THE INFANCY NARRATIVES & THE INCARNATION

Overview

Ø  The Fundamental Doctrine of the Incarnation – Refer to sheet

Ø  The Infancy narratives refer to Jesus as the incarnation of God, “God made flesh.”

Ø  2 records of Jesus birth (Infancy Narratives)

o  Matthew chapters 1 – 2

o  Luke chapters 1 - 2

Ø  Analyze the Infancy Narratives (similarities & differences)

o  Similarities

– Joseph is a descendant of David and Jesus is brought up in Nazareth.

o  Differences

–  Matthew’s Gospel tells of the visitation of the wise men.

–  Luke’s Gospel adds that Mary and Joseph were going to Bethlehem for the census.

Ø  The Infancy Narratives profess Jesus as the incarnation of God (God made flesh).

Ø  Matthew’s Intentions: Three Themes

§  Matthew presents his genealogy from Abraham to Jesus.

§  Jesus is the Messiah – (Matthew 1:1) – “the son of David, the sons of Abraham.”

–  Throughout Jewish history, the people had expected the Messiah to descend from David, and David’s hometown was Bethlehem.

§  Jesus was accepted by Gentiles, rejected by Jews – The story of the Magi.

–  These were non-Jewish men known for their understanding of astrology.

–  This story shows that Jesus was accepted by Gentiles as the Messiah though many Jews rejected him.

§  Jesus is “the new Moses” – The holy family flees to Egypt, and then an angel calls them out of Egypt to Israel after the death of Herod.

–  The Israelites were also led out of their bondage in Egypt by Moses.

–  Jesus was “the new Moses” who fulfilled the Law and was the Messiah who would lead the people to salvation.

Ø  Luke’s Intentions: The Good News is for Everyone

§  Luke presents his genealogy from Jesus back to Adam. Adam, as the first man, is the father of all people.

§  Luke’s Gospel stresses that the Good News is for everyone, especially those who are poor and downtrodden.

–  Luke includes the shepherds in his story, indicating that the poor would be the first to recognize and respond to Jesus.