teachings

Genealogy Traced back to Abraham

None Traced to Adam

None

Geographic Emphasis

Emphasis on the ministry of Jesus in Galilee Ministry in Judea

Time Sequence Only one Passover mentioned during the ministry of Jesus

3 Passovers plus an

unnamed feast in John 6

2:1-11

Water to

wine

4:46-54 5:1-18 6:1-14 6:16-21 9:1-41 11:1-44

Son healed

Lame man

at Pool

Feeds 5,000

Walks on

Water

Blind man sees

Lazarus raised

We are meant to see these signs through the eyes of the disciples. They are said to be growing in their belief as they see the signs and we are meant to grow with them.

Outline of John1:1 1:19 12:1 21:1

Written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God...

...and that believing you may have life in His name

Prologue Period of 3 years Passion Week Epilogue

Focus upon the ministry and miracles of Jesus

Focus upon Jesus teaching his disciples and the events of the death, burial & resurrection

Public Ministry Private Ministry

Throughout Palestine Jerusalem Galilee

The Calendar of DionysiusThe Calendar of Dionysius

• Pope John I: 525 A.D.Pope John I: 525 A.D.

• Means that were already in useMeans that were already in use– Founding of the city of RomeFounding of the city of Rome– Reign of DiocletianReign of Diocletian

Christian Year 4 B.C. 3 B.C. 2 B.C. 1 B.C. 1 A.D. 2 A.D.

Old Roman AUC 750 751 752 753 754 755

The Death of HerodThe Death of Herod

Josephus mentions lunar eclipse prior to Josephus mentions lunar eclipse prior to Herod’s deathHerod’s death

40 B.C.40 B.C. - King of the Jews by Rome- King of the Jews by Rome37 B.C.37 B.C. - Regains Palestine- Regains Palestine 4 B.C.4 B.C. - Death- Death

Lunar EclipsesDate Observations

7 B.C. No eclipses

6 B.C. No eclipses

5 B.C. March 23 - center at about 8:30 p.m. September 15 - center at 2:20 a.m.

4 B.C. March 13 - center at 2:20 a.m.

3 B.C. No eclipses

2 B.C. No eclipses

1 B.C. January 10 - center at 1:00 a.m.

Luke 2:1-2 Luke 2:1-2 Now in those days

a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

The Census of AugustusThe Census of Augustus

• Gaius Octavius Gaius Octavius

AugustusAugustus

• ““I found Rome brick I found Rome brick

and left her marble”and left her marble”

• Pax RomanaPax Romana

Problems with the CensusProblems with the Census

• Quirinius was governor of Syria in 6-7 A.D.

• No earlier recorded census

• No known census while Quirinius was

governor

Proposed SolutionsProposed Solutions• It has been suggested that the passage

can be translated to read: This census was taken before Quirinius was governor of Syria.

• Another proposed translation reads: This census was before that while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

• The term that Luke uses is a general one. He says that this was the first census taken while Quirinius was GOVERNING Syria

Lapis TiburtinusLapis Tiburtinus

• TombstoneTombstone

• Records achievements of an unknown Records achievements of an unknown governorgovernor

• Served as pro praetor of Syria twiceServed as pro praetor of Syria twice

• No record of any governor of Syria No record of any governor of Syria having served twicehaving served twice

• Quirinius commanded legions in Syria Quirinius commanded legions in Syria after 12 B.C.after 12 B.C.

Luke 2:4-5 Luke 2:4-5 Joseph also went up from

Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

Luke 2:6-7 Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the days

were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8)

Luke 2:9 Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord

suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

Luke 2:10-11Luke 2:10-11But the angel said to them, “Do

not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:12Luke 2:12“This will be a sign for you: you

will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)

Matthew’s Matthew’s AccountAccount

Announcement to Announcement to JosephJoseph

Luke’s Luke’s AccountAccount

Announcement to Announcement to MaryMary

Brief mention of birth Brief mention of birth in Bethlehemin Bethlehem

Birth in Bethlehem & Birth in Bethlehem & announcement to announcement to

shepherdsshepherds

Visit of the magi from Visit of the magi from the eastthe east

Dedication in the Dedication in the templetemple

Birth & Infancy NarrativesBirth & Infancy Narratives

Time from Birth Events

— Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

8 Days Circumcision of Jesus (Luke 2:21)

41 Days Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38)

After 41 Days The Magi come to Herod looking for the King of the Jews

…magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem

(Matthew 2:1).

Magi

• Ancient order of priests from ParthiaAncient order of priests from Parthia

• MonotheistsMonotheists

• Appointed kings over ParthiaAppointed kings over Parthia

• Parthians fought Herod in 40 B.C.Parthians fought Herod in 40 B.C.

And when Herod the king And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:3)Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:3)

And gathering together all the chief priests And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he and scribes of the people, he began began to to

inquire of them where the Christ was to be inquire of them where the Christ was to be born. born. 55 And they said to him, “In Bethlehem And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the of Judea, for so it has been written by the

prophet, prophet, 66 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

Are by no means least among the leaders of Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; Judah;

For out of you shall come forth a Ruler, For out of you shall come forth a Ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

(Matthew 2:4-6(Matthew 2:4-6))

Then Herod Then Herod secretly called secretly called the magi, and the magi, and ascertained ascertained from them the from them the time the star time the star appeared. appeared. (Matthew 2:7). (Matthew 2:7).

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him.” (Matthew 2:8).

Jerusalem●

Bethlehem

And having heard the king, And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over until it came and stood over where the Child was. where the Child was. 1010 And And when they saw the star, they when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great rejoiced exceedingly with great joy (Matthew 2:9-10). joy (Matthew 2:9-10).

And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

And having been And having been warned warned by God by God in a in a dream not to return dream not to return to Herod, they to Herod, they departed for their departed for their own country by own country by another way. another way. (Matthew 2:12)(Matthew 2:12)

Now when they had Now when they had departed, behold, an departed, behold, an angel of the Lord angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise dream, saying, “Arise and take the Child and and take the Child and His mother, and flee to His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for is going to search for the Child to destroy the Child to destroy Him.” (Matthew 2:13)Him.” (Matthew 2:13)

And he arose and took the And he arose and took the Child and His mother by Child and His mother by night, and departed for night, and departed for Egypt; Egypt; 1515 and was there and was there until the death of Herod, until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by that what was spoken by the Lord through the the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “Out of Egypt did I saying, “Out of Egypt did I call My Son.” (Matthew call My Son.” (Matthew 2:14-15) 2:14-15)

When they When they had performed had performed everything everything according to according to the Law of the the Law of the Lord, they Lord, they returned to returned to Galilee, to Galilee, to their own city their own city of Nazareth of Nazareth (Luke 2:39) (Luke 2:39)

NazarethVillage.comNazarethVillage.com

Luke 2:41 Luke 2:41 Now His parents went to

Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

Luke 2:42-44Luke 2:42-44And when He became twelve,

they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

Luke 2:45-47 Luke 2:45-47 When they did not find Him, they

returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

Luke 2:48-49 Luke 2:48-49 When they saw Him, they were

astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”

Luke 2:51-52 Luke 2:51-52 And He went down with them and

came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

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Gospels and Birth Narratives © John Stevenson, 2012