Early Events

Early Events

I call these the "Early Events," but they are also referred to as the Infancy Narratives.

There are similarities and differences between Matthew and Luke. Both groups are significant.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7iX03Tr8qU

Similarities

  1. Mary and Joseph are parents who are betrothed (M 1:18; L 1:27,34)
  2. Joseph is of Davidic descent (M 1:16; L 1:27,32; 2:4)
  3. There is an angelic announcement of the child's birth (M 1:20-23; L 1:30-35)
  4. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (M 1:18,20,23,25; L 1:34)
  5. Angel says the child is to be named Jesus (M 1:21, L 1:31)
  6. Angel says Jesus will be "Savior" (M 1:21; L 2:11)
  7. Jesus is born after parents live together (M 1:24-25; L 2:5-6)
  8. Jesus is born in Bethlehem (M 2:1; L 2:4-6)
  9. Birth is related to the time period of Herod the Great (M 2:1; L 1:5)
  10. Jesus grows up in Nazareth (M 2:23; L 2:39)

Differences

Two types of differences:

Content Differences

Matthew Luke
Title of gospel (M 1:1) Preface to Gospel (L 1:1-4)
Focus on Joseph Focus on Mary
Begins with Genealogy Begins with backstory of John the Baptist
Genealogy through David's son Solomon Genealogy through David's son Nathan
Joseph's father is Jacob Joseph's father is Heli
Angel visits Joseph Angel visits Mary
No mention of living in Nazareth before Bethlehem Had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem because of census
Born and named right away (M 1:25) Born but named at circumcision 8 days later (L 2:21)
Magi led by star come from east and talk to Herod Angels sing to shepherds
Magi visit Jesus in a house Shepherds visit Jesus in a manger
Magi return by a different way to avoid Herod Shepherds return glorifying and praising God
Herod kills male children in Bethlehem
Jesus and family flee to Egypt Jesus and family go to the temple for circumcision
Jesus and family return from Egypt and go to Nazareth Jesus and family return to Nazareth after circumcision
Jesus and family visit the temple again when he is 12

Theological Differences

Matthew Luke
Hebrew Scriptures Fulfilled Driving Force Holy Spirit is at work
Son of David/Abraham - Legal son Jesus's Heritage Son of God, son of Mary by the Holy Spirit
Focus on Kingship Names and titles Various titles/roles
Men: David, Joseph, Magi, Herod, scribes Characters Emphasized Women: Mary, Elizabeth, Anna; Also poor and old
obstacles, conflict, fear, murder, politics Themes glory, praise, joy, poverty, humility, grace
Moses, Joseph (dreams) OT Parallels Birth of Samson (Judge); Birth of Samuel (Prophet)

Why the differences?

Matthew

Luke