The Gospel of Jesus The Infancy Narratives & the Baptism of Jesus

Assignments (due Thurs/Fri., 3/11-12) Read Matthew 1:1-2:23 and Luke 1:5-2:52. List 3 things that are only found in that “infancy narrative” (due Weds/Thurs., 3/17-18) Create a “Matthean” or “Lucan” Christmas card (what would he include?)

Assignments (due Fri/Mon., 3/19-22) Parent Interview: –Why is Xmas celebrated on Dec. 25 th ? –What is the most important meaning of Christmas? (due Fri., 3/13) Written summary of parents’ response/reaction

Assignments (due Mon., 4/27) L RQs/ Activity 2, p. 127 (Add: Has your Confirmation been a real, mature “owning” of your faith? Why or why not?) (Tues/Weds., 4/20-21) TEST on Ch. 7 –Notes (Netclassroom) –Ppt notes

“Infancy Narratives” In Matthew & Luke only… why? –Early Christians’ preaching (kerygma) about the Risen Christ focused on Death and resurrection Life, teachings & deeds/miracles –Only later are Christians interested in birth/childhood of Jesus –Mark: earliest Gospel; pre-dates this interest

Matthew Luke Ancestry of JesusAncestry of Jesus Conception of JesusConception of Jesus Born in BethlehemBorn in Bethlehem Visit of the MagiVisit of the Magi Escape into EgyptEscape into Egypt Slaughter of InnocentsSlaughter of Innocents Return to Nazareth in GalileeReturn to Nazareth in Galilee Jesus’ & John’s births foretold Jesus’ & John’s births foretold Annunciation Annunciation VisitationMagnificat VisitationMagnificat Birth/circmcsn of John Birth/circmcsn of John Benedictus Benedictus J the B’s “hidden life” J the B’s “hidden life” Birth of Jesus Birth of Jesus Visit of Shepherds Visit of Shepherds Presentation in Temple Presentation in Temple Jesus’ “hidden life” Jesus’ “hidden life” Jesus at 12: lost in Temple Jesus at 12: lost in Temple

“Infancy Narratives” Matthew: Jewish audience –Joseph’s perspective (descendant of David) –Features Joseph, Herod, Magi & flight into Egypt: Why? Luke: Outcast Gentile audience –Mary’s perspective (lowly/woman, etc.) –Features Mary, Shepherds, Simeon: Why?

The Betrothal (Mt. 1:18-25) Jewish betrothal –A blessing of the relationship –Official commitment as binding as marriage –Lasted one year –Broken only by a divorce

The Annunciation (Lk. 1:26- 38) Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to conceive and bear a Son –“angel” from Gk. = Messenger/ bringer of news –Pictured as ray of light: why? NOT the “Immaculate Conception”

The Annunciation Mary –Probably young teenager –Completely surrenders to God: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me as you say.”

Coming of the Messiah Means “the Anointed One” –Ie. The King (“King of kings”) Hebrew= mesch’iah Greek= christos Jesus the Christ… the Anointed One of Israel

The Visitation (Lk.1:39-80) Mary visits Elizabeth Shows Mary’s love/ unselfishness Parallels between Elizabeth/John the Baptist and Mary/Jesus

Joseph’s Dream In Matthew, Joseph is visited by an “angel” in dream He, the faithful Jew, takes care of everything “according to the Law”

Why Bethlehem? Roman Census Tension between Herod & Roman emissaries: census unpopular (“We should have no ruler except the Lord!”)

Why Bethlehem? Joseph of David’s line Bethlehem= David’s city Prophecy: “For you, Bethlehem, are in no way the least among the cities of Judah, for from you shall come forth a shepherd of my people Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

The Birth of Jesus “Nativity” from Latin nativitas=birth “Christmas” from Old English Christes Maesse = the Mass of Christ Not originally a feast

The Birth of Jesus Date unknown Dec. 25 may be end of “Saturnalia”, Roman feast of the “birth of the Sun” For more: t.org/cathen/03724b.htm t.org/cathen/03724b.htm

The Presentation Circumcision: initiated child into community Presentation: consecration (making holy/ setting apart/ making special) of firstborn unto God Purification: of mother, after birth

Visit of Magi Midrash? Gifts symbolize Christ as: –Priest (incense) –King (gold) –Prophet who will suffer for message (myrrh)

Baptism of Jesus John the Baptist –Link between Old & New Testament –Last of OT Prophets –Prepared People for coming of the Messiah

Baptism of Jesus Baptism for repentant sinners Jesus is baptized for our sins Jesus “like us in all things, except sin.”

Baptism of Jesus “Confirmation” of Jesus… “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” Shows presence of the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)

Temptation of Jesus Immediately after Baptism Desert = Trial/struggle Tempted away from: –Suffering –Serving –Submission only to the Father

VERTIGO Unos dos tres catorce! Lights go down, it's dark The jungle is your head Can't rule your heart A feeling is so much stronger than A thought Your eyes are wide And though your soul It can't be bought Your mind can wander

Hello hello I'm at a place called Vertigo It's everything I wish I didn't know Except you give me something I can feel, feel

The night is full of holes As bullets rip the sky Of ink with gold They twinkle as the Boys play rock and roll They know they can't dance At least they know....

I can't stand the beats I'm asking for the cheque The girl with crimson nails Has Jesus round her neck Swinging to the music Swinging to the music Oh oh oh oh

Hello hello I'm at a place called Vertigo It's everything I wish I didn't know But you give me something I can feel, feel

Check mated Oh yeah Hours of fun...All of this, all of this can be yours All of this, all of this can be yours Just give me what I want and no- one gets hurt....

Hello hello We're at a place called Vertigo Lights go down and all I know Is that you give me something I can feel your love teaching me how Your love is teaching me how, how to kneel... Yeah yeah yeah yeah