Comparing the Birth Narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke
Explore the consistency and credibility of the birth narratives of Jesus as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Dive into the themes of incarnation, substantial presence, and the kenotic model as applied to these accounts. Discover the main characters, supernatural elements, titles attributed to Jesus, and the historical contexts in which these events unfold.
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Christianity Theme 1 Religious figures and sacred texts Jesus his birth: Consistency and credibility of the birth narratives (Matthew 1:18-2:23; Luke 1:26-2:40); Harmonisation and redaction; Interpretation and application of the birth narratives to the doctrine of the incarnation (substantial presence and the kenotic model).
Preparation Groups 1 and 3 read Matthew 1:18-2:23 Group 2 and 4 read Luke 1:26-2:40
Tasks Matthew1:18-2:23 - design a religious Christmas card to include illustrated cover and theological message within using ONLY events and theological message of Matthew and plan a one minute sermon to be delivered on Christmas Day by Archbishop Sentamu of York in York Minster using only Matthew's Gospel and theology Luke 1:26-2:40 - design religious Christmas cards to include illustrated cover and theological message within to use only events and theological message of Luke and plan a one minute sermon to be delivered on Christmas Day by Archbishop Welby of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral using only Luke's Gospel and theology.
Consolidate your understanding Swap cards and deliver the sermon to the new group, question the sender about their version of the Christmas story. Spend a few minutes agreeing on a common theological message that can be extracted from both? Representatives from groups 3 and 4 deliver the sermon to the new group. Invite questions and feedback from the other people. Swap roles What common message could the two Archbishops come up with for next year's Christmas sermon?
Consistency common message in Matthew and Luke page 2 Main characters Supernatural characters Titles attributed to Jesus Heritage Place names Historical period
Two birth narratives Matthew 1:18-2:23 Un-named angel visits Joseph Mary s son born in Bethlehem, in a house and named Jesus Magi visit Herod, then M, J and Jesus bring gifts Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Trick Herod. Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt after angels warning in dream M,J and Jesus return to Israel after another visit from the angel Journey to Nazareth Luke 1:26-2:40 Angel Gabriel announces Jesus birth to Mary Mary visits Elizabeth - Magnificat Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist John circumcised and named, Zechariah makes prophecy Benedictus (blessed) Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem - Census Mary gives birth to Jesus stable Angels appear to shepherds Shepherds visit M,J and Jesus Jesus circumcised and named Jesus presented to God - Temple in Jerusalem Simeon and Anna Nunc Dimittis
Credibility 1. What does credibility mean? 2. What might make the accounts credible? 3. What might challenge the credibility of the accounts? a. The differences between the two accounts (pages 2 and 3) b. Historical accuracy/ Historicity (page 5) Matthew Herod s massacre of the children of Bethlehem is not mentioned by historians at the time BUT compatible with Herod s reign Luke Quirinius was not the governor of Syria at the time Herod was King BUT Quirinius could have been mistaken for Saturninus. No census that year. c. Supernatural events hard to accept accounts of angels, virgin birth etc. page 5
Redaction discussion what news event? Any differences in the way the story was reported in the Guardian and the Sun newspaper? Why do you think this event was recorded differently?
Harmonisation and redaction Harmonisation means showing how the two gospels can work together to tell the story of Jesus birth Redaction criticism - Regards the author of the text as editor (redactor) of his or her source materials, adding comment and arranging material for a theological purpose. It investigates differences in Gospel accounts of the same event in light of the overall theme of the author/redactor.
Redaction Criticism The Gospels are not simply history or biography but theology in that they are there to proclaim and persuade about significant aspects of Jesus life. If the Gospels had differed from the traditional understanding of the Church community, they would not have been accepted. The evangelists interpreted their material in order to bring out a particular aspect more clearly. They were not writers or inventors of religious fiction. .
Matthew Read page 6 Matthew s Gospel has many well-marked characteristics, it has clear Jewish interests but takes account of the Gentile world. It focuses on the fulfilment of scripture or Old Testament prophecy It is told from ________ viewpoint Jesus is for all visit from the _________
Luke Luke s version of the Gospel suggests that the Jesus is taking care of the under- privileged and drawing converts from all races a light to lighten the Gentiles . However, Jerusalem is still a focus as Christianity s roots are in Jerusalem. ______ viewpoint John the Baptist connection with ____
Redaction criticism activities Complete task 2 on page 7 Complete the exam skills task on page 8 use the website for guidance
The application of birth narratives to the doctrine of incarnation (substantial presence and kenotic model) a. What is incarnation? b. How does the Nicene Creed support ideas about incarnation? c. What does kenosis mean? d. What issues are raised by the kenotic model? e. What biblical quotes and scholars are used to support it? f. What is substantial presence? g. What does Immanuel mean and why is it significant? In the Creed of Chalcedon the early Christian fathers affirmed that Jesus "must be acknowledged in two natures, without any commingling, or change, or division or separation
AO2 Questions Issues for analysis and evaluation will be drawn from any aspect of the content above, such as: Activity In pairs Read the essay Answer the questions in as much detail as you can Join with another pair discuss the answers to the questions and write them down The extent to which the birth narratives provide insight into the doctrine of the incarnation. The relative importance of redaction criticism for understanding the biblical birth narratives.
