Testing our Knowledge: 1) Name 3 Stages of Gospel Development? Age of Historical Jesus, Oral Tradition, Written Tradition 2 Which was the 1 st Written Gospel? Mark (approximately 65 A.D.) 3) Name one Point expressed by the Pontifical Biblical?Commission in 1964 -Document defines Historical Truth of Gospels. -Historical because they deal w/ words/actions of Jesus (Adapted) -3 Stages of Gospel Formation -Gospel writing is influenced by Resurrection -Commission does not cover Infancy Narratives. 4) Define the meaning of the term Quell Source common to Matthew & Luke, but distinct from Mark.
Testing our Knowledge: True/False: For the 1 st Century disciple, the moment of Jesus Death emphasized the Failure of God True The Christological moment portrayed in the Gospels of Mt. & Luke occurs at the Resurrection False Mt, MK, & Luke are the Synoptic Gospels True Synoptic means Look at separately False The Magi are symbolized as Gentiles True The Magi were good & Holy men in search of. Truth
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS STORY: MATTHEW 2:1-23 THE MEANING OF THE MAGI; THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STAR
Opening of the Gospel 3 key divisions The Foundation of the Narrative The Theology of the Narrative The Conclusion of the Narrative
THE STRUCTURE OF MATTHEW The structure of Matthew s infancy narrative: outlined in 3 sections: 1. Opening: (Foundation) A Genealogy of Jesus in 3 groups of 14 generations (1:1-17) The annunciation to Joseph in an angelic dream message (1:16) Child would be the Davidic Messiah (1:18) Conceived through the Holy Spirit & thus: Son of God (1:18-25) 2. The Theology of the Story: The homage of the magi to the newborn king of the Jews (2:1-12) The Meaning of the Star 3. The Conclusion: The escape from Herod the Great and resettlement in Nazareth (2:13-23)
Genealogy = Line of David Matthew s Gospel commences with a genealogy of Jesus, the son of David, the son of Abraham (1:1). POINT: Jesus is introduced as heir of God s promises to Abraham and of the royal heritage of David. The genealogy is arranged in 3 groups of 14 generations: 1. Group one begins with Abraham (who was promised the Land) and ends with David (The Land was united); 2. Group two take us from David to the Babylonian exile/captivity (the Land was lost); 3. Group three spans the Babylonian Exile to Jesus (The Land/Covenant is restored)
Observations that supply framework for Magi In Annunciation to Joseph, Matthew follows the pattern of the typical annunciation of births in the Old Testament Mt s portrayal of Joseph of New Testament resembles the portrait of Joseph in the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) Mt s account of Jesus escape from Herod resembles the Jewish story of Moses escape from the Pharaoh
The Annunciation of Joseph In Matthew: Joseph is the primary character. Receives messages in dreams and must make decisions based on these messages. (In Luke, it is Mary who receives a divine message and must choose. Joseph, is presented by Matthew as a just man. He will not subject Mary to a public inquiry to determine whether her pregnancy was from consensual or coerced intercourse, as discussed in Deuteronomy chapter 22.
The Annunciation of Joseph - continued Instead, he decides to terminate the marriage quietly. Joseph s decision models the observance of the Torah. An angel tells Joseph in a dream that the pregnancy is through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Joseph is instructed to name the child Jesus. Naming the child has significance in law. Joseph becomes the legal father of Jesus, thus affirming the Davidic descent so important in Matthew s genealogy.
Reading: Matthew 2:1-23
Background of the Magi & the Star The Magi and the Star Echo Pentateuchal account of Moses, but combines this with the imagery of a Messiah descended from David Pentateuchal Passage = Numbers 22-24 = Story of Balaam. Does this passage relate to David or Jesus Really Both!
Why use the Story? Herod & Jesus: The Herod of Jesus, is like the Pharaoh of Moses who tried to destroy Moses. Balak and Moses: Balak tried to destroy Moses. Baalam (Magus) & two companions resemble Magi Why use the story? To Describe who Jesus is? Christological Statement: The Son of God of the Line of David.
Theological Analysis Theological Statement: Christ is for everyone The Star is an Imperfect Revelation The Secret is in the Scriptures! Mt 2:2-6 The Great Paradox
Magi and Star The magi from the east who see a star rising recalls the oracle about the coming of David in Numbers chapter 24. The Gentile magi, who were Zoro- Astrian Priests, learn of the birth of the King of the Jews by observing a rising star, an unusual natural phenomenon. The magi eventually find Jesus in the house. This shows that Matthew understands Joseph and Mary originally to have been residents of Bethlehem, not Nazareth. Joseph, descendant of David, resides in a house there.
Magi and Escape Magi offer gifts of tribute: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, all of which have funereal overtones. They are items that can be used at the burial of a king.
Magi and Star The Gentile magi, who were Zoro- Astrian Priests, learn of the birth of the King of the Jews by observing a rising star, an unusual natural phenomenon. At Jesus death, the Gentile Roman executioners see another unusual natural event, an earthquake, and conclude that the crucified King of the Jews is God s Son.
Matthew s Theology Matthew s infancy narrative announces that Jesus birth is the climax of God s long story with Israel. Jesus epitomizes all of Israel s history. Jesus is the perfect Jew; he perfectly fulfills the Torah s commands. Matthew expects all believers to do God s will by observing the Torah according to what Jesus has commanded. Matthew s infancy narrative conveys that the true significance of the newborn child will be seen at his death, a death which will affect all of humanity.
Conclusion: From the Wood of the Crib, to the Wood of the Cross!
Homework Read Luke 2: 1-40 Answer Blog Questions: 1) What are some of the things Joseph had to sacrifice, or overcome, to be obedient to the Lord (2:13-14)? When has your own obedience been challenged and how did you respond?