Ch. 3: The Essential Jesus Part 1:The Infancy Narratives & Baptism of Jesus

Assignments (due Tues., 12/13) Read pp > “…our ordinariness” (including the actual narratives in Mt. and Lk.); RQs 1-7, p. 91 (due Thurs., 12/15) Create a Christmas card that best expresses the theology of either Mt. or Lk. Must include: –Quality original art/graphic, etc. –Brief, focused “message” –Brief explanation of details & why chosen

Assignments (due Mon., 12/19) Research 1 sacred Christmas carol, & type a 2 pg. paper, including insightful information on: –the author –the story behind the carol –why it better reflects either Mt’s or Lk’s narrative –one particular verse and what it tells us about the mystery and meaning of Christmas

Assignments (due Tues., 12/20) Interview a parent w/ the following questions and type summary of their response: –Why is Xmas celebrated on Dec. 25 th ? –What is the most important meaning of Christmas?

Assignments (due Thurs., 1/5) 1. (If you have received or soon will be receiving Confirmation) Has your Confirmation been a real, mature “owning” of your faith? Why or why not? 2. (If you have not received Confirmation) What experiences have you had that have helped you “own” you faith (decide what you believe)? Weds., 1/11) TEST on Ch. 3

What’s wrong with this picture?

“Infancy Narratives” In Matthew & Luke only… why? –Early Christians’ preaching (kerygma) focused on Death and resurrection Life, teachings & deeds/miracles –Only later are Christians interested in birth/childhood of Jesus –Mark: earliest Gospel; pre- dates this interest

Matthew Luke Ancestry of JesusAncestry of Jesus Conception of JesusConception of Jesus Born in BethlehemBorn in Bethlehem Visit of the MagiVisit of the Magi Escape into EgyptEscape into Egypt Slaughter of InnocentsSlaughter of Innocents Return to Nazareth in GalileeReturn to Nazareth in Galilee Jesus’ & John’s births foretold Jesus’ & John’s births foretold Annunciation Annunciation VisitationMagnificat VisitationMagnificat Birth/circmcsn of John Birth/circmcsn of John Benedictus Benedictus J the B’s “hidden life” J the B’s “hidden life” Birth of Jesus Birth of Jesus Visit of Shepherds Visit of Shepherds Presentation in Temple Presentation in Temple Jesus’ “hidden life” Jesus’ “hidden life” Jesus at 12: lost in Temple Jesus at 12: lost in Temple

Theology of Mt’s Narrative Audience: Jewish Jesus= Jewish Messiah Jesus= “New Moses” OT prophecies fulfilled Joseph’s perspective

Theology of Lk’s Narrative Audience: Gentile Jesus= Savior of All Focus on poor and outcast Mary’s perspective

The Betrothal (Mt. 1:18-25) Jewish betrothal –A blessing of the relationship –Official commitment as binding as marriage –Lasted one year –Broken only by a divorce

The Annunciation (Lk. 1:26- 38) Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to conceive and bear a Son –“angel” from Gk. = Messenger/ bringer of news –Pictured as ray of light: why? NOT the “Immaculate Conception”

The Annunciation Mary –Probably young teenager –Completely surrenders to God: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me as you say.”

Coming of the Messiah Means “the Anointed One” –Ie. The King (“King of kings”) Hebrew= mosch’iah Greek= christos Jesus the Christ… the Anointed One of Israel

The Visitation (Lk.1:39-80) Mary visits Elizabeth Shows Mary’s love/ unselfishness Parallels between Elizabeth/John the Baptist and Mary/Jesus

Joseph’s Dream In Matthew, Joseph is visited by an “angel” in dream He, the faithful Jew, takes care of everything “according to the Law”

Why Bethlehem? Roman Census Tension between Herod & Roman emissaries: census unpopular (“We should have no ruler except the Lord!”)

Why Bethlehem? Joseph of David’s line Bethlehem= David’s city Prophecy: “For you, Bethlehem, are in no way the least among the cities of Judah, for from you shall come forth a shepherd of my people Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

The Birth of Jesus “Nativity” from Latin nativitas=birth “Christmas” from Old English Christes Maesse = the Mass of Christ Not originally a feast

The Birth of Jesus Date unknown Dec. 25 may be end of “Saturnalia”, Roman feast of the “birth of the Sun” For more: t.org/cathen/03724b.htm t.org/cathen/03724b.htm

The Presentation Circumcision: initiated child into community Presentation: consecration (making holy/ setting apart/ making special) of firstborn unto God Purification: of mother, after birth

The Presentation Simeon = a faithful Jew who recognizes Jesus as awaited Messiah, not only for Jews but also as a “light of revelation to the gentiles” (Luke)

Visit of Magi Midrash? Gifts symbolize Christ as: –Priest (incense) –King (gold) –Prophet who will suffer for message (myrrh)

Visit of Magi Celebrated as the Epiphany or “appearance”/ “revealing” of Christ to all the world Magi represent all nations

“Slaughter of the Innocents” 1 st martyrs for Christ Parallel w/ children slaughtered by pharaoh Jesus, the New Moses, escapes & returns from Egypt as Savior

Baptism of Jesus John the Baptist –Link between Old & New Testament –Last of OT Prophets –Prepared People for coming of the Messiah

Baptism of Jesus Baptism for repentant sinners Jesus is baptized for our sins Jesus “like us in all things, except sin.”

Baptism of Jesus “Confirmation” of Jesus… “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” Shows presence of the Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)

Temptation of Jesus Immediately after Baptism Desert = Trial/struggle Tempted away from: –Suffering –Serving –Submission only to the Father