Unit 5 - The Coming of Jesus: Jesus' Birth & Childhood (Part 2)

Unit 5 - The Coming of Jesus: Jesus' Birth & Childhood (Part 2)

Comparison of Gospels on Jesus' Birth

  • To fully understand Jesus' birth, a comparative analysis of the gospels of Matthew and Luke is essential.

  • Each gospel highlights different aspects of Jesus' birth, providing a more complete picture.

Matthew's Account of Jesus' Birth

Visit of the Magi

  • Source: Matthew Chapter 2

  • Wisemen (Magi) traveled to Jerusalem guided by a star to find the Christ child for the purpose of worship.

  • Herod's Reaction: King Herod was disturbed upon hearing about the Magi's inquiry regarding the new king.

  • Consultation with Religious Leaders:

    • Herod assembled chief priests and scribes to inquire about the prophecy concerning the birthplace of the Christ child.

    • They cited that the prophecy indicated he would be born in Bethlehem.

  • Herod's Deceptive Intent:

    • Secret Summons: Herod summoned the wise men secretly to gather information about the time the star appeared.

    • Deceptive Worship: He instructed the Magi to report back to him after finding the Christ child, under the pretense of wanting to worship him.

  • The Star's Guidance:

    • The star led the Magi directly to the location of Jesus.

    • Upon seeing the star rest over where Jesus was, they rejoiced in great joy.

  • Magi's Worship and Gifts:

    • They entered the house, found Mary and the Christ child, and worshiped Him.

    • Gifts offered to Jesus included:

      • Gold

      • Frankincense

      • Myrrh

  • Warning in a Dream:

    • Before departing for their country, the Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, thereby avoiding his malevolent intentions.

Luke's Account of Jesus' Birth

Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem

  • Source: Luke Chapter 2

  • To understand why Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Luke, described as a historian, noted a census decree by Caesar Augustus.

  • The census required all individuals to register in their hometown, specifically during the time when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

  • Journey to Bethlehem:

    • Joseph, being of the house and lineage of David, traveled from Galilee to Bethlehem to register.

    • Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph and pregnant at the time, accompanied him.

Birth of Jesus

  • While in Bethlehem, it was time for Mary to give birth.

  • Conditions of Birth:

    • Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths.

    • Jesus was laid in a manger due to the lack of room at the inn.

Announcement to the Shepherds

  • Setting: Shepherds were in the fields at night, tending to their flocks.

  • Angel's Appearance: An angel of the Lord appeared, with the glory of the Lord shining around them, resulting in great fear among the shepherds.

  • Angel's Message:

    • The angel proclaimed:
      > “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

  • Praise from Heavenly Hosts: Following the angel's announcement, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God and proclaiming:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

  • Shepherds' Journey: After the angels departed, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

  • Knowledge of the Christ Child: The shepherds knew that they had found the Christ child because the angel had specifically instructed them on whom to look for.

  • Proclamation of the News:

    • The shepherds shared their experience and what they had been told about the child.

    • All who heard this were astonished by their message.

  • Mary's Reflection: Mary treasured and pondered all these occurrences in her heart, while the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had witnessed.