BIRTH OF JESUS (Gospel of Matthew)

Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17)

 The chapter begins with a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus Christ, showing His descent from
Abraham through David.
 It lists 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile in Babylon, and 14 from the exile
to the Messiah.

Birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25)

 Mary, who was pledged to be married to Joseph, was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit before they
came together.
 Joseph, being a righteous man, planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace.
 An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
 The angel informed Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, and he should name Him Jesus because He
will save His people from their sins.
 This fulfilled the prophecy, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him
Immanuel" (which means "God with us").
 Joseph obeyed the angel, took Mary as his wife, but did not consummate their marriage until after she gave
birth to Jesus.

Visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)

 Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of King Herod.
 Magi (wise men) from the east arrived in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn king of the Jews, as they saw His
star rise.
 King Herod, disturbed by this news, summoned the chief priests and teachers of the law to find out where the
Messiah was to be born.
 They informed Herod that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as prophesied.
 Herod secretly met with the Magi and directed them to Bethlehem, asking them to report back to him so he
too could go and worship Jesus.
 The Magi followed the star, which led them to the house where Jesus was.
 They bowed down and worshipped Him, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
 Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi took a different route home.

Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)

 An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape
Herod’s plans to kill the child.
 Joseph obeyed and took his family to Egypt, where they stayed until Herod's death.
 This event fulfilled the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18)

 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious.
 He ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity that were two years old and under, in
accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah, describing the mourning in Ramah.

Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

 After Herod's death, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, instructing him to return to
Israel.
 Joseph took his family back to the land of Israel but, fearing Herod's successor, Archelaus, he withdrew to the
district of Galilee.
 They settled in the town of Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a “Nazarene”.
BIRTH OF JESUS (Gospel of Luke)

Birth of John the Baptist Foretold (Luke 1:5-25)

 During the time of King Herod, there was a priest named Zechariah, married to Elizabeth.
 They were righteous but childless because Elizabeth was barren and they were old.
 An angel, Gabriel, appeared to Zechariah while he was serving in the temple and announced that Elizabeth
would bear a son named John.
 Gabriel explained that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would prepare the people for the Lord.
 Zechariah doubted due to their age, and as a result, Gabriel made him mute until the prophecy was fulfilled.

Birth of Jesus Foretold (Luke 1:26-38)

 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel visited Mary, a virgin pledged to Joseph, in Nazareth.
 Gabriel announced that Mary would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, named Jesus.
 Jesus would be great, called the Son of the Most High, and would reign over Jacob's descendants forever.
 Mary questioned how this was possible since she was a virgin, and Gabriel explained the Holy Spirit's role.
 Mary accepted, saying, "I am the Lord's servant."

Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56)

 Mary visited Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's baby leaped in her womb.
 Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, blessed Mary and the fruit of her womb.
 Mary responded with the Magnificat, a song of praise to God.

Birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-80)

 Elizabeth gave birth to John, and on the eighth day, they named him.
 Zechariah wrote on a tablet, "His name is John," and his speech was restored.
 Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied about John and the coming of Jesus.

Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)

 A decree from Caesar Augustus required everyone to return to their hometowns for a census.
 Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, and while there, Mary gave birth to Jesus.
 She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and placed Him in a manger because there was no guest room
available.

Shepherds and Angels (Luke 2:8-20)

 Shepherds were living in the fields nearby, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing the birth of
the Savior, Christ the Lord.
 The angel gave them a sign: they would find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
 A multitude of angels appeared, praising God.
 The shepherds went to Bethlehem, found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, and spread the word about what they
had seen.
 Mary treasured these things in her heart, and the shepherds returned, glorifying God.

Jesus Presented in the Temple (Luke 2:21-40)

 On the eighth day, Jesus was circumcised and named.
 Mary and Joseph took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.
 Simeon, a righteous man, was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died.
 Simeon blessed Jesus and prophesied about His future.
 Anna, a prophetess, also saw Jesus and spoke about Him to those looking forward to the redemption of
Jerusalem.
 Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth, and Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's
grace was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
 When Jesus was twelve years old, His family went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
  Jesus stayed behind in the temple, discussing with teachers, while His parents searched for Him.
 They found Him after three days, amazed at His understanding.
 Jesus returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient, and He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with
God and man.

Comparison of Birth of Jesus from Gospel of Matthew and Luke

Genealogy
Gospel of Matthew Gospel of Luke
 Begins with Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17).  Includes Jesus' genealogy later in chapter 3 (Luke 3:23-
 Traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, emphasizing His 38).
legal right to David's throne.  Traces the lineage through Mary (as many scholars
 Starts with Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, to interpret), emphasizing Jesus' biological connection to
highlight Jesus as the fulfilment of Jewish expectations. David.
 Starts with Adam, stressing Jesus’ universal significance as
the Savior for all humanity.
Events during Birth of Jesus
 Focuses on events after Jesus' birth.  Provides detailed events leading up to Jesus' birth.
 Includes the visit of the Magi (wise men) and the star  Describes the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary, Mary's visit to
guiding them to Bethlehem. Elizabeth, and the Magnificat (Mary's song of praise).
 Highlights the flight to Egypt to escape King Herod and  Narrates the actual birth in Bethlehem, including the
the massacre of the innocents. shepherds' visitation after an angelic announcement.
 Reflects themes of conflict and fulfilment of prophecy, like  Stresses joy, peace, and salvation for all, with a focus on
"Out of Egypt I called my Son" (Matthew 2:15). humble beginnings.
Prophecies and Symbolism
 Centers on Old Testament prophecies, such as the virgin  Emphasizes divine intervention and God's plan unfolding
birth and the significance of Bethlehem through ordinary people like Mary and the shepherds.
 The gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) are  Highlights Jesus' role as a light to the Gentiles and glory to
rich in symbolism, reflecting Jesus' kingship, divinity, and Israel, as expressed in Simeon's prophecy.
suffering.

BAPTISM OF JESUS (Gospel of Matthew)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way (Matthew 3:1-6)

 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of
sins.
 He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.'"
 People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan came to him, confessing their sins and being
baptized in the Jordan River.

John's Message to the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 3:7-12)

 When John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be baptized, he called them a brood of vipers and
warned them to produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
 He spoke of one more powerful than himself who would come, baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire.
 John declared that the coming one would gather his wheat into the barn and burn the chaff with unquenchable
fire.

Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)

 Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan.
 John initially tried to deter Him, saying he needed to be baptized by Jesus, but Jesus insisted to fulfill all
righteousness.
 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water, and heaven opened.
 The Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted on Him.
 A voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased."
BAPTISM OF JESUS (Gospel of Luke)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way (Luke 3:1-6)

  The chapter begins with a historical setting, mentioning the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,
when John received the word of God in the wilderness.
 John went into the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
 He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, as quoted: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for
the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

John's Message to the Crowds (Luke 3:7-14)

 John addressed the crowds coming to be baptized, calling them a brood of vipers and urging them to produce
fruit in keeping with repentance.
 He provided practical advice on how to live righteously, such as sharing with those in need, tax collectors
collecting no more than required, and soldiers not extorting money.

John's Testimony about Jesus (Luke 3:15-18)

 People were wondering if John might be the Messiah, but he clarified that he was not.
 John spoke of one more powerful who would come, baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire.
 He described the coming one's work of gathering wheat and burning the chaff.

Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-22)

 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.
 As He was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove.
 A voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased."

BAPTISM OF JESUS (Gospel of Mark)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way (Mark 1:1-8)

- The beginning of the Gospel of Mark introduces the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
- It references the prophecy from Isaiah: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way a
voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"
- John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- People from the Judean countryside and Jerusalem went out to him, confessed their sins, and were baptized by
him in the Jordan River.
- John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist; he ate locusts and wild
honey.
- John proclaimed that after him would come one more powerful, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11)

- At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
- As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him
like a dove.
- A voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased."

BAPTISM OF JESUS (Gospel of John)

John's Testimony about Jesus (John 1:19-28)

o John the Baptist testified about himself when questioned by Jewish leaders, denying that he was the Messiah,
Elijah, or the Prophet.
o He identified himself as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord,'" as
Isaiah prophesied.
o John baptized with water and spoke of one who stands among them, whom they did not know, who would
come after him, and whose sandals he was not worthy to untie.

Baptism of Jesus (John 1:29-34)

 o The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the
sin of the world!"
o He testified that Jesus is the one he meant when he said, "A man who comes after me has surpassed me
because he was before me."
o John revealed that he did not know Jesus was the Messiah until he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a
dove and remain on Him.
o John explained that he was told by the one who sent him to baptize with water that the man on whom the
Spirit descends and remains is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
o John testified, "I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One."

Comparison of the Baptism of Jesus from Gospel of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John
The Setting and Description of the Event
Matthew Luke Mark John
 Focuses on Jesus'  Emphasizes Jesus praying  The briefest and most  Does not narrate the
interaction with John the after His baptism. straightforward account. baptism directly but
Baptist.  The account is placed  Focuses more on the rather includes John the
 John initially hesitates to within the broader event itself rather than Baptist's testimony about
baptize Jesus, saying, "I context of John's ministry dialogue or explanation. it.
need to be baptized by and his message of  Describes Jesus coming  Highlights John
you." repentance. from Nazareth, being identifying Jesus as "the
 Jesus insists, explaining  Like in Mark, the Spirit baptized, and the Spirit Lamb of God, who takes
that His baptism is descends in bodily form descending like a dove away the sin of the
necessary "to fulfill all like a dove, and the with a voice from heaven world."
righteousness." heavenly voice affirms saying, "You are my Son,  Focuses on John's
 Includes a detailed Jesus: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I recognition of Jesus as
description of the divine whom I love; with you, I am well pleased." the Messiah when he sees
affirmation: the heavens am well pleased." the Spirit descend and
open, the Spirit descends remain on Jesus.
like a dove, and a voice  John testifies that Jesus is
declares, "This is my Son, "God's Chosen One."
whom I love; with Him I
am well pleased."
Key Themes and Emphasis
 Highlights Jesus' role in  Highlights prayer as an  Focuses on the divine  Centers on John the
fulfilling prophecy and important aspect of Jesus' affirmation and Jesus' Baptist's role as a witness
righteousness. ministry. identity as the Son of to Jesus' identity.
 Portrays John the  Connects Jesus' baptism God.  Focuses on Jesus as the
Baptist's humility and to the broader theme of  Opens the Gospel with Lamb of God and the one
Jesus' mission as the the Holy Spirit's presence this event, emphasizing who will baptize with the
Messiah. and empowerment. its significance. Holy Spirit.
Divine Affirmation
 The voice from heaven  The voice is directed to  The voice is directed to  The divine affirmation is
addresses the crowd: Jesus: "You are my Son." Jesus: "You are my Son." implicit through John the
"This is my Son." Baptist’s testimony about
the Spirit descending on
Jesus.
Role of John the Baptist
 Portray John as the one  Highlights John's broader  Portray John as the one  Focuses entirely on John
who baptizes Jesus and ministry and repentance who baptizes Jesus and the Baptist’s testimony
prepares the way. message but gives less prepares the way. about Jesus and His
attention to John’s role divine nature, without
during the baptism itself. narrating the act of
baptism.
Presentation of Jesus’ Identity
 Presents Jesus as the  Emphasizes Jesus’  Highlights Jesus as the  Proclaims Jesus as the
prophesied Messiah and connection to the Holy Son of God, inaugurated Lamb of God and the one
beloved Son of God. Spirit and His prayerful into His mission who baptizes with the
relationship with God Holy Spirit
TEMPTATION OF JESUS (Gospel of Matthew)

Jesus is led to the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2)

  After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasts for
40 days and 40 nights, leaving Him physically weakened.

The Three Temptations

 First Temptation (Matthew 4:3-4)
The tempter approached Him and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command these stones to
turn into loaves of bread.” But He replied, “It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone but on every
command that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

 Second Temptation (Matthew 4:5-7)

The devil then conducted Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the loftiest point of the temple,
saying to Him. “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down: for it is written, He will charge His angels
concerning You and they will carry You on their hands so You may at no time stub Your foot against a
stone.” Jesus replied to him, “Furthermore it is written, 'You shall not test the Lord your God.”

 Third Temptation (Matthew 4:8-10)

Next the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and
their splendour, saying to Him, “All these I will give You if You will kneel and worship me.” Then Jesus said
to him, “Begone, Satan; for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him alone.”

TEMPTATION OF JESUS (Gospel of Mark)

Jesus is drove to the Wilderness (Mark 1:12).

- After His baptism by John, the Spirit immediately sends Jesus into the wilderness
- Jesus remains in the wilderness for 40 days, being tempted by Satan (Mark 1:13). This mirrors significant
Biblical events, such as Israel's 40 years in the desert.

Temptation of Jesus
- Unlike Matthew and Luke, Mark does not elaborate on the specific temptations. Instead, the focus is on the
struggle and Jesus' endurance during His time in the wilderness.
- The text notes that Jesus was among the wild animals, and angels attended Him. This imagery emphasizes
both the danger of the wilderness and God's provision (Mark 1:13).

TEMPTATION OF JESUS (Gospel of Luke)

Jesus is led to the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-2)

 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
 He spends 40 days there, fasting and being tempted by the devil. At the end of this time, Jesus is hungry.

Three Temptations:
 First Temptation (Luke 4:3-4)
So the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered
him, “It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone; but by every expression of God.”

 Second Temptation (Luke 4:5-8)

Then leading Him up to a high mountain, the devil showed Him in an instant all the world's kingdoms
and told Him, “All this authority and the splendour of them will I give You, for it has been handed over to me
and I bestow it on whomever I please; so if You will worship me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus answered him,
“It is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and serve alone.”
 Third Temptation (Luke 4:9-12)
Then he brought Him to Jerusalem and placing Him on the summit of the temple, told Him. “If You
are the Son of God throw Yourself down from here for it is written, He will give orders to His angels on your
 behalf to protect you and They will carry you on their hands so that you may not stub your foot against a
stone.” Jesus answered him. “It is also written, You shall not test the Lord your God.”

Comparison of the Temptation of Jesus from Gospel of Matthew, Luke, and Mark

Order of Temptations
Matthew Luke Mark
 Matthew lists the temptations in this  Luke changes the sequence seen in  Mark does not detail the specific
sequence: turning stones to bread, Matthew. His order is: turning stones temptations that Jesus faced.
jumping off the temple, and to bread, worshipping Satan for
worshipping Satan for worldly worldly power, and jumping off the
power. temple.
Focus
 Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the  Luke emphasizes Jesus' reliance on  Mark's narrative highlights the
fulfillment of Scripture, aligning the Holy Spirit and Scripture, as well immediacy and intensity of the
Him with the experiences of Israel as His rejection of worldly power spiritual struggle, fitting with his
(e.g., 40 days paralleling 40 years in and self-serving actions. Gospel's action-oriented style.
the desert).