1A: Jesus' Birth Flashcards
Matthew’s Narrative
- writing for Jewish community to show that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah
- doesn’t need to explain Jewish laws/customs
- from Joseph’s perspective
- Jesus was born in a house, Magi visit, Herod killing boys, Joseph has dream to flee to Egypt
- Jesus is the son of Abraham and David
Luke’s Narrative
- writing for non-Jews (Gentiles) to show that Jesus came for everyone
- needs to explain Jewish laws/customs
- from Mary’s perspective
- angel visits Mary, Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist, shepherds visit, no killing children, swaddling clothes + manger
- Jesus is the son of God
Redaction Criticism
Focuses on how the redactor has shaped the narrative to express their theological goals and appeal to their audience
Harmonisation
When editors try to make stories ‘in harmony’ with other accounts
Similarities between the 2 Narratives
- main characters – Mary, Joseph, Jesus
- supporting characters – angel + Holy Spirit
- place names – Nazareth, Bethlehem
- historical period – reign of King Herod
Historicity in Matthew’s Narrative
Matthew refers to massacre of children which wasn’t reported by any historian
Historicity in Luke’s Narrative
Luke’s chronology is suspicious a census wasn’t held during the time of Herod
Midrash
‘Searching out’ the meaning of, or interpreting, the words of the Torah. If texts are ‘midrash’ they are of value
High Christology
Focuses on Jesus’ divinity
Low Christology
Focuses on Jesus’ humanity
Function of the Narratives
To assert that Jesus is both divine and human
The Incarnation
When human nature was added to the divine nature of God
3 Councils that defined the Incarnation
The Council of Nicea, Ephesus and Chalcedon
Hyperstatic Union
When Jesus is both fully divine and fully human
Kenotic Model
Comes from Greek word “keno” which means to make empty. Jesus emptied his own free will in order to receive the divine will
