S1E02: BETHLEHEM, LUKE 2:1-8

In this episode Matt and Bob take you to Bethlehem, the place of Jesus' birth. They introduce you to the ancient Church of the Nativity which is built over the traditional site where Mary gave birth. They consider the historical evidence that this is actually where Jesus was born and bring significant new insights to Luke's familiar account of Mary and Joseph arriving in the City of David. They demonstrate how a more accurate cultural understanding of the Christmas story produces some unexpected and powerful new insights.

THE FACADE OF THE SIXTH-CENTURY JUSTINIAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY IN BETHLEHEM

THE INTERIOR OF THE ANCIENT CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY IN BETHLEHEM

RECONSTRUCTION OF A TYPICAL FIRST-CENTURY EXTENDED FAMILY HOME FROM et-TELL

TRADITIONAL LOCATION OF JESUS’ BIRTH IN THE ANCIENT CAVE UNDERNEATH THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

AN ANCIENT STONE MANGER IN THE HOUSE OF JOSEPH, NAZARETH