Birth Narrative of Christ

This month the High School class at Trinity has been reading through the birth narrative's of Christ as recorded in the Gospels. We have looked at the world context used by the writers and the format in which the story is presented. Here's some of what we've discussed and learned.

Matthew--It begins with a genealogy that goes from Abraham to Joseph thus showing the authenticity of Christ as a descendant of David. This book was written as a means of showing the Jewish people that Christ was their Messiah, so this listing is extremely important.It is important to note that five women are in the line up, all of whom had questionable pasts. It shows us that God can use anyone is they are open to Him. Then the story shifts to Joseph. An angel comes to him and instructs him to take Mary as his wife. We then find that Christ was born. Why is the focus on Joseph? Why is Mary not really mentioned except in passing? It has to do with the purpose of the writing. By telling the story through Joseph's eyes, it gains credibility with Jewish readers in those days. Only after the birth do we know anything of the world culture as we hear about Herod's decree to the Magi to find the child and then tell him. The Magi found the child well after the birth, as they had to travel to get to Herod and then travel to find the child. Herod is tricked by the men and orders all males under two years to be killed. Joseph is instructed to take the family to Africa until the threat was over.We discovered that Matthew was writing to a specific audience that helped shape the form of the story. The historical context is that of Jewish culture and because of that is somewhat narrow compared to the other Gospels. (Matthew 1-2)

Luke--This is the story most people think of when they think about the birth narrative. What interests me most in this version is the parallel between John and Jesus. Both births are foretold: John's to his father, Jesus to his mother. Both parents who are told of the birth sing a song to God: Mary, before the birth and Zechariah, after the birth. Both children have names that do not go with the tradition of family names, but a big deal is made of John's name while at Jesus' birth nothing is really said except "his name is.." Now for the birth of Jesus: Luke's account is set in the Roman world. This is much broader than Matthew's Jewish context. The circle of influence of the story is getting bigger. Luke tells us about the reason for the birth being in Bethlehem as the prophet foretold. There was a census and the town was packed. There was not a place for them to stay except in the back stable. Jesus was born and wrapped up in clothing and put in a manger. Shortly after that, angels appeared to the shepherd outside of town and told them the news of the birth. They went to town and found the the baby in the stable. Yes, Luke tells us of swaddling cloths, a manger, shepherds ad angels. He is concerned for the marginal and outcasts. He tells the story through the eyes of Mary and the shepherds, not usually the leaders in society. We see the broadening scope of the gospel message in Luke's account. (Luke 1:1-2:20)

John--Some people say this is not a birth narrative, but I beg to differ. These verses tell us a great deal about our Savior. First, he was with God in the beginning. He is God and he was with God. Not only that, but the title given is the Word of God. Why do we use words? Communication. God has communicated with us most clearly through Jesus. We find that everything was made through Christ. We are also told about John the Baptist and his role to be a forerunner to Christ by announcing his coming. Jesus was a part of our world and yet people did not recognize or acknowledge him. But, for those who believed in him, they received the right to be children of God. (I love how this gospel tells the story of the birth and the resurrection of Christ all in one story line!) The writer mentions that this new birth as children of God is not natural but spiritual. Reminds me of Nicodemus and his confusion of being born again. Then we are told the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Wow! What a phrase! Jesus became flesh, human. He made his dwelling...when someone dwells somewhere he is free to go anywhere. He can be a part of any group or place within the area. Jesus did just that. He spent time with thieves and liars, sexually promiscuous people, tax collectors, church leaders, and many others. He penetrated every aspect of society and shared his message of being a child of God. The gospel says that we have seen the glory of the one and only...and we have. In Christ we see the image of God the Father in the midst of our streets and homes. The words in John tell us a story that involves the whole world, not just one sector. Again, the scope is wider in this account than the last. Salvation is offered to all and John picks up on this. The context here is universal. The message is one of hope and acceptance. (John 1:1-18)


These are a few thoughts on these passages before Christmas. We will continue to discuss them in class and I will post more of what is said in future blogs.

Sabbath

So this week has been ridiculously crazy, hectic, overwhelming. Some of it by choice and some by circumstance. The closer I get to the end of the semester, the more things I have piling up that need doing. My struggle is staying focused for long periods of time and prioritizing what should be done first. I am learning some of those things by necessity, but I have a long ways to go.

My sabbath consists of not turning on my computer and relaxing by watching college football on Saturdays. I love watching Big XII ball in the Fall. I can escape and just enjoy the time I spend engrossed in things other than work and school.

What do you do to rest and relax? Is it a regular thing or do you rest because you can't go on anymore? What does sabbath mean to you?

What dies inside...

"The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives."--Albert Schweitzer


What is in danger of dying inside you? Is it courage? Hope? Love? What will it take for you, for me, to keep from dying while we yet live?

What are your thoughts?

So begins a blogging journey...

I have never been one to journal and reflect on things in writing. However, I am finding that I am reading more and more insights written by friends through blogs. So I figured I'd jump in on the action, even though I am years behind this technology thing!

My goal is to use this to primarily encourage the students in my Sunday School class. I want to challenge them and give them things to chew on during the week. I always appreciate people who ask deep questions and share profound understandings. Although my questions may not be too deep and my understanding is not profound, I hope to provide a means for getting teens to think about life, love, friendships, faith and God.

So, here begins a journey...are you up for the ride??