Contradictory Birth Narratives

Matthew and Luke provide differing accounts of Jesus' birth, raising questions about historical accuracy. Matthew presents the story of Joseph and Mary living in Bethlehem, but later relocating to Nazareth after fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod's wrath. In contrast, Luke depicts them as residents of Nazareth who travel to Bethlehem due to a census decreed by Caesar Augustus. These contradictions suggest that the Gospel writers had theological motivations for placing Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, as it aligns with prophecies, even though both accounts contradict each other on key details.