Nativity and Hidden Years Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the role of Caesar Augustus in the events leading to Jesus' birth?

He provided financial support for Mary's journey.

He was a direct ancestor of Jesus as mentioned in the Gospels.

He ordered the construction of a temple in Bethlehem.

He issued a decree for a census that required Joseph and Mary to travel. (correct)

According to traditional sources, who was believed to have shared the story of Jesus' birth with Luke?

The Blessed Virgin Mary. (correct)

The archangel Gabriel.

Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.

King David's descendants.

What prophecy from the Old Testament is referenced regarding the birthplace of the Messiah?

The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. (correct)

The Messiah will rise in Jerusalem.

A ruler will come from Nazareth.

The Savior will emerge from Egypt.

Why did Joseph travel to Bethlehem with Mary despite her advanced pregnancy?

To fulfill the requirement of the census. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about Mary’s knowledge regarding her child’s destiny?

She suspected her child was destined to be the Redeemer. Signup and view all the answers

What does the name 'Yeshua' signify about Jesus' mission?

It translates to 'Yahweh Saves'. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Magi is correct?

They were learned men from the east who came to pay tribute. Signup and view all the answers

What did Herod request from the Magi regarding the newborn king?

To inform him of the child's whereabouts. Signup and view all the answers

What warning did Joseph receive while in Bethlehem?

To flee to Egypt for safety. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Jesus' circumcision eight days after his birth?

To fulfill Jewish law and customs. Signup and view all the answers

Which prophetic fulfillment is cited in relation to Jesus' escape to Egypt?

Out of Egypt I have called my son. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the shepherds were considered to be on the fringes of society?

They were often poor and uneducated. Signup and view all the answers

What was Simeon’s reaction when he saw Jesus in the Temple?

He prayed and expressed his peace. Signup and view all the answers

What does the arrival of the Magi and their gifts symbolize?

Recognition of the child’s divinity by all nations. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the time of Jesus' birth historically estimated between 7 and 6 B.C.?

Due to calculating backward from historical events. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nativity and Hidden Years

Imperial Census: Caesar Augustus decreed a census, requiring Jewish men to register in their ancestral cities. This compelled Joseph, a descendant of David, to travel to Bethlehem.
Mary's Pregnancy: Mary, Joseph's betrothed, was pregnant and traveling with him to Bethlehem.
Bethlehem's Significance: Micah prophesied the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Mary likely understood the importance of Bethlehem for her child's destiny.
Divine Intervention: The Roman census, a seemingly mundane event, facilitated Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, aligning with God's plan.
Humble Birth: Jesus' birth, in a manger, underscored the humility of the Son of God becoming Son of Man. The location of his birth wasn't a palace but a place of poverty.

The Birth of Jesus

Unconventional Birth: Jesus' birth, in obscurity and poverty, challenged conventional expectations for such a momentous event.
Shepherd's Revelation: God chose shepherds outside Bethlehem to be the first to hear the birth of the Savior. Angels announced Jesus' arrival and declared him Christ the Lord.
Universal Celebration: The arrival of Jesus was greeted with angelic glory and peace.
Date of Birth: Jesus was born likely in 7 or 6 BC, shortly before Herod the Great's death in 4 BC. The "Before Christ" dating is a calendarical convention.
Political Context: Tension and revolt (like Judas the Galilean's uprising) existed during Jesus' birth.

The Holy Innocents

Herod's Fear: Herod, the king, feared a threat to his reign from the new Jewish king and ordered the killing of male infants near Bethlehem up to two years of age.
Martyrdom: These infants are honored as martyrs by the Church.
Flight to Egypt: Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's wrath. An angel warned the couple in a dream.

The Return and Early Life

Archelaus' Reign: Herod's son, Archelaus, succeeded him and was also a threat. The Romans eventually sent him into exile.
Nazareth: Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Nazareth in Galilee. This marked the start of Jesus' "Hidden Life".
Family Life: The Holy Family resided in Nazareth and led a modest, working class life similar to other families.
Joseph's Profession: Joseph, a carpenter, played a significant role in Nazareth's society. Jesus likely learned the trade from his father.
Jewish upbringing: Jesus was raised according to the customs of a devout, conservative Jewish family, studying Jewish texts and traditions.

The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus

Passover Journey: At age twelve, Jesus accompanied his parents to Jerusalem for Passover.
Temple Sermon: Jesus was found in the Temple after his family had left him; he astonished the learned scribes with his intellectual prowess.
Divine Will: Jesus, in explaining his presence, stated, "I must be in my Father's house," emphasizing obedience to God's will.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key events surrounding the nativity of Jesus, including the imperial census, Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, and the significance of Jesus' humble birth. This quiz examines biblical prophecies and the divine intervention that orchestrated these events, emphasizing their importance in Christian theology.