Birth of Jesus
Life of Jesus
New Testament

Birth of Jesus

Two birth narratives

Matthew and Luke tell the birth differently, and the differences are part of the story.

Reading plan

Matthew 1Matthew 2Luke 1Luke 2

How the story unfolds

  1. 1

    Announcements

    Angelic messages come to Mary and to Joseph.

    Luke 1Matthew 1
  2. 2

    Bethlehem

    The birth is set in David's town.

    Luke 2
  3. 3

    Shepherds and magi

    Two very different sets of visitors.

    Luke 2Matthew 2
  4. 4

    Flight to Egypt

    Matthew records an escape from Herod.

    Matthew 2

Context & interpretation

Debated

The census in Luke 2 and its dating relative to Herod's reign is a long-standing historical discussion.

Scriptured labels editorial context separately from Scripture, and never presents interpretation as consensus.

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