Bible Ch 3 test

Question 1

Know the commonalities of Matthew and Luke’s version of the birth story

Answer 1

Herod as King
Joseph as the human father
Engaged virgin named Mary as the birth
mother
Spirit causes the pregnancy
Announcement of angels
Called the Messiah
Location of Bethlehem

Question 2

Was Matthew an eyewitness to Jesus’ birth? Why or why not?

Answer 2

No, he wasn’t born yet

Question 3

What is the updated approximate date for Jesus’ birth?

Answer 3

5 or 4 BC

Question 4

Why have historians changed the date of Jesus’ birth?

Answer 4

Herod was alive during Jesus’ birth but died 4 BC

Question 5

What was Herod’s family background that made him unliked by the Jews?

Answer 5

He was an Iduman/Edomite

Question 6

What was the one positive leadership characteristic we discussed about Herod as king?

Answer 6

Was a master builder

Question 7

Why was Herod so “wicked” even to his own family?

Answer 7

Killed or attempted to kill his own children out of jealousy and suspicion of people trying to take his throne
He was paranoid

Question 8

Who were Herod’s 3 sons?

Answer 8

Not any Agrippa

Question 9

Which perspectives does Matthew and Luke explore the announcements of Jesus’ birth?

Answer 9

Matthew- Joseph
Luke- Mary

Question 10

What is the focus of Matthew’s depiction of the virgin birth?

Answer 10

Explores moral/controversial issue of virgin birth

Question 11

What is the significance of the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel?

Answer 11

They fulfill the prophecies of the lines of David and Judah

Question 12

Know the law regarding a woman being pregnant PRIOR to marriage.

Answer 12

It’s punishable by death by stoning under Mosaic law

Question 13

What is the role of Gabriel?

Answer 13

He gave divine message sent by LORD

Question 14

What is census and role did it play in the birth story of Jesus? And who ordered it?

Answer 14

Roman decree
Role- Everyone had to return to their place of birth
Ordered by Caesar Augustus

Question 15

Know the general facts (“where it is/what is looks like”) about Bethlehem.

Answer 15

5 miles (8 km) SW of
Jerusalem
2,550 ft above sea level
Hill country of Judea
Main road to Hebron and Egypt
Significance - City of David

Question 16

Who was the prototype Messiah?

Answer 16

David

Question 17

What was the ancient Jewish understanding of an inn?

Answer 17

Location specifically for travelers, very informal public shelter

Question 18

Why were Mary and Joseph perfect to be Christ’s parents?

Answer 18

Perfect family line
Perfect age

Question 19

What does Joseph gain by trying to divorce Mary QUIETLY?

Answer 19

His moral integrity and protect Mary

Question 20

What are the differences between modern and ancient engagement?

Answer 20

Ancient engagement- To be engaged was already legally binding in Jewish law

Question 21

Know the comparison chart between Mary and Zechariah

Answer 21

Zachariah:
In the temple serving the Lord
Older
High priest
Shows clear doubt
An older person “can” have a baby
Fear/disbelief
Mary:
Nowhere of religious significance
12-15 yrs old virgin
Simple girl
Question of curiosity
A virgin can’t have a baby
I am the Lord’s servant

Question 22

What is the significance in the comparison to Mary and Zechariah?

Answer 22

Humanness
Purity of the heart of Mary/uncorrupted
Faith
Willing to serve
Brave

Question 23

What is a census and who was governor at the time?

Answer 23

Roman decree
Quirinius

Question 24

What is the significance of Bethlehem?

Answer 24

City of David

Question 25

Verse of the prophecy of Bethlehem as Jesus birth place

Answer 25

Micah 5:2

Question 26

Significance of Jesus birth in a manger

Answer 26

Moment of humble beginnings
Jesus brought himself to a place of humanity in one of the most humble ways possible

Question 27

Where were the Magi likely from? And what were their gifts listed in the Bible?

Answer 27

Arabia Felix
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh

Question 28

What are reasons Jesus survived Herod’s craziness?

Answer 28

Magi ignore Herod’s instructions
Angel appears to Joseph in a dream and gets warned of Herod’s plot to kill Jesus
Go to Egyptian border

Question 29

What did the angels say when they announced the birth of Jesus?

Answer 29

Glory to God on the highest

Question 30

What are at least 4 of the differences between Mary and Zechariah at the time they hear of their miraculous coming children? Why is it so amazing that Mary is willing to be a servant of God?

Answer 30

Mary is young, Zechariah is old
Mary’s a virgin, old ppl can get pregnant
Mary had a question of curiosity, Zechariah was doubting
Mary said she’s Lord’s servant, Zechariah was in disbelief and scared.
Mary’s only about 12-15 years old when she was pregnant and giving birth that young is terrifying. She still had her whole life ahead of her. She never doubted God.

Question 31

What are the two reasons that we can trust that the birth narratives are historical? AND What are 2 things the two stories (Matthew and Luke) have in common?

Answer 31

Luke explicitly states that he has carefully investigated the accuracy of his gospel just before presenting the birth narratives.
There are common features between the two narratives

Question 31

What was the theological significance to the Magi? (who they were and how they reacted to Jesus)

Answer 31

They’re semi-pagan Gentiles and they’re reaction was they fell and worshipped Jesus

Question 32

What is the theological significance to the shepherds and their social status and the announcement of Jesus birth

Answer 32

Though this is an announcement done in a way of a
king, it is presented to common humanity.