Gospel- Saint Thomas Adult Education Offering 10 October 2010, 9am in the Guild Room
The Nativity Story: Luke chapters 1 & 2 and Matthew chapters 1 & 2
Luke tells this very beloved story from Mary’s point of view to his audience of Jewish-Christians in the Roman Empire. Matthew is covering it from Joseph’s viewpoint and using the Old Testament prophesies to help explain the event to a mostly Jewish audience. Mark’s and John’s Gospels do not include the Nativity.
Luke gathered information directly from his main source, Mary. Matthew source was handed down information. Luke provides greater details on the birth and the first people to see Jesus were Sheppards. Matthew tells the story of the Magi as the first people to see Jesus.
• Why were outsiders (Sheppards and Magi) the initial witnesses to Jesus Birth?
• What is the importance of the Angels in the Nativity?
• What caused Joseph to honor his promise to Mary?
One of the most beautiful lines of poetic witness is found in Luke 1:46 to 55- Mary’s Song of Praise- “The Magnificat”, BCP, page 119. Take a moment and read and reflect on the thoughts and praise from a faithful servant that followed God’s will with a rejoicing spirit. Also take a look at First Samuel 2: 1-10 (Hannah’s prayer); what are the similarities between these verses that were written about 1000 years before the birth of Jesus?
Luke notes that Mary and Joseph went from their home near Nazareth to Bethlehem, a dangerous journey of about 80 miles, because of a decree from the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus regarding a census where each person was to return to their family home to register. Matthew does not include this in his Gospel.
The early Christian Church accepted the teaching of St. Athanasius and his allies, that Christ was the incarnation of God, the eternal second person of the trinity who was fully God and fully a man simultaneously.
Please come and participate in our study on Sunday, 9 AM, Guild Room.
Submitted by Walt Jaap
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