Shelly Dunne

Religion 124-08

3/22/10

Matthew’s Infancy Narrative

1.) The infancy narrative in Matthew is centered more around Joseph than Mary. It begins with Joseph’s lineage, proving that he is a descendant of David. It is also Joseph who the angel Gabriel comes to and convinces him to stay with Mary. Finally, all the dreams that save Jesus’s life are told to Joseph. All the key parts of Jesus’s infancy are seen through Joseph’s side instead of Mary’s, which is seen more in Luke

2.) Mary does not seem to be highlighted as much as Joseph. Her name only seems to be mentioned once, she is referred to more as “the virgin” or “Jesus’ mother”. Her role is highlighted more as the women who gives birth to Jesus instead of the one who is saving Jesus’ life like Joseph.

3.) A lot of the things that Matthew highlights the fact that Jesus a descendant of David. Also, Matthew does highlight Herod’s reign because it is like the pharaoh’s reign in the Old Testament. I noticed that Matthew mentions a lot about Israel as well because it is reminiscent of the Old Testament.