Chapter 5: The Mission Begins Preparing the Way of the Lord

INFANCY nARRATIVES Stories about the birth of Jesus and his early life. These are found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

The Hidden Years of Jesus’ Life Was human One with us in all things but sin

Jesus’ Birthday Jesus was born during Herod’s reign so about 5 or 6 BCE. Our calendar starts in the year 0 and was started in the 6th century CE with a miscalculation made in determining the year in which Jesus was born – a mistake that was never corrected. We know Jesus was born during the reign of Herod and his death was in the year 4 BCE so Jesus was born before that time. Obviously the evangelists, like most of the people of Jesus’ day, were not as concerned for precise information about this event.

Jesus and His disciples: a Unique Relationship The Meaning of Discipleship – The special role of the first disciples of Jesus lends insight into what it means to be a disciple today. Jesus calls each Christian to a personal, lasting relationship of love with God and Jesus send his followers out to share in his mission of proclaiming the Kingdom. The Twelve Apostles echoes the twelve tribes of Israel.