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.