1. Author and Audience: Lk.  Who was Luke’s intended audience?  Do you see anything in Luke’s Infancy Narrative that appeals to that audience?  What was the theme of Luke’s Gospel?  Do you see anything that shows that theme?

2. Author and Audience: Lk.  Jesus recognized/visited by (poor) shepherds (Lk. 2:15)  Jesus born in a manger (place where pigs eat slop!)  emphasizes Jesus’ association with the poor Audience: _____________ Theme: _______________

3. Mary in Danger! Luke emphasizes the importance of women (& other oppressed members of society)! Jesus’ birth is told from Mary’s perspective Elizabeth’s giving birth to John the Baptist is highlighted Mt. 1:18-19 Lk. 1:39-40  Why might Mary have been in danger?  Why did she go to visit her cousin?

4. Mary in Danger!  Probably 14 or 15 years old  Pregnancy before marriage dishonors Joseph  Pregnancy before marriage a “stoneable” offense  By “divorcing her quietly,” Joseph is trying to save her life  Goes to Elizabeth (out of town) for protection

5. Matthew vs. Luke Which event belongs to which Gospel?  Genealogy to Abraham  John the Baptist Birth  Mary Visits Elizabeth  Shepherds visit Jesus  Slaughter of the Innocents by Herod  3 Magi visit Jesus