Lesson 9:
Infancy: The Years of Obscurity

by Richard W. LaFountain

The infancy of Jesus Christ gives us some valid information regarding the birthplace and events surrounding his birth as well as where he lived and why. Matthew and Luke are the only ones to write concerning his birth and early years. It is obvious that none of the disciples witnessed his birth.

There are three places associated with Jesus infancy, Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth. We choose Bethlehem to represent his infancy since most of the story facts come from events in that place.

Click on the city or region to learn more.

Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. (Luke 2) Bethlehem to Jerusalem and Return (Luke 2:22-38) Bethlehem to Egypt (Mt 2:14) Egypt to Nazareth (Mt 2:19-23) Nazareth to Jerusalem at 12 years old. (Luke 2:42) Return to Nazareth from Jerusalem. (Luke 2:51)

Identify Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth on the map of Palestine. Now measure the distance between these places to gain an appreciation of the travel time on foot to and from these places. Next, using a current map of your region choose cities or towns that are in the same approximate directions and distances from your town. Your town should represent Bethlehem. Now add one more city and distance, Jerusalem, where Jesus was dedicated to the Lord.

Distances

Now you are able to guesstimate the time needed for them to travel to and from each place. For a real challenge try to obtain a topographical map of Palestine that shows the elevations.

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STAGES OF LIFE OF CHRIST

The story of Jesus' life divides into five stages.

STEP	LOCATION	ASSOCIATED EVENT	SCRIPTURE
1. Infancy	Bethlehem	Birth - 12 years	Mt 2:1
2. Preparation	Nazareth	Relatively unknown	Mt 3:1
3. Popularity	Capernaum	Followed by large crowds	Mt 4:12-13
4. Passion	Jerusalem	Rejected, persecuted, killed	Mt 14:1
5. Resurrection	All Nations	Easter to ascension	Mt 28:1

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