4 the birth of the messiah

The BirthThe Birth
of theof the
MessiahMessiah

IntroductionIntroduction
 The gospels of Matthew and Luke differ fromThe gospels of Matthew and Luke differ from
the Mark and John by beginning with storiesthe 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, weTo understand these infancy narratives, we
must remember:must remember:
 The gospels were not intended be historicalThe gospels were not intended be historical
biographies, but rather proclamations of the goodbiographies, 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 andAll 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 birthThe 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 eventsThere is no good historical record of public events
mentioned in the birth stories (a new star, amentioned 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 atno one claims apostolic witness to the events at
BethlehemBethlehem

So why did Matthew and LukeSo why did Matthew and Luke
begin their gospels (the goodbegin their gospels (the good
news of Jesus) with thesenews of Jesus) with these
birth stories?birth stories?

Reason 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

Early Church’s Understanding of JesusEarly Church’s Understanding of Jesus
 Church’s understanding of who Jesus wasChurch’s understanding of who Jesus was
grew during the first centurygrew during the first century
 Oldest part of the gospel was the PassionOldest part of the gospel was the Passion
narrative of the death and resurrection ofnarrative of the death and resurrection of
Jesus. Some ancient preaching suggestedJesus. Some ancient preaching suggested
Jesus’ exaltation as God occurred at hisJesus’ exaltation as God occurred at his
resurrection: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 powerJesus was designated Son of God in power
according to the Spirit of holiness)according to the Spirit of holiness)

Early Church’s Understanding of JesusEarly Church’s Understanding of Jesus
 Mark’s gospel (the earliest gospel) begins hisMark’s gospel (the earliest gospel) begins his
account of the good news of Jesus Christ ataccount of the good news of Jesus Christ at
Jesus’ baptismJesus’ baptism
 At the moment of his baptism, the Holy SpiritAt 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 theMatthew and Luke (later gospels), through the
infancy narratives, make clear Jesus was God’sinfancy narratives, make clear Jesus was God’s
SonSon at his birthat his birth

The Birth of theThe Birth of the
MessiahMessiah
Matthew 2:1-23Matthew 2:1-23

The Meaning ofThe Meaning of
the Magi; thethe Magi; the
Significance ofSignificance of
the Starthe Star

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus wasIn the time of King Herod, after Jesus was
born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men fromborn in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from
the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where isthe 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 haveFor 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 wasWhen King Herod heard this, he was
frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; andfrightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and
calling together all the chief priests and scribescalling together all the chief priests and scribes
of the people, he inquired of them where theof the people, he inquired of them where the
Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘InMessiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In
Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been writtenBethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written
by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in theby the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the
land of Judah, are by no means least among theland of Judah, are by no means least among the
rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a rulerrulers 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 menThen Herod secretly called for the wise men
and learned from them the exact time whenand learned from them the exact time when
the star had appeared. Then he sent them tothe star had appeared. Then he sent them to
Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligentlyBethlehem, 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 paybring 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 thatand there, ahead of them, went the star that
they had seen at its rising, until it stopped overthey had seen at its rising, until it stopped over
the place where the child was. When they sawthe place where the child was. When they saw
that the star had stopped, they werethat 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; andthey 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 himopening their treasure chests, they offered him
gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Andgifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And
having been warned in a dream not to return tohaving been warned in a dream not to return to
Herod, they left for their own country byHerod, they left for their own country by
another road.another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the LordNow after they had left, an angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Getappeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get
up, take the child and his mother, and flee toup, take the child and his mother, and flee to
Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; forEgypt, and remain there until I tell you; for
Herod is about to search for the child, toHerod is about to search for the child, to
destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took thedestroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the
child and his mother by night, and went tochild and his mother by night, and went to
Egypt, and remained there until the death ofEgypt, and remained there until the death of
Herod. This was to fulfill what had beenHerod. This was to fulfill what had been
spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Outspoken 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 byWhen Herod saw that he had been tricked by
the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sentthe wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent
and killed all the children in and aroundand 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 fromaccording to the time that he had learned from
the wise men. Then was fulfilled what hadthe wise men. Then was fulfilled what had
been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘Abeen spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A
voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loudvoice 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 areshe refused to be consoled, because they are
no more.’no more.’

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenlyWhen Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly
appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Getappeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get
up, take the child and his mother, and go to the landup, take the child and his mother, and go to the land
of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s lifeof Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life
are dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and hisare dead.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his
mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when hemother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he
heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in placeheard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place
of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Andof his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And
after being warned in a dream, he went away to theafter being warned in a dream, he went away to the
district of Galilee. There he made his home in a towndistrict of Galilee. There he made his home in a town
called Nazareth, so that what had been spokencalled Nazareth, so that what had been spoken
through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will bethrough 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 followsAnnunciation 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 throughPortrait of Joseph with revelations through
dreams (1:20; 2:13, 19) who goes to Egypt isdreams (1:20; 2:13, 19) who goes to Egypt is
similar to portrait of Joseph in the Oldsimilar 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)

 Jesus’ escape from Herod is like Moses’Jesus’ escape from Herod is like Moses’
escape from Pharaoh. From Philo andescape from Pharaoh. From Philo and
Josephus:Josephus:
 Pharaoh forewarned through scribes of a child toPharaoh 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 hisIn a dream, it is revealed to Moses’ father that his
wife, then pregnant, would bear a child who wouldwife, then pregnant, would bear a child who would
save Israelsave Israel
 Moses flees to Sinai; returns only when “All thoseMoses flees to Sinai; returns only when “All those
who are seeking your life are dead (Ex 4:19 cfwho 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 encountersMoses 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 seerBalak summons a non-Israelite, the famous seer
(practicer of enchantment = magi) Balaam(practicer of enchantment = magi) Balaam from thefrom 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’sThere 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 fromfrom
Jacob, and a man [scepter] shall comeJacob, 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 scepterDavid 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 theIn 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 MosesKing 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 ofJust as the magus Balaam saw the star of
David rise, Matthew’s magi see the star of theDavid 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 MatthewThe story of the Magi and the Star in Matthew
is also a story about the fate of theis 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 natureGod reveals himself to the Gentiles through nature
– the birth star– the birth star
 This revelation is imperfect; true meaning mustThis revelation is imperfect; true meaning must
come from the special revelation of God to Israelcome 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 scribesInstead, the king, chief priests, and scribes
conspire against the Messiah. The wicked kingconspire against the Messiah. The wicked king
decrees his deathdecrees his death
 But God spares Jesus and brings him back fromBut God spares Jesus and brings him back from
another landanother land

 In other words, the stories reminiscent of OldIn other words, the stories reminiscent of Old
Testament Joseph, Moses, and Balaam are alsoTestament Joseph, Moses, and Balaam are also
an anticipation of the story of the passion andan anticipation of the story of the passion and
resurrection of Jesusresurrection of Jesus
 Pilate, the chief priest and scribe conspire againstPilate, 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, butThose who have the Scripture reject Jesus, but
the Gentiles come and with the help of thethe Gentiles come and with the help of the
Scripture, find and adore himScripture, find and adore him
 Magi become the anticipation of all those whoMagi 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 theMagi (like Balaam), see the star of the King of the
Jews at its rising, see (but not now) the one whoseJews at its rising, see (but not now) the one whose
kingship will not be clear historically until hiskingship will not be clear historically until his
death and resurrectiondeath and resurrection

The Birth ofThe Birth of
the Messiahthe Messiah
Luke 2:1-21Luke 2:1-21

The Meaning ofThe Meaning of
the Manger; thethe Manger; the
Significance ofSignificance 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 whomHe went to be registered with Mary, to whom
he was engaged and who was expecting ahe was engaged and who was expecting a
child. While they were there, the time camechild. While they were there, the time came
for her to deliver her child. And she gavefor her to deliver her child. And she gave
birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him inbirth 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 thebecause there was no place for them in the
inn.inn.

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

And suddenly there was with the angel aAnd suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host, praising Godmultitude of the heavenly host, praising God
and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highestand saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace among thoseheaven, and on earth peace among those
whom he favors!’ When the angels had leftwhom he favors!’ When the angels had left
them and gone into heaven, the shepherdsthem and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, ‘Let us go now tosaid to one another, ‘Let us go now to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has takenBethlehem 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 andSo 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 whatWhen they saw this, they made known what
had been told them about this child; and allhad been told them about this child; and all
who heard it were amazed at what thewho heard it were amazed at what the
shepherds told them. But Mary treasured allshepherds 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 andThe 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 toAfter 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 wasthe 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 Structure
Luke 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 toDivine 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 Structure
Luke 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 toCenter of Luke’s narrative: the proclamation to
the Shepherds and their reactionthe Shepherds and their reaction
 Verses 1-5: census brings Joseph and Mary toVerses 1-5: census brings Joseph and Mary to
BethlehemBethlehem
 Verses 6-7: Mary gives birth to Jesus, swaddledVerses 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 MaryLuke needs the census to explain why Mary
and Joseph traveled from home in Nazareth toand 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 RomanThere was never a single census of the Roman
Empire under Caesar AugustusEmpire under Caesar Augustus
 Herod the Great died 4 BC; Quirinius wasHerod the Great died 4 BC; Quirinius was
governor of Syria and conducted a census of Judeagovernor 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 ofIn evoking Augustus, Luke gives the birth of
Jesus a solemn setting and hints at its cosmicJesus a solemn setting and hints at its cosmic
significancesignificance
 Age of Augustus propagandized as a gloriousAge of Augustus propagandized as a glorious
age of rule over a world made peaceful byage of rule over a world made peaceful by
virtue, in fulfillment of Virgil’s dream in thevirtue, in fulfillment of Virgil’s dream in the
Fourth EclogueFourth Eclogue

 Great altar to the peace of Augustus (Great altar to the peace of Augustus (Ara PacisAra 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 the23, birthday of Augustus, as first day of the
New YearNew Year
 Hailed at Halicarnassus as “savior of the wholeHailed at Halicarnassus as “savior of the whole
world”world”
 Priene inscription: “The birthday of the godPriene inscription: “The birthday of the god
marked the beginning of the good news for themarked the beginning of the good news for the
world.”world.”

 Luke contradicts this propaganda by having an edictLuke 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 theA 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 ofThe “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 willyou the good news of a great joy which will
be for the whole people. To you this daybe for the whole people. To you this day
there is born in the city of David a Saviorthere 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)

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

MangerManger
 Speculations about “no room in the inn” or theSpeculations about “no room in the inn” or the
hardship of impoverished parents detract fromhardship of impoverished parents detract from
Luke’s purposeLuke’s purpose
 Luke’s purpose is the symbolism of theLuke’s purpose is the symbolism of the
manger in God’s complaint against Israel inmanger in God’s complaint against Israel in
Isaiah 1:3Isaiah 1:3 “The ox knows its owner and“The ox knows its owner and
the donkey knows thethe donkey knows the manger of itsmanger 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.”

MangerManger
 Luke wants to proclaim that this Isaian dictumLuke 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 hasThe 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 andThey 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 theGod’s people have at last begun to know the
manger of their LORDmanger of their LORD

Shepherds and Their FlockShepherds and Their Flock
 Intended to evoke the memory of David as aIntended to evoke the memory of David as a
shepherd in Bethlehemshepherd in Bethlehem
 Bethlehem, not Jerusalem, called the “city ofBethlehem, not Jerusalem, called the “city of
David”David”

Shepherds and Their FlockShepherds and Their Flock
 Mention of their flocks may be intended toMention of their flocks may be intended to
evoke memories of the Migdal Eder, “Tower ofevoke memories of the Migdal Eder, “Tower of
the Flock,”the Flock,”
 in Micah, identified as where the kingdom wouldin Micah, identified as where the kingdom would
be restored and fulfilled (Micah identifies it withbe restored and fulfilled (Micah identifies it with
Jersusalem)Jersusalem)
 In Targum Pseudo-Jonathan translation of GenesisIn Targum Pseudo-Jonathan translation of Genesis
35:21, identified as where the King Messiah will be35:21, 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 theLuke may be trying to identify the Tower of the
Flock with BethlehemFlock with Bethlehem

The Gloria in Excelsis CanticleThe Gloria in Excelsis Canticle
 Four poetic canticles in Luke’s infancyFour poetic canticles in Luke’s infancy
narrative:narrative:
 1. Gloria in Excelsis (2:13-14)1. Gloria in Excelsis (2:13-14) Glory in theGlory in the
highest heavens to God, and on peace tohighest 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 similarityJewish scholars have noted the similarity
between the Gloria, and the Sanctus sung bybetween the Gloria, and the Sanctus sung by
the seraphim to the Lord of Hosts in thethe 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; … holyexpanded to “Holy in the highest heaven; … holy
on earth, …”on earth, …”

 Luke may again be moving focus fromLuke may again be moving focus from
Jerusalem to BethlehemJerusalem to Bethlehem
 The hosts of angels have moved from the HolyThe hosts of angels have moved from the Holy
of Holies in the Temple to the presence of theof 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 praiseShepherds hear the word, believe and praise
GodGod
 Symbolize an Israel that has at least recognized itsSymbolize 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 havewho “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 theseReaction 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 andhearing 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 ofThematic similarities in the Nativity stories of
Luke and Matthew:Luke and Matthew:
 Both proclaim the “good news” that Jesus was theBoth 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 theNews 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 andEach 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 infantmodeled after Pharaoh’s attempt to kill infant
MosesMoses
 King Herod orders the slaughter of male infants toKing 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 JerusalemPeaceful presentation of Jesus in the Jerusalem
templetemple
 Greeted by Simeon and AnnaGreeted by Simeon and Anna
 Modeled after Hannah’s presentation of the boyModeled after Hannah’s presentation of the boy
Samuel in the shine at Shiloh, where he is acceptedSamuel 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 ofpassion” narrative shift to infancy: themes of
persecution and opposition introducedpersecution and opposition introduced
 Luke’s story:Luke’s story:
 Also introduces theme of persecution andAlso 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 (Lukeoccasion 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 sufferingBoth 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 goodWriting fifty years later, both know that the good
news of Jesus will be accepted by many, but alsonews of Jesus will be accepted by many, but also
rejected and vigorously opposedrejected and vigorously opposed

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