A HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS
Arranged and with Commentary by Don R. Hender

I. PREPARATION FOR THE MESSIANIC MINISTRY

MATTHEW

Matthew is one of the original Twelve Apostles. He writes the Official 'Jewish' Gospel of Christ as directed to and written from the perspective of the Jew.

MARK

Mark is the early church 'historian/secretary' who most likely presents the Official Church Gospel History from the First Presidency, namely Peter, the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Early Church.

LUKE

Luke is the later and more 'general' church historian who writes particulary to the Gentiles giving a more 'comprehensive' history as an Official Church Gospel to all the World. Wherefore his gospel takes on the connotation of being the 'Gospel to the Gentile'. He cummulates a comprehensive history, though not always chronologically sound, from all the various 'Eyewitnesses' and 'Ministers' of the Church. Such a multi-sourced collection does of necessity require some patching the material together as best as one can from many and varied accounts.

JOHN

The Beloved Apostle John writes the Doctrinal and Eternally universal Gospel of the Church directed to those who are established members of the Church, to instruct them more perfectly in the deeper doctrines of the Gospel. His concern is not so much a detailed historical rendering as it is more concerned with the higher doctrinal matters of the kingdom. And so his emphasis is upon such more precious doctrinal matters with just enough history to fit them into their true life setting.

Prologue
1: 1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Gospel to the Jews 
Matthew's gosepl is targetted to the Jews whose primary perspective is the emphasis of being children of Abraham and of the significance of the Messiah coming of the promised seed of David. Thus Matthew begins his gospel from this point of view, presenting Christ as a true son of Abraham and the heir to the House of David.
1: 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

Gospel of the Church 
Mark's gospel, Mark being the secretary to Peter of the First Presidency of the Church, represents the official position of the Church and is reflective of Peter's testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Thus this emphasis is so stated in the openning sentence.
1: 1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
  2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
  3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
  4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Gospel for Gentiles 
Luke's gospel perspective is that of telling the story of Jesus from Jesus' virgin birth to an audience which had little Hebrew background upon which to draw, but who understood such concepts as being born of a God and such a thing as a 'virgin birth'. The Gentiles had limited preconception concerning the Messiah of the Jews as such. They had only corruptions of such concepts to compare it with as that of Apollo and other mythelogical Gods of their own. To them the story had to be told from a simple 'watered-down' perspective relative to its Hebrew perspectives taylored to the gentile the form of storys with the historical filling in with gospel details as such would allow from a 'novice' or 'gentile' point of view. Such things that did not pertain to a 'western' perspective such as the wise men from the east and deeper matters of Israelite concerns, such as Rachel weeping over the slain children of the House of David rather than Leah, were not included, as they would tend to confuse issues unnecessarily relative to the salvation of the Gentiles.
1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  2 The same was in the beginning with God.
  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
  4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
  5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ;
1: 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Gospel of Doctrine 
John's gospel is to the converted members of the Church and is of high doctrinal and eternal perspective. He begins with the eternal nature of Jesus Christ as the creator of the heavens and earth. His is not an introduction to Christ, but a deep doctrinal perspective to those who are schooled in the doctrines of the kingdom of God.
Son of God: Reflective of Peter's testimony, Jesus Christ is identified in Mark to be the literal Son of God. He is the Firstborn spirit son of the Father and the Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh.
Son of Abraham: From the Hebrew (All of Israel) perspective as recorded by the Apostle Matthew unto the Jews, Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah who was to come as the Son of Abraham.
Son of David: From the Jewish perspective as also recorded by the Apostle Matthew unto the Jews, Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah who was to come as the Son of David.
The Word, the Creator, Immanuel: The Apostle John's perspective is the most eternally universal of the four gospels, as it sets out that Jesus Christ it that commissioned ministering God of this estate who was set forth by God the Father from the beginning standing with the Father and by whom the creation of heaven and earth of this estate was effected. John also sets out that Jesus Christ, being also a spirit Son of God as we all are, is and was one who dwelt as one among us, 'Immanuel'.
Son of the Covenant: Though not specifically specified, it is implied that Jesus was the Son of the Covenant, that is that Covenant and Blessings of the Fathers first presented in the Councils of Heaven and then given through the 'Fathers' such as Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. That then the Jewish perspective does view that Jesus is a Jew though the Jewish leaders knowningly accused him as being a Samaritan. For David they did claim as a Jew though the Covenant blessings fell to Joseph and his son Ephraim and then thence to King David, who was of the blood line of Judah, though of the covenant line of Ephraim, being raised legally and lawfully as that 'seed of the dead' raised up to the family of Elimelech and Mahlon who were Ephrathites/Ephraimites (see Messiah ben David ~ Messiah ben Joseph).  
The Genealogies
1: 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
  4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
  5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth [thus raising him up to the the seed of the dead Mahlon and son to the house of Elimelch and Naomi]; and Obed begat Jesse;
  6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
  8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
  9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
  10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
  11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
  12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
  13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
  14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
  15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
  16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Royal Ancestry 
It is here of interest to note that while Jesus Christ was indeed the heir to the throne of David, it is quite a unique matter which makes him so. The royal linage was not always from literal father to son as so set out by Matthew. The true ancestral father-son linage of Joseph is given by Luke, who did not concern himself with the Royal House of David as did Matthew. Thus, Jacob who is stated to have 'begat' "Joseph the husband of Mary" by Matthew, is but Joseph's ancestor in a unique way, which actually allows the kingdom of the Jews to fall to Mary's firstborn son, rather than Joseph's firstborn. This Jacob's brother was Heli, Joseph's natural father and Mary and Joseph were cousins, offspring of two brothers. It may be presumed that Jacob has no sons or heirs and that Mary his daughter is left to such a marriage to Joseph, Jacob's nephew who is adoptive heir, keeping the 'heirship' in the family by being 'Mary's husband' as clearly stated by Matthew. Thus Joseph was heir only in connection with Mary, and it is Mary's firstborn son who is the royal heir, and that is JESUS. And thus, though he is not the literal son of Joseph, he is the firstborn son of Mary by whom the Royal linage did come from Jacob 'her' father.
The interesting parallel here is that Jacob and Heli were brothers. Heli was the father of Joseph and Jacob the father of Mary. Jacob the eldest son had but daugther(s), Mary being the eldest. And thus a marriage was arranged between the cousins, Joseph and Mary to preserve the Royal Davidic linage. But of course Joseph would not be the literal father but the legally adoptive father of Jesus by traditional law. The was was true of that adoptive linage of old, by the adoptive Law of Moses, Obed was the legal heir of the House of Elimelech and Mahlon and counted as the son of Naomi. Boaz was but the surrogate redeeming kinsman who but raised up seed to the dead, the house of Mahlon and Elimelech, Ephrathites/Ephraimites, which 'heirship' included the blessings of the birthright and Covenant of Abraham to be the ancestor to the Messiah.
Genealogy from Abraham:The Apostle Matthew sets out, from the very Jewish perspective, that Jesus Christ is a rightful Son of Abraham according to the Law of the Jews which recognizes the adoptive fathership of Joseph the Carpenter having accepted Jesus as his son whom he raised up and taught his own carpentry trade. This is immortant because it must be understood that God the Father was the actual 'genetic' parent of Jesus, as would have to be accepted for Christ to be the Messiah. But still through Joseph the carpenter's 'adoption' as well as by Mary's birthing, Jesus was indeed under Jewish law, a Son of Abraham.  
Genealogy from Adam: The cummulative summarizing church historian Luke sets out the 'bloodline' linage of Jesus Christ from father to son by giving both the genealogy of Mary and her first cousin Joseph, Mary and Joseph being the children of two brothers, Jacob who had no sons and Heli the father of Joseph. Thus Joseph was the rightful 'son-in-law' heir of Jacob, Mary's father and Heli's brother, as well as being the heir of Heli. Thus both of the rights of Heli and Jacob were placed upon Jesus and his father Joseph, as he being the husband of Mary.
The Old Testament Genealogy: The Book of Ruth is the Old Testament pronouncement of the Ancestry of Jesus Christ. Though through the hands of the Jews, the Jewish perspective of the 'bloodline' of Jesus is emphasized over and above the 'rightful and legal covenant line' of the Lord. That right of covenant heirship is there preserved for any who by the spirit comes to understand that Boaz was but vicarious surrogate and that Obed was the legal and rightful seed and heir of the covenant of the 'Firstborn' as being the son and heir of the 'dead' Mahlon, the first husband of Ruth, which Mahlon was the son and heir of Elimelech, they both being Ephrathites as were Nun and his son of the covenant heirship Joshua both also stated as being Ephrathites mean Ephraimites and heirs to the Covenant of Israel or Jacob through Joseph of Egypt and his son Ephraim.
3: 23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) [and also by right of law] the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, [Heli being the brother of Jacob who was the father of Mary]
  24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
  25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
  26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
  27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
  28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
  29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
  30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
  31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
  32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
  33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
  34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
  35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
  36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
  37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
  38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
 
The Geneologies of Christ at accurate to a point. It must be considered that each and every generation is not represented and that in the case of Matthew's Geneology, it is that which established the right to two matters, the right to rule the Royal House of David, which does not always fall directly from a father to a son but to the rightful heir of the throne which may differ and further in Matthew's genealogy it is forced into three sets of 14, which of necessity makes some generations dropped with 'heirship' jumping to a rightful heir descendant rather than to an immediate father to son relationship. Second, for these reasons, the 'heirship' line is NOT the progenitory line in all cases. For indeed, it is Luke's genealolgy which sets form the linage of actual 'fathers'. Some argue that Luke's is but Mary's linage while other state it as Joseph's parental linage, The fact of the matter is 'YES', it is both, as Joseph and Mary were cousins, and both their partental lines did merge, making their progenitor linage the same. Once again, the difference between Matthew's and Luke's genealogies is that Matthew presents to his intended Jewish audience the Royal 'hiership' linage by which right Jesus is literally the heir to the throne of David. Luke, merely presents that Jesus is of the House of David by the ancestry of Joseph, which is the same as the ancestry of Mary from father to son, which is not the same as the heirship line, as that of necessity did jump from kinship lines, for there being no direct heir in the parental lines.

It is of interest to note that Matthew makes Boaz the son of Salmon of Rachab. This Rachab is 'presumed' to be the same as Rahab of Jericho. The time differential between Boaz's age and the age this Rahab would have had to have been makes this an unlikely immediate parenting, though a 'descendancy' is possible with interviening generations not given by the Jewish scriptures of Matthew. There is in ancient Hebrew traditions that this Rahab of Jericho actually married Joshua and had daughters by him. That one of these daughters who retained her mother's name married the immediate father of Boaz is much more likely. Still, in either case, Matthew's point may still be enforce, the Rahab of Jericho is an ancestor of Boaz. But this also gives a 'maternal' marriage possiblity wherein the tribe of Ephraim or the Ephrathites as Nun and Joshua where stated to be, and as Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon were also stated to be, could be cousin kinsmen to the house of Boaz as stipulated in the book of Ruth. There Boaz states that he is NOT the nearest of kin, but that he was willing to act as surrogate redeeming parent to the house of Mahlon and Elimelech to raise up seed to the dead if the nearer next of kin was not so willing to do. This took a great sacrifice upon the part of Boaz, as he had to redeem all the lands of Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon, which would likely have been sold by the family during the time of famime and prior to their leaving to attemp to survive in Moab. And then after 'redeeming' all of that land of inheritance of the family of Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon, Boaz would in turn pass it all on to the rightful heir of that faimly, the surrogate son of the dead, which would be the first born son of Ruth. Obed was according to the Law of God, the legal and rightful seed of the house of Elimelech and Mahlon, and that is way the community stated that Naomi had as son in Obed. Obed would inherit all that land which Boaz would have bought of the house of Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon and Boaz would be out of that amount of wealth so invested. Thus there were two laws in effect, the law of being able to 'redeem' the property which had been sold under duress and the law of raising up seed to the dead. Boaz sacrificed his money to buy that property just to in effect turn it right on over to Obed, the true heir of the house of Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon. Obed was by law Mahlon's son. Boaz was but the vicarious redeeming kinsman and one by 'maternal' marriage at that. For Boaz was of the tribe of Judah, and Elimelech and Mahlon were of the heirship linage of the line of Joshua, being Ephrathites and heirs to the covenant of the Firstborn.

Annunciation to Zacharias ~ Jerusalem: temple
In the proper order of things, before there would come the Messiah, there would come an Elias to prepare the way before him as "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3 - Matthew 3:3 - Matthew 11:10-15 - Luke 3:4 - Mark 1:2-4 - John 1:3 - Malahi 3:1 - 1 Nephi 11:27) Thus it is most appropriate that Luke, likely under the influence of Paul the Apostle, should begin his gospel with the story of the announciation of John, the one who would prepare the way before the coming of the Messiah. Luke places this in proper chronological order in his first chapter before the anouciation of the birth of JESUS and the genealogy of the 'legal' father of Jesus.
1: 5 ¶ THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
  6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
  8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
  9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
  10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
  11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
  12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
  13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
  15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
  17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
  18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
  19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
  20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
  21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
  22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
  23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
  24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
D&C 27: 6 And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;

D&C 27:7 And also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias;

D&C 27:8 Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto the first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron;

Elisabeth’s seclusion ~ Judaea: Bethlehem
 
1: 24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
 
Annunciation to Mary ~ Nazareth

1: 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
  27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
  29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
  30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
  32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
  33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
  34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
  35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
  37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
  38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Alma 7: 10-13

Annunciation to Joseph ~ Nazareth
1: 18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Mary Visits Elisabeth ~ Judaea: Bethlehem

1: 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
  32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
  33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
  34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
  35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
  37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
  38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
  39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
  40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
  41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
  42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
  43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
  44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
  46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
  47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
  48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
  49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
  50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
  53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
  55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
  56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Birth of John the Baptist ~ Judaea: Near Bethlehem

1: 57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
  58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

Naming of John ~ Judaea: near Bethlehem

1:   59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
  60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
  61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
  62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
  63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
  65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
  66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
D&C 27: 7;
D&C 84: 27

Zacharias’s Prophetic Psalm ~ Judaea: Near Bethlehem

1: 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
  68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
  69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
  71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
  72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
  73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
  74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
  75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
  76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
  77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
  78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
  79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
D&C 84: 28

Joseph and Mary Go to be Taxed ~ From Nazareth to Bethlehem

2: 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
  2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
  3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
  4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Birth of Jesus ~ Bethlehem

2: 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
1 Ne. 11: 18-20;
Mosiah 3: 5-8;
Alma 7: 10;
Hel. 14: 5-12;
3 Ne. 1: 4-22

Annunciation to the Shepherds ~ Bethlehem

2: 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
  10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
  14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
  17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
  18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
  19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
  20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Naming of Jesus ~ Bethlehem
1: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

2: 21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
2 Ne. 25: 19;
Mosiah 3: 8;
Hel. 14: 12;
Moses 6: 52

Presentation in the Temple ~ Jerusalem

2: 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
  24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
  25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
  27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
  28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
  29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
  30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
  31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
  32 A light to lighten the Gentiles(Isaiah 42:6), and the glory of thy people Israel.
  33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
  34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
  35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
  36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
  37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
  38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Visit of the Wise Men ~ Bethlehem
2: 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
  4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
  6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  11 ¶ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Flight to Egypt
2: 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
  15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Slaughter of the Infants ~ Bethlehem
2: 16 ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
  18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Jeremiah 31:   15 ¶ Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.

Matthew equates Jeremiah's record of Rachel, the mother of Joseph of Egypt, weeping for her children. In the case of Jeremiah's time it was presumed to be weeping for lost and scattered Israel. But Matthew applies it to the murder of the infants of the House of David and/or of Israel, which rasies the question, who is the 'True Mother of Israel?' Jeremiah's prophecy and Matthew's application does not reference Leah, but Rachel as who weeps for Israel and the House of David. Just prior to Jeremiah's reference to Rachel, he mentions that it is Ephraim who is the firstborn of Israel and he speaks of the the gathering of Israel and and that they will sorrow no more. While the restored Gospel makes it plain that it is upon the shoulders of Ephraim to restore and gather Israel to the fulfilling of the covenant the Lord made with Abraham, who but the Lord is the one who will ultimately gather, restore and redeem Israel and wipe away the tears of mother Rachel? If Ephraim is Israel's firstborn who gathers Israel, then the Messiah who heads that gathering is also implied to be of the tribal seed which then fits that it is Rachel who weeps for Israel and is the true mother of Israel's Firstborn, not only Ephraim, but also the Messiah, which Jewish tradition holds that a revelation was given to Rachel that the True Messiah would come of her seed. (See Messiah ben David ~ Messiah ben Joseph)

From Egypt to Nazareth
2: 19 ¶ But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
  20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
  22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

2: 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
  40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Visit to the Temple (Passover) ~ Jerusalem

Bar and Bat Mitzvah 
What is today referred to as Bar Mitzvah for a boy age 13 (anciently in his 13th year, thus of age 12) and now even a Bat Mitzvah for a girl age 12, is not exactly the same as it was in ancient Israel or even at the time of Jesus. But there was then, as there is now, some type of 'right of passage' which did then and does now come about at about within that same juncture of time. The literal meaning of 'bar mitzvah' is said to be 'son of the commandment' or perhaps likely even 'son of the covenant'. Today as girls are now included and mature faster than boys, the age of waiting one year older for boys may seem appropriate in a 'maturity' or adolesant perspective. Aciently, whether called 'bar mitzvah' then or not, there was surely a passage or recognition as to when a male Israelite became 'of age' to be counted a 'man' in a census or countable sense. This seems to go back to the days of Moses and is likely how it was that Nephi at one point referred to himself as 'exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature' and at a very near, a couple or few years, next point referred to himself as being 'a man in Israel' though those two times were not abridgment textually seemly that distance apart. That is when first leaving Jerusalem with his family Nephi states that he was 'exceedingly young' (1 Nephi 2:16), likely being before the 'age of passage.' But immediately after the slaying of Laban, Nephi states, 'I, Nephi, being a man large in stature' (1 Nephi 4:31). And that was likely as a result of having reached that age of so being recognized and counted as a man in Israel, having reached his 12 birthday and then having become in his 13th year.
And so it was with Jesus and his 12th birthday age having come at the time of the expected passover attendance. And likely as was common, at that age, a now young man's learning and understanding was to be tested and explored. In the case of Jesus' understanding the scholars of the temple were amazed and astonished by his answers and responses. And in fact over the course of some days, Jesus literally became the teacher and they the students so much was his degree of understanding and knowledge of the law, scriptures and traditions of the Jews.
2: 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
  42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
  43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
  44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
  46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. (JST "... and they were hearing him, and asking him questions.")
  47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
  48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
  49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
  50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

The Return to Nazareth

2: 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.