A Study of Christianity
Theme 1: Religious figures and sacred texts.
A. Jesus – his birth:
Consistency and credibility of the birth narratives (Matthew 1:18-2:23; Luke 1:26-2:40);
Similarities Differences
Main Matthew:
characters: Mary, Joseph, 1. Conflict of Kingdoms: The Kingdom of God vs. the
Jesus. kingdom Caesar.
Supporting 2. Jesus is the new and better Moses who brings the “new
characters: Angels, Holy law.”
Spirit. 3. The Church / Community (Matthew is the only Gospel
Titles with the word ecclesia.
attributed to Jesus: 4. How to continue now that there is separation between
Christ/son of David. Judaism & Christianity.
Heritage: 1. Discipleship.
children of 2. Themes: obstacles/ conflict/ fear/ murder/ politics.
Abraham/Israel, house of Luke:
David. 1. God's redemptive purposes.
Place 1. Salvation for all alike. [Sinners, tax collectors,
names: Nazareth in Samaritans, women, the poor, etc.]: Luke's most dramatic insight.
Galilee, Bethlehem in 2. The blessings of poverty and the dangers of wealth.
Judea. Popular theology: rich were blessed by God. Jesus maintained that God
Historical would lift up the poor and cast out the rich.
period: during the reign 1. Table fellowship.
of King Herod. 2. The Role of a Disciple.
3. Themes: glory/ praise/ joy/ humility/ faith.
Matthew 1:18-2:23 Luke 1:26-2:40
Focuses on Joseph. Third Gospel: focuses on Mary.
Mary's miraculous pregnancy. Angel Gabriel tells Mary (visits
First non-Jews to set eyes on him - Magi Eliz).
(wise men). Expresses Joy in hymn
Not told if Magi are kings; based Magnificat.
on Psalm 72:11 'May all kings fall down before Elizabeth gives birth.
him' Zechariah makes prophecy
Narrative: Joseph accepts Jesus as his son: (Benedictus).
Lord appeared to Joseph and 8 days after birth: Jesus in Temple
declared Jesus would save sins. of Jerusalem.
Married Mary. Recognised as Messiah by Simeon
The Magi visit the Messiah: and Anna.
Born in Bethlehem during the Narrative: Birth of Jesus Foretold:
time of Herod. God sent angel Gabriel to
Came from East; 'where is the Nazareth: told Mary she would birth 'the
king of the Jews': disturbed Herod. Son of the Most High'.
Sent Magi to Bethlehem but they Told Holy Spirit Would
were warned not to return to Herod in a dream. Come on her.
The Escape to Egypt: Mary visits Elizabeth:
Lord angel appeared to Joseph: Went to Zechariah's house
take child to Egypt as Herod wants to kill him. to see Elizabeth.
Herod orders death of all boys in Mary's song: 'he has brought
Bethlehem under 2: Jesus escapes. down rulers from their thrones but has lifted
Death of Herod in Egypt. up the humble.'
Theme 1: Religious figures and sacred texts.
A. Jesus – his birth:
Consistency and credibility of the birth narratives (Matthew 1:18-2:23; Luke 1:26-2:40);
Similarities Differences
Main Matthew:
characters: Mary, Joseph, 1. Conflict of Kingdoms: The Kingdom of God vs. the
Jesus. kingdom Caesar.
Supporting 2. Jesus is the new and better Moses who brings the “new
characters: Angels, Holy law.”
Spirit. 3. The Church / Community (Matthew is the only Gospel
Titles with the word ecclesia.
attributed to Jesus: 4. How to continue now that there is separation between
Christ/son of David. Judaism & Christianity.
Heritage: 1. Discipleship.
children of 2. Themes: obstacles/ conflict/ fear/ murder/ politics.
Abraham/Israel, house of Luke:
David. 1. God's redemptive purposes.
Place 1. Salvation for all alike. [Sinners, tax collectors,
names: Nazareth in Samaritans, women, the poor, etc.]: Luke's most dramatic insight.
Galilee, Bethlehem in 2. The blessings of poverty and the dangers of wealth.
Judea. Popular theology: rich were blessed by God. Jesus maintained that God
Historical would lift up the poor and cast out the rich.
period: during the reign 1. Table fellowship.
of King Herod. 2. The Role of a Disciple.
3. Themes: glory/ praise/ joy/ humility/ faith.
Matthew 1:18-2:23 Luke 1:26-2:40
Focuses on Joseph. Third Gospel: focuses on Mary.
Mary's miraculous pregnancy. Angel Gabriel tells Mary (visits
First non-Jews to set eyes on him - Magi Eliz).
(wise men). Expresses Joy in hymn
Not told if Magi are kings; based Magnificat.
on Psalm 72:11 'May all kings fall down before Elizabeth gives birth.
him' Zechariah makes prophecy
Narrative: Joseph accepts Jesus as his son: (Benedictus).
Lord appeared to Joseph and 8 days after birth: Jesus in Temple
declared Jesus would save sins. of Jerusalem.
Married Mary. Recognised as Messiah by Simeon
The Magi visit the Messiah: and Anna.
Born in Bethlehem during the Narrative: Birth of Jesus Foretold:
time of Herod. God sent angel Gabriel to
Came from East; 'where is the Nazareth: told Mary she would birth 'the
king of the Jews': disturbed Herod. Son of the Most High'.
Sent Magi to Bethlehem but they Told Holy Spirit Would
were warned not to return to Herod in a dream. Come on her.
The Escape to Egypt: Mary visits Elizabeth:
Lord angel appeared to Joseph: Went to Zechariah's house
take child to Egypt as Herod wants to kill him. to see Elizabeth.
Herod orders death of all boys in Mary's song: 'he has brought
Bethlehem under 2: Jesus escapes. down rulers from their thrones but has lifted
Death of Herod in Egypt. up the humble.'
