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.
If God inspired the textual record of the birth stories of Jesus, it is reasonable to expect similar accounts without obvious omission of important elements in either story.
| 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) |