The gospel accounts of the birth and childhood of Jesus have puzzling
discrepancies and contradictions. In particular, Matthew and Luke give
different versions of the genealogy and birth of Jesus, and of the
events that follow.
A long forgotten tradition held that there were, in fact, two families
and two Jesus children whose destinies would come together: one from the
kingly line of Solomon, and the other from the priestly line of Nathan.
There are various apocryphal texts, as well as works of art, in which
both children clearly occur.
Emil Bock shows how the pattern and structure of the four gospels
support the stories of two boys called Jesus, living side by side in
Nazareth until the age of twelve, right up to the dramatic day of their
visit to the temple in Jerusalem. He also recreates the years between
this time and Jesus' baptism.
This book is essential reading for every Christology student, and for
anyone who has ever wondered about the gospel accounts of Jesus' birth.