1. Nativity - Mark: What are we not told? Christ (Gk) = Messiah (Heb) = “anointed one” = “imbued with the spirit of God” (according to Mk) “Son of God” does not imply supernatural status

2. Nativity - Matthew: Jesus’ genealogy (Mt 1: 1-16) Emmanuel (Mt 1: 23) = “God is with us” Jesus as fulfillment of Jewish scripture e.g. Mt 1: 23 = Isa 7: 14 (Septuagint version). Gk parthenos = “virgin” or (as in Heb) “young woman”

3. Nativity - Luke: Like Mt, seeing Jesus as offspring of virgin mother and divine power Jesus as fulfillment of Jewish hope (Lk 1: 32-33, 54-55, 68-73) Jesus as saviour (Lk 2: 11 and 1: 69-77) Salvation of the Gentiles (Lk 2: 32)

4. Nativity - Luke: Formal preface in Gk literary style (Lk 1: 1-14), written for Theophilus (“friend of God”) Provides historical background, two hymns, story of shepherds at manger Jesus in childhood (Lk 2: 41-52) vs. Jesus’ genealogy (Lk 3: 23-38)

5. Jesus = “the Lord is salvation”

6. Baptism - Mark: John and God reinforcing Jesus’ position as Messiah and son of God Combination of imbuing with Holy Spirit and declaration of son-ship and Messiah-ship

7. Baptism - Matthew: Breaking down of old order: repentance instead of lineage (Mt 3: 7-12) Significance of fire (Mt 3: 11) Divine plan (Mt 3: 15)

8. Baptism - Luke: Baptism as event in world history (Lk 3: 1-3) Role of “the crowds” (Lk 3: 7-14)

9. Temptation - Mark: 40 as number associated with transitions Signals struggle between supernatural forces

10. Temptation - Matthew: Use of Hebrew Bible Jewish teachings reflecting Christian ethic (Mt 4: 4-10)

11. Temptation - Luke: Matching Matthew - both using Q? Role of Holy Spirit. Evolved from God’s “breath” or “wind” in HB to individual entity that will play important role. Reminder of God’s intervention in human affairs