1. These chapters from Matthew and Luke comprise everything we are told about the birth of Jesus. How much overlap is there between these two accounts? How well do they fit together?
2. Luke 1 is a long chapter that narrates two visions, a song of praise, and a prophecy. How similar are the two visions? What are the key differences?
3. What does the beginning of the Gospel of John suggests about the writer's purpose and focus?
1. In the beginning of Mt. 5 Jesus presents what have come to be known as the Beatitudes. How would you describe the value system that emerges from this teaching?
2. What principles underlie Jesus' other teachings in ch. 5-7?
3. On the basis of these chapters in Matthew, what would you identify as a weakness or shortcoming of the Gospel of Mark?
1. How does the Gospel of Thomas differ from the canonical gospels we haver read? What's missing?
2. Write down some of the similarities with Matthew that you notice as you read.
3. The Gospel of Thomas was based upon a core of early Christian material that also appears in Matthew and Luke. To this core was added a number of Gnostic sayings. Identify any sayings that do not seem compatible with the canonical gospels.
4. Explain the meaning of saying 77:
Jesus said, "I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained.
Split a piece of wood; I am there.
Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."