Birth of Jesus Christ

Introduction to the Birth of Jesus Christ Bible Study

Purpose of This Study

The in-depth summary of each bible study is much different than the small group bible study that is laid out before the leader and the students.  The small group studies are intended to be interactive, provide a learning atmosphere for students, and open discussions allowing for interpretations for what the gospels’ witnessed.  The in-depth summary is designed to help the leader with expansive information, much more than what is in the text notes found at the bottom of every bible page.  An exhaustive search was completed on each verse to help the Leader answer questions that may come up during the study.

Matthew and Luke’s Different Perspectives

The Bible study of “The Birth of Jesus Christ” is different from other studies. The two Gospels that describe Jesus’ birth are Matthew and Luke. There is little comparison between the two Gospels. This study provides a complete illustration of Jesus’ birth by complementing the two Gospels, which wrote about the event from their points of view.

You will notice Matthew describing the event from Joseph’s perspective. Matthew was Jewish, and he wrote to the Jewish community. There are a few possibilities from Matthew’s perspective. Matthew is the only one who wrote about Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, and the dreams he had with angels.

In contrast, Luke’s version focuses more closely on Mary’s experience. Even though their perspectives on the event are different, this does not discount either writer’s account. Quite the contrary, it provides a more complete and detailed interpretation of the event. Luke was a Gentile and a physician who never met Jesus. Luke wrote what he knew and heard from the other Gospel writers. Luke does not describe any of the dreams. It is also safe to assume that neither Matthew nor Luke was an actual eyewitness of Jesus’ birth. It is also not known how either obtained knowledge of the events. Their descriptions of the event are very different, but they both agree that Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

The Birth of Jesus According to Matthew (Matthew 1:18-25)

Mary and Joseph Betrothal: (Have someone read the verse outlined in red: Matthew 1:18). Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

1.      In verse Matthew 1:18, what does it mean to be betrothed?  The Greek word is “betrothed,” which, in Jewish culture, is a binding agreement.  The betrothal agreement was often between the husband and the bride’s father and commonly lasted ten to twelve months before the consummation of the marriage.  There were to be no sexual relations during a Jewish betrothal.  A betrothed woman was widely referred to as a “wife.”[i]

2.      Further, in Matthew 1:18, what does it mean “before they came together?”  This means Joseph and Mary had not yet had sexual relations.  It is implied that Mary was still a virgin at this time.[ii]

3.      At the end of Matthew 1:18, Matthew states “Mary was found with child of the Holy Spirit.”  What makes this pregnancy different than other miraculous pregnancies in the Old Testament?  There have been several miraculous pregnancies in the Old Testament.  But in every circumstance, the woman became pregnant by a human man.  This is the first pregnancy a woman has been pregnant without the help of the seed of a mortal man.[iii]  The pregnancy put Joseph in a difficult situation.  He only knew she was pregnant, and it was not by himself.   He thus assumed Mary was unfaithful. 

4.      Prophecy Fulfilled.  What prophecy is fulfilled with this verse?  Genesis 3:15. Leader to read:  Have someone read Genesis 3:15.  After the fall of man, which created a world of sin, God punishes the serpent. The prophecy is stated in the first part of Genesis 3:15. God states He will put enmity between you and the woman (this is not Eve, this is Mary).  The seed of the woman will be the Messiah of Israel (Jesus).  Mary gives birth to a child not conceived by an earthly father but by the Holy Spirit.[iv]

Joseph’s Character and Compassion (Have someone read the verse outlined in red: Matthew 1:19). Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

5.      In verse Matthew 1:19, what does it mean when Joseph wanted to “put her away secretly?”  To put Mary away secretly was to divorce her privately.  Notice the language has changed, Joseph is referred to here as “her husband”; however, Joseph and Mary were not yet married but betrothed.  Joseph is also referred to as a “just man.”  Several versions refer to Joseph as a man of compassion, kindness, mercy, and righteousness.  Some other versions interpret putting Mary away was to hide her until the birth of the child.[v]

6.      Why would Joseph want to put Mary away?   Joseph was committed and passionate to his wife and did not want her to undergo any embarrassment about a public divorce but a private divorce.5

Joseph’s First Dream (Have someone read the verse outlined in red: Matthew 1:20-21). But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

7.      How did the angel appear to Joseph?  In a dream.

8.      In Joseph’s first dream, what five things did the angel of the Lord inform or command Joseph he must do?

a.      Take Mary as your wife.

b.     The baby conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit

c.      Mary will give birth to a Son.[vi]

d.     You will call His name Jesus.

e.      Jesus will save His people from their sins.[vii]

9.      What is a Prophecy?  According to Webster’s American Dictionary from 1828, “a prophecy is a foretelling, prediction or a declaration of something to come.  As God only knows future events with certainty, no being but God or some person informed by him can utter a real prophecy. The prophecies recorded in Scripture, when fulfilled, afford the most convincing evidence of the divine original of the Scriptures, as those who uttered the prophecies could not have foreknown the events predicted without supernatural instruction.”[viii]

10. What are the characteristics of fulfilling a prophecy?

1. When an event, statement, or occurrence is clearly predicted and then comes to pass. This means it happened or to occur, and this is said to be fulfilled.

2. When something is characteristic or foreshadowed by another event that occurs. When the event occurs, this is to be said to be fulfilled.

3. When a prophecy of a future event is expressed in language that describes an event is so full and rich of the prediction that no other answer is a viable alternative, it is said to be fulfilled.  Matthew provides evidence of five prophecies that are fulfilled in this study.  The first one occurs in Matthew 1:22-23.

The Second Prophecy is Fulfilled: The Virgin Birth (Have someone read the verse outlined in red: Matthew 1:22-23).  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

11. In Joseph’s first dream, who was the prophet Matthew is referring to in Matthew 1:22-23?  Isaiah. 

12. In what verse did the profit say “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanual?”  Isaiah 7:14. Leader: Have someone read Isaiah 7:14.[ix]

13. What four elements are required for the prophecy to be fulfilled?

a.      The woman must be a virgin.  The angel of the Lord first reveals to Joseph in Matthew 1:20-21 that his betrothed wife, Mary, was not unfaithful to him, and she was not pregnant from another man.  Therefore, Mary was still a ‘virgin.’  This fulfills element number 1.9

b.     The virgin woman must conceive and become pregnant.  The angel then explains Mary’s pregnancy to Joseph.  The angel states Mary’s pregnancy was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  This act was to fulfill element number 2.9

c.      She must also give birth to a boy.  For purposes of fulfilling the prophecy, in Luke 2:7, Mary brings forth her firstborn Son.  This completes element number 3.9

d.     They must call him Immanuel. The appropriate name of Jesus is Immanuel, translated “God is with us.” This fulfills number 4.9

Joseph Obeys God. (Have someone read the verse outlined in red: Matthew 1:24). Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

14. What did Joseph do or not do until Jesus was born?  Joseph and Mary did not have sexual relations until after Jesus was born.  Referring to the text in Matthew 1:25 “and did not know her until she had brought forth her firstborn Son.”

The Birth of Jesus Christ According to Luke (Luke 2:1-7)

Caesar Augustus and the Roman Census

The census: (Have someone read the verses outlined in blue: Luke 2:1-2).And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.   Leader to read: Since there is no specific calendar date mentioned, Luke establishes a timeline by referencing two prominent Roman leaders of the time. Caesar Augustus reigned from 31 B.C. to 14 A.D. Quirinius in the NKJV and Cyrenius in the King James Version are actually the same person. Quirinius served as the governor of Syria from 6 A.D. to 9 A.D., which places the timeline after the birth of Jesus. Quirinius may have served as governor twice, as records show a gap from 4 B.C. to 1 A.D. Notably, this is the sole reference to Quirinius in the Bible. He was a Roman Senator from 4 B.C. to 1 A.D., it is conceivable that he held both titles, oversaw the census, and subsequently became the governor of Syria.[x]

15. Why did Caesar Augustus order a decree for a census?  Caesar Augustus expanded the Roman empire to include the entire Mediterranean world during his reign.  The census was used primarily to ascertain the population and the property of the Roman Empire.  The population was used for military service.  The phrase “should be taxed” has been omitted in some bibles.

Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem. (Have someone read the verses outlined in blue: Luke 2:3-5). So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

16. In Luke 2:3-4, why did Joseph have to return to Bethlehem?  Each citizen of the Roman Empire was required to go to the town of their ancestral roots.  In Joseph’s case, he would have to go to Bethlehem, also known as the City of David, because it was the place of his birth.  Also, Joseph descended from David as his ancestor. 

17. How far did Joseph and Mary travel while she was pregnant with Jesus from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and how long would it take to travel?  The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70 miles or 112 kilometers.[xi]  An average pace to travel on foot or by donkey would be about 20 miles or 32 kilometers per day.  With Mary being pregnant, they traveled much slower than usual to avoid discomfort and risks to Mary and the Child.  It could have taken them 7 to 10 days to complete the journey.[xii]

Third Prophecy Fulfilled: Jesus Born in Bethlehem

Mary delivers Jesus. (Have someone read the verses outlined in Matthew 2:5-6 in purple and Luke 2:6-7 in blue).

So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”  (Matthew 2-5-6)

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7) 

18. Where is it written in the Old Testament that the Messiah would be born?  Micah 5:2.65 Leader: Have someone read Micah 5:2.[xiii]

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

19. What are the requirements of the Bethlehem Prophecy?

1. The Messiah must be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah

2. Are least among the thousands in Judah

3. The Messiah come from God to be ruler of Israel

4. The Messiah be from old and be everlasting

Evidence That Jesus Fulfilled the Prophecy

1.  The birthplace of the future ruler of Israel must be from Bethlehem, Ephrathah.  At the time of Micah’s writing, there were two towns named Bethlehem.  One is in Judah near Jerusalem.  The other is north near Nazareth.  Micah specifically states the town of Bethlehem in Ephrathah.  The Bethlehem of Ephrathah narrows the location to the Judah area.  Ephrathah is more specific, similar to naming the county rather than the state.  Matthew 2:1, fulfills element #1.

2. Bethlehem is a relatively small town among all the other towns and cities in Judah.

3.  Rulers or leaders of Judah.  The Messiah would be the leader of all the clans of Israel.

4. “out of you shall come forth to Me.”  Out of Bethlehem Jesus will come forth.  The coming ruler would come from Bethlehem.  He would come from the old days and be eternal.  Habakkuk mentions this in Habakkuk 1:12. Jesus claims to be the Messiah, ruler of Israel, John 4:25-26.  Mark 14:61-62.  This fulfills element #2.

John reaffirms Jesus is eternal.  John 1:1-2.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.”  Isaiah 9:6 defines the Jesus as being everlasting, as being called the “Everlasting Father.” This fulfills element #3.

Prophecy fulfilled. Only Jesus Christ fits this prophecy.  (1) He was born in Bethlehem, (2) Jesus claimed to be the Messiah to rule over Israel, and (3) He fits the descriptions as being from “ancient times” and is everlasting.  No other person or ruler in Israel fits these requirements.

20. In Luke 2:7 Luke states Jesus was her first born.  What other siblings did Jesus have from Mary?  Two verses confirm this:  Matthew 13:55[xiv] and Mark 6:3. Both state Jesus had at least four brothers:  James, Joses, Simon, and Judas.

21. What word(s) or indications refer Jesus being born in a stable?  Luke 2:7 “laid Him in a manger.”

The Angels Announce Jesus' Birth to the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)

Shepherds Watching Their Flocks: (Have someone read the verses outlined in green: Luke 2:8)

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

22. Why did they have shepherds living out in the fields at night?  Luke 2:7 “laid Him in a manger.” There are several reasons: (1) the sheep were not enclosed in a pen or fenced, (2) the sheep could be stolen or stray away from the flock, (3) the sheep could be eaten by wolves or other wild beasts.[xv]

The Angel's Message of Good News (Have someone read the verses outlined in green: Luke 2:9-12)

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

23. How did the angel comfort the frightened shepherds? The angel told them not to be afraid and redirected their attention to the gospel’s good tidings.[xvi]

24. How did the angel tell the shepherds how they will identify Christ the Lord?  They will see Him wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.[xvii]

The Heavenly Host Praises God (Have someone read the verses outlined in green: Luke 2:13-14)

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

25. What were the multitude of heavenly hosts? The phrase “multitude of heavenly hosts” refers to the group of celestial beings commonly referred to by scholars as angels. They appeared, announced, and celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. These angels conveyed praise and joyous tidings, emphasizing the significance of the event. Their appearance is often seen as a symbol of divine celebration and the fulfillment of prophecies.[xviii]

26. Why would there be goodwill toward men on earth? Nowhere is there a greater sacrifice than giving His one and only Son to be man’s pathway to eternal salvation. The gospel will bring peace to mankind through faith in Jesus Christ.[xix]

The Shepherds Visit Baby Jesus (Have someone read the verses outlined in pink: Luke 2:15-16)

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

27. If the angel said Jesus was born in the city of David and we are told that the city of David is Jerusalem, then why did Luke state the shepherds would go to Bethlehem? In the heart of the historic region of Judea, it served as a vibrant hub of political, religious, and cultural activity. Meanwhile, Bethlehem, a quaint and peaceful town located approximately five miles south of Jerusalem, is renowned as the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is a suburb of Jerusalem.

28. What did the shepherds need to do to confirm what they heard? The shepherds found Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus in the manger, just as the angels described they would. The angel clearly stated that the Child would be wrapped snugly in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.[xx]

The Shepherds Become the First Gospel Messengers (Have someone read the verses outlined in pink: Luke 2:17-20)

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

29. After the shepherds saw Jesus in the manger, what did they do? They told everyone they came in contact with until it was widely known what they heard and saw.

30. Some books and commentators conclude these shepherds were the first preachers of the gospel. What do you think? We can surmise that it’s a bit of a stretch to say that the shepherds were spreading the gospel, as no one had heard Jesus’ message yet. However, we can infer that this was the first instance after Jesus’ birth where someone, in this case the shepherds, spread the “Good News” that Jesus, the Messiah, had been born into the world.

The Circumcision and Naming of Jesus (Have someone read the verses outlined in orange: Luke 2:21)

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

31. If Jesus was born without sin, why did He still need to be circumcised? It was customary in the Jewish tradition that baby boys were to be circumcised on the eighth day following their birth. Circumcision is an outward physical demonstration of the eternal covenant between God and His people.[xxi]

32. Where does it say boys need to be circumcised? Leviticus 12:3.[xxii]

How did baby Jesus get his name? The angel visited Mary, who had never had a man, six months after Elizabeth knew she was pregnant in Nazareth. The angel told Mary she would become a mother and have a Son, and she was to give Him the name Jesus. H

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[i] “King James Bible Dictionary - Reference List - Betroth.” King James Bible Dictionary, 2024, kingjamesbibledictionary.com/Dictionary/betroth. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

[ii] “Matthew 1:18 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary.” Bible Study Tools, 2025, www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-1-18.html. Accessed 10 Sep 2024.

[iii] “5 Staggering Pregnancies in the Bible Are Truly Miraculous.” Aleteia— Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News, and Culture, 2024, aleteia. org/2023/07/08/5-staggering-pregnancies-in-the-bible-are-truly-miraculous.

Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

[iv] “The Messiah Would Be the Seed of the Woman - Jews for Jesus.” Jews for Jesus, 2018, jewsforjesus.org/messianic-prophecies/the-messiah-would-be-the-seedof-the-woman. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

[v] “Matthew 1:19 Commentaries: And Joseph Her Husband, Being a Righteous Man and Not Wanting to Disgrace Her, Planned to Send Her Away Secretly.” Biblehub.com, biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/1-19.htm.

[vi] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 984.

[vii] “ANGEL of the LORD - Who Was He?” Bibleversestudy.com, 2024, www.bibleversestudy.com/matthew/matthew1-angel-of-the-lord.htm. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

[viii] “Websters Dictionary 1828 - Webster’s Dictionary 1828 - Prophecy.” Websters Dictionary 1828, 2025, webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Prophecy. Accessed 10 Sep 2024.

[ix] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 984.

[x] Windle, Bryan. “Quirinius: An Archaeological Biography.” Bible Archaeology Report, 19 Dec. 2019, biblearchaeologyreport.com/2019/12/19/quirinius-an-archaeological-biography/.

[xi] Fentress, Valerie. “Why Did Mary and Joseph Go to Bethlehem for the Roman Census?” Christianity.com, Salem Web Network, 30 May 2024, www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/why-mary-joseph-go-to-bethlehem-for-roman-census. html. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

[xii] Dhabliwala, Fr Neil. “How Long Is the Trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem?” St.Catherine, 6 Dec. 2017, www.stcatherinercc.org/single-post/2017/12/06/Howlong-is-the-trip-from-Nazareth-to-Bethlehem.

[xiii] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1329.

[xiv] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1430.

[xv] Barnes, Albert. “The Gospel According to Luke.” Notes on the New Testament, Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 2001, pp. 18–19.

[xvi] “Luke 2 Gill’s Exposition.” Biblehub.com, 2025, biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/luke/2.htm. Accessed 8 Sep 2024.

[xvii] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1511.

[xviii] “Who Are the Heavenly Hosts? - Compelling Truth.” CompellingTruth.org, 2025, www.compellingtruth.org/heavenly-hosts.html. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024

[xix] Barnes, Albert. “The Gospel According to Luke.” Notes on the New Testament, Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 2001, pp. 19–20.

[xx] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1511.

[xxi] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 30.

[xxii] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 167.