1. DO NOW: WHAT IS A NARRATIVE? WHAT IS ONE NARRATIVE YOU REMEMBER ABOUT JESUS’ BIRTH? Chapter 8 “Jesus, the Promised Messiah”

2. Chapter 8 ~ Lesson 1 Concept: What are the infancy narratives?  The accounts of Jesus’ birth and childhood are found in the first two chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These are called the infancy narratives.  The infancy narratives proclaim that Jesus Christ is the promised Savior.  Jesus’ conception, birth, and early childhood fulfilled God’s promise to his people.

3. Chapter 8 ~ Lesson 1 Jesus fulfills the hopes of Israel.  Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem to consecrate their son Jesus to God. This was a Jewish law.  They made a sacrifice of a turtledove, a custom for the poor who could not afford to sacrifice a lamb.  In the temple they met Simeon, a faithful man, who held Jesus and praised God for sending “this light for the Gentiles.”

4. Chapter 8 ~ Lesson 1 In the temple was Anna, an elderly woman with the gift of prophecy. Like Simeon, Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about this child who will redeem Jerusalem.

5. Chapter 8 – Lesson 1 Infancy Narrative: The accounts of Jesus’ birth and childhood found in the first two chapters of the Gospels of Matthew & Luke. Genealogy: family history