Theory question 105
Birth and Early Life of JesusSection B (Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles). Answer at least one question from this section.
(a) Outline the Lukan account of the birth of Jesus.
(b) What two lessons can be learnt from the circumstances of Jesus' birth?
Show the model answer
(a) Caesar Augustus decreed that all the world should be enrolled, when Quirinius was governor of Syria (Luke 2:1-2).
Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, with Mary his betrothed, who was with child (Luke 2:4-5).
While there she gave birth to her first-born son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:6-7).
Shepherds keeping watch by night saw an angel and the glory of the Lord (Luke 2:8-9).
The angel announced good news of a Saviour, Christ the Lord, born in the city of David; the sign was a baby in a manger (Luke 2:10-12).
A heavenly host praised God: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace" (Luke 2:13-14).
The shepherds went, found the baby, and told what they had heard; Mary kept these things in her heart (Luke 2:15-19).
They returned glorifying God (Luke 2:20).
(b) Any two: humility — the Saviour was born in a lowly place; God fulfils His promises (born in David's city); the good news is for ordinary people like shepherds; obedience to authority (the census); God's care for the poor; we should praise God for His gift.
Outline Luke 2:1-20, then two lessons.