The Birth of Jesus
Matthew and Luke's accounts contain elements that almost never overlap.
Timeline
| Timeline | Matthew | Luke |
|---|---|---|
| Before Birth | Angel appears to Joseph in dream (1:20-21) | Angel Gabriel appears to Mary (1:26-38) |
| Starting Location | Bethlehem implied (2:1) | Nazareth to Bethlehem (2:4) |
| Reason for Location | Not mentioned | Census of Quirinius (2:1-3) |
| Birth Setting | House (2:11) | Manger, no room at inn (2:7) |
| First Visitors | Magi from East (2:1-2) | Shepherds in fields (2:8-16) |
| Divine Signs | Star in the East (2:2,9) | Angels appear to shepherds (2:9-14) |
| Gifts/Recognition | Gold, frankincense, myrrh (2:11) | Shepherds spread the word (2:17-18) |
| Post-Birth Events | Flight to Egypt (2:13-15), Herod's massacre (2:16-18) | Presentation at Temple (2:22-24) |
| Final Settlement | Nazareth after Egypt (2:19-23) | Return to Nazareth (2:39) |
| Genealogy Traces | Through Joseph to Abraham (1:1-17) | Through Joseph to Adam (3:23-38) |
Conclusion
The birth narratives contain mutually exclusive historical claims, and the different geographical movements cannot be reconciled into a single coherent timeline. For example:
- In Matthew, Jesus is born in a Bethlehem house; in Luke, the family travels from Nazareth for a census and he is born in a manger.
- In Matthew, the family flees to Egypt from Herod's massacre; in Luke, they return to Nazareth after presenting Jesus at the Temple.
- In Matthew, magi visit with expensive gifts. In Luke, local shepherds visit with nothing.
- In Matthew, a star guides the magi. In Luke, angels appear to shepherds.
- The genealogies differ significantly and trace through different ancestors.
These are likely two independent traditions that developed separately, with each author crafting narratives for their audiences rather than attempting to record precise historical details.