Which of the following is NOT listed as a major theme of Luke's Infancy Narrative?

• A. Joy
• B. The role of women
• C. The universal scope of salvation
• D. Miracles in infancy

Answer: (D)

Focusing on the themes Luke emphasizes in the infancy accounts helps clarify why miracles in infancy are not the major organizing theme. Luke highlights joy in the coming of Jesus, the prominent role of women in witness and faith, and the universal scope of salvation for all people. Joy is voiced in the key songs—Mary’s Magnificat, Zechariah’s Benedictus, and Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis—expressing praise and glad anticipation for God’s redemption. The role of women stands out through Elizabeth, Mary, and other female witnesses who participate and testify to what God is doing. The universal scope is shown in including shepherds and the message that salvation is for all nations, not just a Jewish audience.

While miraculous events occur—the announcements, Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the birth of Jesus—these are not the defining organizing themes of the infancy narrative. The narrative uses these miracles to set up the broader themes described above, which is why the option about miracles in infancy is not listed as a major theme.