1. Matthew and Luke

2. Synoptic Gospels *Word synoptic→ Synoptikos “seen together”
Mark, Matthew, and Luke are the three synoptic Gospels
*Have many similarities to each other
→ Two Source Hypothesis: Mark acts as the template for Matthew and Luke’s Gospels
**Matthew includes it’s own sources likewise for Luke

3. Matthew’s Gospel First Gospel listed in the New Testament
*Portrait of Christ: Jesus as the Teacher
→ how can we be like Jesus?
*written by Matthew the Tax collector
*written for Jewish Christians (very familiar with Hebrew Scriptures and the prophecy of the Messiah)

4. The Bridge
Matthew’s Gospel acts as the bridge from the Old to the New Testament to show how Christ is the fulfillment
*Christ “anointed one” (Christos; Greek word for Messiah)
**Kingdom of heaven: for those who perform the corporal and spiritual works of mercy

5. The Infancy Narrative (Mt)
*Focuses on Joseph’s perspective→ devout Jewish man (importance of dreams→ Angel speaks to him)
*Genealogy of Jesus traced all the way back to Abraham (patriarch)
*King Herod and the coming of a new King (threatened→ massacre of the infants)
*Three Wise Men (astrologers; travel to Bethlehem)
*Epiphany: Visit of the Magi (Little Christmas) Gold, frankincense, and myrrh

6. Luke’s Gospel *Written for Gentile-Christians
*Portrait of Christ: Universal Savior
*How are we called to take risks?
Luke is written by the Evangelist→ companion of Paul (conversion)
→ written for Gentile Christians: how we can all be included in the kingdom
**we have to open our hearts, souls, and minds to Jesus’ ministry

7. Genealogy *Luke’s Gospel: connects Jesus to Adam (first man) New Adam
**Jesus is the savior for all of us
Parousia: a Greek word meaning "presence." In the New Testament, this word is used to describe the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the world. → final judgment will take place.
·Table Fellowship: those who shared a meal were considered to be extended family. Sharing food (table fellowship) was a sign of acceptance, unity and closeness.
→ the importance of sharing a meal together

8. The Infancy Narrative (Lk)
**Focuses on Mary’s perspective
→ Power of the Holy Spirit: Mary says YES
Mary is like the New Eve→ perfect obedience of Mary vs disobedience of Eve
**Mother of the Church
→ we have the same Spirit present with us

9. Census decreed by Caesar Augustus→ return to the home of your ancestors
Joseph’s hometown is in Nazareth but his ancestors are from Bethlehem
*Jesus is born in Bethlehem (location in both accounts)

10. Lk→ Visit of the Shepherds
Christ is the Lamb of God
Shepherds are considered one of the least in society→ yet they are the first to visit Jesus
**Jesus is here for everyone (humble beginnings)

11. Important People...
Luke’s Gospel focuses on Jesus involved with women and the poor
Women→ were oppressed and excluded from society
Jesus includes women to stress that we are ALL made in the image of God
Poor→ the majority of the Israelites were downtrodden by the Roman authorities
Jesus breaks with social norms