The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide differing accounts of Jesus' birth and early life. It may be possible to reconcile the accounts, but I do not believe it is a probable retelling of historical events. The accounts are not consistent with each other, and their differences suggest a theologically motivated story at the expense of historical accuracy.
| Event | Matthew | Luke |
|---|---|---|
| Genealogy | From Abraham to Joseph (1:1-17) | From Adam to Joseph (3:23-38) |
| Annunciation to Mary | Not mentioned | Angel Gabriel appears to Mary (1:26-38) |
| Mary visits Elizabeth | Not mentioned | Mary visits Elizabeth for three months (1:39-56) |
| Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy | Plans to divorce Mary quietly (1:19) | Not mentioned |
| Annunciation to Joseph | Angel appears in a dream (1:20-25) | Not mentioned |
| Journey to Bethlehem | Not mentioned | Joseph and Mary travel for census (2:1-5) |
| Birth of Jesus | Mentioned briefly (1:25) | Detailed account, laid in a manger (2:6-7) |
| Announcement to shepherds | Not mentioned | Angels appear to shepherds (2:8-20) |
| Circumcision of Jesus | Not mentioned | Circumcised on the eighth day (2:21) |
| Presentation at the Temple | Not mentioned | Jesus presented, Simeon and Anna prophesy (2:22-38) |
| Visit of the Magi | Magi follow star and visit Jesus (2:1-12) | Not mentioned |
| Flight to Egypt | Family flees to Egypt (2:13-15) | Not mentioned |
| Massacre of the Innocents | Herod kills children in Bethlehem (2:16-18) | Not mentioned |
| Return from Egypt | Family returns, settles in Nazareth (2:19-23) | Not mentioned |
| Return to Nazareth | After Egypt (2:23) | After temple presentation (2:39) |
| Jesus' childhood | Not mentioned | Brief mention of growth and wisdom (2:40) |
| Jesus at the Temple at age 12 | Not mentioned | Detailed account (2:41-52) |