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.

    Luke 1.26-38 (King James Version) :
    And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.For with God nothing shall be impossible.And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
    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.

    Numbers 4.3 (King James Version) :
    From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
    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.

    Daniel 9.24-27 (King James Version) :
    Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
    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.

    Micah 5.2 (King James Version) :
    But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
    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.

    Isaiah 40.3 (King James Version) :
    The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Notestraight: or, a straight placeNoteplain: or, a plain place
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate