The Birth and Youth of Jesus Christ scriptures read. (Overview)

Introduction

• Introduction to the purpose of reading the Word: To cover the entire record from the announcement of John the Baptist to Jesus at age 12.
• Scripture Reference: None

2. The Announcement of John the Baptist

• Scripture: Luke 1:5-25
• Key Points:
  • Zacharias and Elizabeth are described as righteous before God.
  • The angel Gabriel announces to Zacharias that Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will be great in the sight of the Lord.

3. The Announcement of Jesus’ Birth

• Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
• Key Points:
  • The angel Gabriel visits Mary, announcing she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God.
  • The power of the Highest will overshadow Mary, resulting in the birth of Jesus.

4. Mary Visits Elizabeth

• Scripture: Luke 1:39-56
• Key Points:
  • Mary visits Elizabeth; the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy.
  • Mary’s Magnificat (praise) is recorded.

5. The Birth of John the Baptist

• Scripture: Luke 1:57-80
• Key Points:
  • Elizabeth gives birth to John.
  • Zacharias’ prophecy about John’s role in preparing the way for the Lord.

6. The Birth of Jesus Christ

• Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
• Key Points:
  • Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
  • Angels announce His birth to shepherds, who visit the newborn Christ.

7. The Circumcision of Jesus

• Scripture: Luke 2:21
• Key Points:
  • Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day and named as instructed by the angel.

8. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

• Scripture: Luke 2:22-24
• Key Points:
  • Jesus is presented in the temple according to the law of Moses.
  • A sacrifice is offered as required by the law.

9. Simeon’s Prophecy

• Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
• Key Points:
  • Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the Christ and prophesies about His impact on Israel.

10. The Prophecy of Anna

• Scripture: Luke 2:36-38
• Key Points:
  • Anna, the prophetess, recognizes Jesus as the redeemer and speaks about Him to all who were waiting for redemption.

11. The Visit of the Wise Men

• Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
• Key Points:
  • Wise men from the East visit Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Herod’s deceitful plan is thwarted by divine intervention.

12. The Flight into Egypt

• Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15
• Key Points:
  • Joseph is warned in a dream to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre.

13. The Massacre of the Innocents

• Scripture: Matthew 2:16-18
• Key Points:
  • Herod orders the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem.

14. The Return to Nazareth

• Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23
• Key Points:
  • After Herod’s death, Joseph is instructed to return to Israel, settling in Nazareth.

15. Jesus at Age 12

• Scripture: Luke 2:40-52
• Key Points:
  • Jesus, at age 12, is found in the temple discussing with the teachers.
  • He increases in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.