1. Chapter Five 104 The Mission Begins II The Hidden Years I Infancy Narratives III Beginnings of Public Life IV Preacher / Teacher

2. Infancy Stories (Infancy Narratives) A. Introduction C. Matthew D. Luke B. Gospel of John

3. 1. “Explanation” Cause and effect Evidence - data Surface - Latin “planus” = flat “How?”Answers “How?” A. Introduction

4. Meaning 2. “ Meaning ” Beneath the “surface” Mystery Intuition - not logic Deals with the deepest “Why” A. Introduction

5. 3. The gospels are “faith literature” “explanation” a) Not so much concerned with “explanation” “meaning.” as with “meaning.” “why?” b) Not so much the “how?” as the “why?” A. Introduction

6. 4. Approaching the infancy stories we should ask: mean? a) What do these things mean? point b) What point is the gospel writer trying to make? about Jesus c) What can we understand about Jesus from this?

7. 39 The Four Gospels Matt. 65-70 C.E 90ish C.E 80’s C.E John 95ish C.E. 70 C.E. 80 C.E. Luke 90 C.E. 100 C.E. Mark infancy narratives

8. 39 Matthew Luke infancy narratives

9. I Infancy Stories A. Introduction C. Matthew D. Luke B. Gospel of John

10. B. The Gospel of John 106 Speaks of the origins of Jesus in a complex, poetic, highly philosophical prelude: the “prologue” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him… And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:1, 10-14)

11. The Gospel of John 106 The last gospel written starting pointJesus as Son of God is the starting point for John. the WordSpeaks of Jesus as “the Word” that reveals, communicates to us the reality of God origins of Jesus before the beginning of timeExplores the origins of Jesus in the heart of God before the beginning of time. Result of many years of reflection

12. I Infancy Stories A. Introduction C. Matthew D. Luke B. Gospel of John

13. C. The Gospel of Matthew 107 Starts with Jesus’ genealogy (family tree) return of holy family to Nazareth in Galilee the “flight into Egypt” Magi: Visit of the Magi: the star, the three gifts Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ birth (1:18-25) slaughter of innocents 1. Outline

14. Matthew’s themes shown in his infancy stories 2. Matthew’s themes shown in his infancy stories a. Jesus is the Messiah d. Jesus is the new Moses b. Jesus accepted by pagans and rejected by Jews “Son of David, Son of Abraham” (1:1) Story of the Magi (2:1-12) Jesus escapes from the slaughter of all male infants Written for Jewish converts c. Jesus is the new Israel Flight into Egypt (2:13-15)

15. 3. The Visit of the Magi 110 - “Magoi” - astrologers, worked with occult wisdom. From Persia - Star? Possibly a nova in 5.b.c.e. - In medieval times they became “kings” (Matthew) - gospel does not give a number, e.g. three

16. I Infancy Stories A. Introduction C. Matthew D. Luke B. Gospel of John

17. The Gospel of Luke 108 A. Preface ( before Jesus’ birth ) C. Early Childhood Stories B. Infancy Narratives

18. The Gospel of Luke 108 A. Starts with a preface before Jesus’ birth 2. “Annunciation:” Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to bear a son, Jesus (1:26-38) 1. Announcement of Birth of John the Baptist (1:5-25) 3. “The Visitation:” Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, mother of Baptist, (1:39-45) 4. Mary’s poetic response, “The Magnificat” (46-55) 5. John the Baptist: birth, circumcision, naming (vv 57-80)

19. The Gospel of Luke 108 A. Preface ( before Jesus’ birth ) C. Early Childhood Stories B. Infancy Narratives

20. B. Luke’s Infancy Narratives 108 swaddling clothes a mangerthe inn. 1. “The Nativity” : Birth of Jesus. Mary “wrapped him in swaddling clothes, laid him in a manger, no room in the inn.” (2:7) shepherds. 2. Angels announce news to shepherds. Shepherds visit stable. (2:11) circumcision, presentation 3. Jesus’ circumcision, andpresentation in the temple, prophecies by Simeon and Anna (2:21-38)

21. The Gospel of Luke 108 A. Preface ( before Jesus’ birth ) C. Early Childhood Stories B. Infancy Narratives

22. C. Luke’s Early Childhood Stories 108 Jesus went down with his parents and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. … And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years... (2:51-52)” 2. a) Jesus lived in Nazareth b) Jesus increased in wisdom age 12 1.Jesus at age 12 found teaching in temple (2:41-50)

23. Luke’s Luke’s Themes shown in his infancy stories Written for gentile Christians all B. Jesus came for all people, not just for Jews A. Important roles for “minorities:” Central roles of poor & outcastsMary, Elizabeth First visitors = shepherds Genealogy traces Christ Adam C. Jesus as humble, poor Born in a stable, laid in a manger back to

24. Luke: “The good news is for everyone!”

25. Two genealogies of Christ Luke (Ch.3:23-38) “Born in Bethlehem” Adam Jesus Matthew (Ch.1:1-17) Abraham Jesus “Son of David, Son of Abraham”

26. Chapter Five 104 The Mission Begins II The Hidden Years I Infancy Narratives III Beginnings of Public Life IV Preacher / Teacher

27. The Hidden Years 114 B. Jesus probably experienced the life of a typical Jew of his day C. He must have been particularly gifted, intelligent, sensitive D. A human, one with us in everything except SIN. A. We can only make educated guesses based on solid assumptions

28. E. What year was Jesus Born? 114 1. Born during reign of Herod, who died in 4 B.C.E. 2. People of that time didn’t treat dates with the same precise attitude as we do.

29. In what year was Jesus’ Born? 114 3. About the time of St. Benedict, Europeans numbered their years from the year that the emperor Diocletian became emperor. 4. A scholarly monk, Dionysius Exiguus, decided to number the years based instead on the date of Jesus’ birth.

30. In what year was Jesus’ Born? 114 5. Dionysius counted the years back to the birth of Christ, and named that “Year 1 A.D.” 6. All subsequent years were numbered accordingly.

31. W O O P S ! 114 1 +10 +50 +100 +200 +300 +400 +500 7. Dionysius calculated the years and came up with 532. 8. He goofed! Counted 4 to 6 years too few. 9. So Jesus was actually born somewhere between 4-6 B.C.E.

32. F. Jesus’ Birthday 114 1. December 25 was chosen in 3rd century a. Starting with the night of Dec. 24-25, the days get longer, nights shorter. There was already the pagan Roman feast of “sol invictus,” (“the unconquered sun,”) celebrated on that date to mark the longest night of the year.

33. G. Jesus’ Childhood in Nazareth 116 1. Probably worked as a carpenter with his father 2. Good education (p.117) - Probably 3 languages: Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek - Synagogue school at age 8-13 Scriptures, faith, history of Judaism 3. Faith-filled family life Mary and Joseph deeply prayerful and committed Jews

34. Chapter Five 104 The Mission Begins II The Hidden Years I Infancy Narratives III Beginnings of Public Life IV Preacher / Teacher

35. 104 Second Episode: Temptation of Christ in the Desert First Episode: Baptism by John in the Jordan III Beginnings of Public Life

36. III Beginnings of Jesus’ Public Life 118 A. John the Baptist’s Baptism of Repentance 1. John’s task was to prepare the way for Jesus. John announced that a whole new order was about to begin. “Get ready! Repent of your sins!” 2. The symbol of this repentance was a ritual bath, “baptism” of repentance

37. B. Jesus’ Baptism by John the Baptist 118 1. John,baptizing in the Jordan, recognizes Jesus. 2. At Jesus’ request John baptizes him. 3. After the baptism, “a voice from the heavens” and a vision of “the Holy Spirit, descending like a dove”

38. 4. Symbolism in Jesus’ Baptism 118 a. The dove - in OT symbol of Israel & less often Spirit of God b. The voice - in OT God speaks from heaven, sometimes concealed by a cloud

39. C. Two Problems with Jesus’ Being Baptized by John the Baptist 120 A. John’s Baptism of Repentance B. Symbolism in Jesus’ Baptism

40. C. Problems with Jesus’ Being Baptized by John the Baptist 120 1. John’s baptism is a sign of repentance for sins, but Jesus is divine, sinless 2. Early church wanted to show that Jesus was greater than John. But Jesus seems to be submitting to John!

41. C. Problems with the Baptism cont’d 120 Jesus’ acceptance was not an admission of sin, rather it indicated his willingness to immerse himself completely in the life & concerns of his people 3. Matthew’s solution: Jesus says, “It is part of God’s plan that I should be baptized.” 4. The first step on the road to the cross

42. C. Two Problems with Jesus’ Being Baptized by John the Baptist 120 A. John’s Baptism of Repentance B. Symbolism in Jesus’ Baptism D. A Moment of Self-Discovery for Jesus

43. D. Jesus’ Baptism: 120 Aha! a moment of self-discovery

44. D. Jesus’ Baptism: 120 Jesus learns two chief lessons about himself: 1. That he was chosen in a special way to proclaim and begin a new kingdom a moment of self-discovery (Isaiah 42:1 = Suffering Servant who will deliver God’s people) 2. That he would be given the power to fulfill that role through the spirit of God symbolized by the dove

45. 104 Second Episode: Temptation of Christ in the Desert First Episode: Baptism by John in the Jordan III Beginnings of Public Life

46. The Temptation in the Desert 1. Jesus is out in the wilderness for 40 days fasting and praying a. Satan approaches him with three temptations: i To turn stones into bread ii To throw himself from a high point of the temple and have God catch him (to prove his special relationship with God) iii To fall down and worship the devil who would then give him “all the kingdoms of the world” 121

47. 2. What does this story MEAN? a. Jesus, “The New Israel,” did not fail. During the Jews’ 40 years in the desert, they gave in to temptations, but Jesus does not. 122

48. 2. What does this story MEAN? b. Jesus rejects the kind of messiah expected by his people: i Economic power (stones into bread) ii Magical power (throw himself from a high point of the temple to “wow” everyone.) iii Political power (worship the devil, and control “all the kingdoms of the world”) 122

49. Chapter Five 104 The Mission Begins II The Hidden Years I Infancy Narratives III Beginnings of Public Life IV Preacher / Teacher

50. IV Wandering preacher / unique teacher A. How was Jesus like other rabbis of his day? B. How was Jesus unlike other rabbis? C. Jesus’ unique relationship with his disciples D. The twelve apostles E. Simon Peter

51. A. How was Jesus like other rabbis of his day? 123 1. It was common for Jewish rabbis, or teachers of the Law, to roam from place to place teaching. 2. Rabbis were often followed by disciples, who studied under them.

52. IV Wandering preacher / unique teacher A. How was Jesus like other rabbis of his day? B. How was Jesus unlike other rabbis? C. Jesus’ unique relationship with his disciples D. The twelve apostles E. Simon Peter

53. B. How was Jesus unlike other rabbis? 123 1. His message: He proclaimed a new kind of Kingdom of God. 2. He claimed that he was not just announcing it, but establishing it! 3. He taught on his own authority, not by quoting other rabbis or scripture. 4. He used parables and performed miracles, a dramatic difference from other rabbis.

54. IV Wandering preacher / unique teacher A. How was Jesus like other rabbis of his day? B. How was Jesus unlike other rabbis? C. Jesus’ unique relationship with his disciples D. The twelve apostles E. Simon Peter

55. C. Jesus’ Unique Relationship with his disciples 125 1. He chose THEM, - they did not choose him. 2. His disciples would never claim their own authority, but would always rely on the authority of Jesus. 3. They were not just to watch and learn, but were called to share in His mission of proclaiming the kingdom.

56. IV Wandering preacher / unique teacher A. How was Jesus like other rabbis of his day? B. How was Jesus unlike other rabbis? C. Jesus’ unique relationship with his disciples D. The twelve apostles E. Simon Peter

57. D. The Twelve Apostles 125-6 1. “The twelve”:Their number echoed the 12 tribes of Israel. 2. Given two tasks by Jesus: 3. Greek verb apostelo = “to send forth.” carry on his mission of preaching the Good News. share in his power and

58. D. The Twelve Apostles 126 4. Ordinary people - but often portrayed as baffled, unable to understand Jesus, some abandoned him for awhile, etc., but 5. because of their association with Jesus, these ordinary people were capable of extraordinary things.

59. IV Wandering preacher / unique teacher A. How was Jesus like other rabbis of his day? B. How was Jesus unlike other rabbis? C. Jesus’ unique relationship with his disciples D. The twelve apostles E. Simon Peter

60. 124 1. The recognized leader among the apostles. 2. Considered by Roman Catholics as the first pope.

61. E. Simon Peter 124 3. Peter is portrayed in the gospels as being a lot like us -- at our best and our weakest. 3. Peter is portrayed in the gospels as being a lot like us -- at our best and our weakest. b. Often hot-headed, bold, and then cowardly. a. He makes mistakes and needs forgiveness c. Can seem very bright, and then really ignorant.

62. The End