Episode 1 of 11 · Announcement of the Birth of Jesus the Messiah

  1. Episode 1: Announcement of the Birth of Jesus the Messiah
  2. Episode 2: Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
  3. Episode 3: Mary's Praise, or the Magnificat
  4. Episode 4: The Birth of John the Baptist
  5. Episode 5: Zechariah's song of praise at the birth of his son John
  6. Episode 6: Mary's return to Nazareth
  7. Episode 7: Joseph's first dream
  8. Episode 8: The birth of Jesus the Messiah.
  9. Episode 9: The Magi from the East meet Herod
  10. Episode 10: Joseph's fourth and last dream
  11. Episode 11: The ministry of John the Baptist

Stories from the Childhood of Jesus According to Luke

Further reading
  • ANN062 The manger in Bethlehem

    This article examines the Christmas nativity scene tradition, comparing the historical accounts with its modern cultural representation. It draws on the Gospel of Luke…

  • ANN013 The Star of Bethlehem

    The article analyses the star of Bethlehem in the Gospel of Matthew, questioning whether it was symbolic or real. It describes how the Magi, through their expertise…

  • ANN016 The journey to Egypt

    The article analyses the Holy Family's journey to Egypt according to Matthew, and its absence in Luke. It explores the theological and historical implications…

The life of Jesus up to the age of 12

  1. PER004 Announcement of the birth of Jesus the Messiah

    The article discusses the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel of Luke, emphasising his conception through the Holy Spirit. It also explores the prophetic and family contexts surrounding this major event in Christianity.

    Daniel 8.6 (King James Version) :
    And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  2. PER005 Mary's visit to Elizabeth

    Mary's visit to Elizabeth, recounted in the Gospel of Luke, highlights Mary's faith and the prophetic importance of this event in the fulfilment of Scripture. The article explores the historical and theological context of this encounter.

    Luke 1.39-45 (King James Version) :
    And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  3. PER006 Mary's praise, or the Magnificat

    This article examines Mary's Magnificat, a hymn of praise in which she expresses her gratitude to God, acknowledging her role in the plan of redemption. An analysis of Luke 1:46-55.

    Luke 1.46-55 (King James Version) :
    And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  4. PER007 The birth of John the Baptist

    The article discusses the birth of John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. His birth, described as miraculous, is accompanied by prophecies and recalls ancient biblical accounts. John, whose name means "God is gracious", is announced by Gabriel and will become a forerunner of the Messiah.

    Luke 1.57-66 (King James Version) :
    Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa.And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  5. PER008 Zechariah's praise at the birth of his son John

    The article explores Zechariah's praise at John's birth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and looks ahead to John's role as the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah. Taking place in Ein Karem, these events reveal the divine plan that Zechariah and Mary see unfolding.

    Luke 1.67-80 (King James Version) :
    And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  6. PER009 Mary's return to Nazareth

    The article examines Mary's return to Nazareth after visiting Elizabeth. Familiar with the prophecies, Mary witnesses John's birth, confirming his future role in God's plan. She returns with her family after the Passover pilgrimage.

    Luke 1.56 (King James Version) :
    And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  7. PER010 Joseph's first dream

    The article explores Joseph's dream in the Gospel of Matthew, revealing how his visions and decisions influence Mary's life and perceptions of Jesus. By taking Mary into his home, Joseph legitimises Jesus' birth despite malicious rumours.

    Luke 2.23 (King James Version) :
    (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  8. PER013 The birth of Jesus the Messiah.

    This article analyses Jesus' birth in relation to several biblical texts and historical elements, such as the festival of Sukkot and Herod's rule. It surveys the challenges Mary and Joseph faced during their stay in Bethlehem and the theological significance of this event.

    Matthew 2.1-2 (King James Version) :
    Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  9. PER020 The Magi from the East meet Herod

    This article examines the Magi's meeting with Herod, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting its importance in affirming Jesus' kingship. It places the visit in its historical context, exploring the Magi's motives and Herod's intentions while discussing Jesus' birth and its historical and theological implications.

    Matthew 2.1-8 (King James Version) :
    Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  10. PER026 Joseph's fourth and final dream

    Joseph receives divine instructions in a dream, leading him to return to Nazareth with his family rather than Bethlehem. Matthew emphasises that this decision fulfils the prophecy that Jesus will be called a Nazarene.

    Matthew 2.22-23 (King James Version) :
    But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The ministry of John the Baptist

  1. PER029 The ministry of John the Baptist

    The article examines John the Baptist's role in preparing for Jesus' coming. Appearing in Matthew, Mark and Luke, John baptises and preaches in the Judean wilderness. Regarded as Christ's forerunner, he never claimed to be the Messiah. His teachings prepared the people to welcome Jesus, the royal Messiah.

    Luke 3.1-18 (King James Version) :
    Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate