Infancy Narratives Assignment
Read Matthew’s Infancy Narrative (Matthew Chapters 1-2). You can skim through the
genealogy section in chapter one but read the rest of the first two chapters. Then answer the
questions.
Matthew’s Gospel Questions
The Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25)
1. Who is Jesus related and traced back to that were extremely important people for the
Jews (Look at Chapter 1:1-2)?
2. What was Joseph’s first reaction upon his discovery of Mary’s pregnancy and what does
he originally decide to do (Matthew 1:19)?
3. Ultimately why does Joseph decide to change his mind and marry Mary (Matthew 1:2022)?
4. What does Jesus’ name, Emmanuel, mean?
Chapter 2
5. Where was Jesus born?
6. How does Herod plan to use the Magi (3 Wise men) to find where Jesus is located?
7. Why do the Magi decide not to return to Herod after visiting Egypt?
8. What does God tell Joseph to do in a dream?
9. How does Herod try to eliminate the threat of a new king?
10. Where does Joseph move with his family after Herod dies?
Luke’s Gospel Questions
Read Luke’s Infancy Narrative (Luke Chapters 1-2:38). Then answer the questions.
Luke’s Gospel Chapter 1 – Chapter 2 verse 38 Questions.
Announcement of the Birth of John
11. How does God communicate with Zechariah? What does he tell him?
12. What happens to Zechariah because he doesn’t accept God’s message at first?
Announcement of the Birth of Jesus
13. How does God communicate with Mary? What is his message for her?
14. What is Mary’s first reaction upon hearing this message?
15. Look at verse 37, what is the message about God that the Angel Gabriel says to Mary?
16. Finally what does Mary ultimately decide to do in responding to God’s plan (Look at
verse 38)?
Mary Visits Elizabeth
17. What happens to Elizabeth once Mary enters her house to visit?
The Birth of John (Luke 1:57-66) and the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20)
18. When John is finally born, how is his Father Zechariah able to regain his ability to speak?
19. Why did Joseph and Mary have to travel to Bethlehem?
20. How do the local shepherds hear about the birth of Jesus? What was their reaction
after visiting Jesus’ birth?
Compare and Contrast the Gospels
21. How do Matthew and Luke each begin their Gospels?
22. In each infancy story, how does God communicate with the people? Even though God
communicates in each story in a different way, what is similar about the way God speaks
with people in both?
23. In each story, why do Mary and Joseph have to leave Bethlehem?
24. Who focuses more on Joseph and his family? Who focuses more on Mary and her
family?
25. In each Gospel, who visits Jesus after he is born?