Characters: Mary Primary Scriptures: Luke 2 Story Summary: Story of the birth of Jesus Location: Nazareth Time: Circa 5-1 BC Luke tells many details of the births and early childhoods of Jesus and John the Baptist that Mathew did not give. It is likely that Luke had the opportunity to meet Mary in person and learn much about those early lives. As a doctor, Luke would likely have been fascinated with the many unusual aspects of their stories only Mary could provide. In the gospel of Matthew, it is recorded that the wise men came to the baby Jesus in a house. Although some traditions indicate Jesus was born in a cave or a barn, it is equally as likely that he was born in a guest house that had an interior manger. That might fit better with the idea that Joseph was of David’s family and would have deserved hospitality in the small village of Bethlehem. Luke stresses that Jesus’ parents followed the Laws of Moses precisely when they offered a sacrifice for him. While at the Temple, two reliable prophets, Simeon and Anna, foretold many things about Jesus. From that point on, surely his parents must have been aware they had a special baby who would change the future of Israel. Luke had the benefit of hindsight as he wrote about the birth and early life of Jesus. He also knew his target audience needed to be convinced of the legitimacy of Luke’s rather outlandish story. He apparently chose his material accordingly. In the classic thinking, it was as important to note what was not said, as much as what was said! Eyewitness Bible Series