Nativity Bible Quiz Printable — Questions & Answers

The Nativity story is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible.

Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem.

Jesus is born.

Shepherds hear the announcement of His birth.

Wise men later come looking for the King of the Jews.

But because the story is so familiar, it is also easy for Christmas traditions and biblical details to become mixed together.

A Nativity Bible quiz gives children, families, Sunday school classes, youth groups, and church groups a simple way to return to the actual Gospel accounts and see what Matthew and Luke really say.

FaithBlitz has several printable quizzes covering different parts of Jesus' birth and early childhood.

If you need something ready for a Christmas lesson, start with the main Birth of Jesus quiz.

Choose a Nativity Bible Quiz

The Nativity story is spread primarily across Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2.

That means one quiz does not have to cover every detail.

You can choose a broader Birth of Jesus quiz or focus specifically on Luke 2 or Matthew 2 depending on your lesson.

Birth and Childhood of Jesus Quiz

Best for: Kids, families, Sunday school classes, beginners, and general Christmas Bible review.

The Birth and Childhood of Jesus quiz is the best starting point if you want one printable covering the larger Nativity story.

It includes questions from the Gospel accounts surrounding Jesus' birth and early childhood.

This makes it useful when you want students to review Bethlehem, Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph, and other major events without focusing on only one chapter.

Luke Chapter 2 — The Birth of Jesus Quiz

Best for: Sunday school lessons, children's ministry, family Christmas Bible study, and classes reading Luke 2.

The Luke Chapter 2 quiz focuses directly on one of the Bible's best-known Nativity passages.

Luke 2 includes the census, Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, Jesus' birth, the manger, the shepherds, the angelic announcement, and events from Jesus' infancy.

If your Christmas lesson is built around reading Luke 2 together, this is the most precise printable to use.

Matthew Chapter 2 — The Visit of the Magi Quiz

Best for: Older children, youth groups, adults, Epiphany lessons, and groups studying the wise men.

The Matthew Chapter 2 quiz covers the arrival of the Magi, their search for Jesus, King Herod, the star, the gifts presented to Jesus, the flight to Egypt, and the family's eventual return.

Matthew 2 is particularly useful when you want to separate what the Bible actually says about the wise men from details that come from later Christmas tradition.

Nativity Bible Quiz Questions and Answers

You can use these questions as a lesson opener, a classroom review, a family Christmas activity, a team competition, or a quick Scripture challenge.

Question 1

In what town was Jesus born?

A. Nazareth

B. Bethlehem

C. Jerusalem

D. Capernaum

Answer: B — Bethlehem

Scripture: Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4–7

Question 2

Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem according to Luke 2?

A. They were visiting relatives

B. They were escaping King Herod

C. They traveled because of a census

D. They were attending Passover

Answer: C — They traveled because of a census

Scripture: Luke 2:1–5

Question 3

Where was Jesus placed after He was born?

A. In a palace

B. In a manger

C. In the temple

D. In Joseph's workshop

Answer: B — In a manger

Scripture: Luke 2:7

Question 4

Who were watching their flocks at night when an angel appeared?

A. Farmers

B. Priests

C. Shepherds

D. Fishermen

Answer: C — Shepherds

Scripture: Luke 2:8–9

Question 5

What did the angel announce to the shepherds?

A. A new prophet had arrived

B. A Savior had been born

C. Herod had lost his throne

D. The temple would be rebuilt

Answer: B — A Savior had been born

Scripture: Luke 2:10–12

Question 6

What sign were the shepherds given to identify the baby?

A. A star directly above Him

B. A crown beside Him

C. A baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger

D. Angels standing beside Him

Answer: C — A baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger

Scripture: Luke 2:12

Question 7

What did the shepherds do after seeing Jesus?

A. They returned home without telling anyone

B. They spread the word about what they had been told

C. They traveled to Jerusalem

D. They followed Mary and Joseph to Egypt

Answer: B — They spread the word

Scripture: Luke 2:17–20

Question 8

From what direction did the Magi come according to Matthew?

A. The west

B. The north

C. The east

D. The south

Answer: C — The east

Scripture: Matthew 2:1

Question 9

What were the Magi looking for?

A. The new Roman governor

B. The one born King of the Jews

C. The high priest

D. John the Baptist

Answer: B — The one born King of the Jews

Scripture: Matthew 2:2

Question 10

Which ruler was troubled when he heard about the birth of Jesus?

A. Caesar Augustus

B. Pontius Pilate

C. King Herod

D. Quirinius

Answer: C — King Herod

Scripture: Matthew 2:3

Question 11

What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus?

A. Gold, silver, and spices

B. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh

C. Bread, wine, and oil

D. Silver, incense, and cloth

Answer: B — Gold, frankincense, and myrrh

Scripture: Matthew 2:11

Question 12

How many wise men does the Bible say visited Jesus?

A. Three

B. Twelve

C. Seven

D. The Bible does not specify

Answer: D — The Bible does not specify

Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12

Matthew tells us about the Magi and names three gifts, but the passage does not state how many Magi were present.

Question 13

Where did Joseph take Mary and Jesus after being warned about Herod?

A. Egypt

B. Syria

C. Rome

D. Samaria

Answer: A — Egypt

Scripture: Matthew 2:13–14

Question 14

Who recognized Jesus at the temple and praised God after seeing Him?

A. Nicodemus

B. Simeon

C. Joseph of Arimathea

D. Peter

Answer: B — Simeon

Scripture: Luke 2:25–32

Question 15

Which two Gospels contain the primary biblical accounts surrounding Jesus' birth?

A. Matthew and Luke

B. Mark and John

C. Matthew and John

D. Luke and John

Answer: A — Matthew and Luke

Scripture: Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2

Luke 2 Nativity Quiz

Luke 2 is often the first passage churches read during Christmas because it gives a detailed account of Jesus' birth.

It begins with the decree connected with Caesar Augustus and explains why Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary.

Jesus is born there and placed in a manger.

Luke then moves outside Bethlehem to shepherds watching their flocks at night.

An angel announces good news and tells them that a Savior has been born.

The shepherds go to Bethlehem, find Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, and then tell others what they were told about the child.

Luke 2 continues beyond the night of Jesus' birth.

The chapter also includes Jesus' circumcision, His presentation at the temple, Simeon's response, Anna's response, and later Jesus at the temple as a boy.

That makes Luke 2 useful for more than one Christmas lesson.

You could focus one lesson only on Bethlehem and the shepherds.

A second lesson could explore Simeon and Anna.

Older students could read the entire chapter and compare the beginning and ending.

Use the Luke Chapter 2 — The Birth of Jesus Quiz when your lesson is centered specifically on this chapter.

Matthew 2 Nativity Quiz

Matthew 2 tells a different part of the Nativity story.

Instead of shepherds arriving after an angelic announcement, Matthew introduces the Magi coming from the east.

They arrive in Jerusalem asking about the one who has been born King of the Jews.

Their question troubles King Herod.

The religious leaders identify Bethlehem as the place connected with the Messiah through the prophecy in Micah.

The Magi continue their journey and eventually find Jesus.

They worship Him and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they go home by another route.

Joseph is then warned to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt.

Matthew's account gives teachers several opportunities to discuss prophecy, kingship, worship, obedience, and the difference between Scripture and Christmas tradition.

For example, many Nativity scenes place the shepherds and wise men together at the manger.

The biblical accounts do not actually describe those two visits happening together.

Luke describes the shepherds visiting shortly after Jesus' birth.

Matthew describes the Magi in a separate account and refers to Jesus as a child when they enter the house.

That distinction makes an excellent Bible-study question.

Use the Matthew Chapter 2 — Visit of the Magi Quiz when you want to focus on that part of the Christmas story.

Nativity Questions That Separate the Bible From Christmas Tradition

Christmas traditions can make a Bible quiz especially interesting.

Some details are repeated so often in songs, decorations, movies, and Nativity scenes that people assume they are stated directly in Scripture.

The number of wise men is a classic example.

Matthew names three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It does not say three men brought them.

Likewise, Scripture does not describe the Magi arriving alongside the shepherds on the night Jesus was born.

Questions like these should not be used simply to trick students.

They are more valuable when they encourage people to open Matthew and Luke and read closely.

Ask the question.

Let the group answer.

Then read the passage together.

That turns trivia into Bible study.

Using a Nativity Quiz in Sunday School

A printable Nativity quiz works best when it supports the lesson rather than replacing it.

One approach is to give students several questions before reading the Bible passage.

Do not reveal the answers immediately.

Read Luke 2 or Matthew 2 together.

Then return to the same questions.

Students can discover the answers directly from Scripture.

Another approach is to divide the class into teams.

Ask one Nativity question at a time and allow each team a short discussion.

After revealing the answer, have someone locate the verse.

Awarding a point for the correct answer and another point for finding the supporting Scripture keeps the activity focused on the Bible rather than simply memorizing trivia.

For younger children, use the broader Birth and Childhood of Jesus quiz.

For a class studying the shepherds and Jesus' birth, use the Luke 2 quiz.

For older students studying the wise men and Herod, use the Matthew 2 quiz.

Nativity Bible Quiz for Kids

Children usually recognize the major people and places in the Nativity story before they understand all of its details.

Start with those familiar pieces.

Ask who Jesus' mother was.

Ask where Jesus was born.

Ask where He was placed after His birth.

Ask who heard the angels' announcement.

Ask who came looking for the King of the Jews.

Then gradually introduce questions that require closer reading.

Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?

What sign did the shepherds receive?

Which Gospel contains the shepherds?

Which Gospel contains the Magi?

Where did Joseph take his family when Herod threatened Jesus?

This progression allows younger students to begin with confidence while still learning something new.

For additional child-focused Christmas questions, use our Christmas Bible Quiz Printable for Kids With Answer Key.

Nativity Trivia for Youth and Adults

Older groups can move beyond the basic details of the manger.

Ask students to compare Matthew and Luke.

Ask why Bethlehem matters.

Ask which Old Testament prophecy Matthew connects with Bethlehem.

Ask about Simeon and Anna.

Ask what Joseph does after being warned in a dream.

Ask which details appear only in one Gospel.

You can also create a Matthew-versus-Luke round.

Read a Nativity detail and ask participants whether it comes from Matthew, Luke, or both.

Shepherds: Luke

Magi: Matthew

Bethlehem: Both

Herod: Matthew

Simeon and Anna: Luke

Flight to Egypt: Matthew

That simple format works particularly well for youth groups and adults because it requires people to think about how the Gospel accounts fit together.

For a larger group Christmas event, our Christmas Bible Trivia for Church Groups guide includes team formats, church-party games, and additional Christmas trivia ideas.

Use the Nativity Quiz During Advent

A Nativity quiz can also work during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

You do not have to wait until the final Christmas lesson.

Early in Advent, focus on prophecy and anticipation.

Closer to Christmas, move into Gabriel's announcement, Mary and Joseph, Bethlehem, and the shepherds.

After Christmas, Matthew 2 provides a natural continuation with the Magi, Herod, and the flight to Egypt.

Our Advent Activities for Sunday School guide includes additional Bible quiz and game ideas built around the Advent season.

Turn the Printable Into a Team Game

A paper quiz does not need to feel like a worksheet.

Give each table one copy.

Let teams discuss the answer before writing it down.

Reveal one answer at a time.

Then read the supporting Scripture.

For younger students, allow them to use their Bibles from the beginning.

For older students or adults, let them answer first and then use the Bible to verify the result.

You can also use one question as a tie-breaker.

A question like “How many wise men does Matthew say visited Jesus?” works especially well because many people instinctively answer three.

The answer gives you an immediate opportunity to return to Matthew 2 and show what the passage actually says.

Printable Nativity Quizzes With Answer Keys

FaithBlitz quiz pages include a Print PDF option, making it possible to take a Bible quiz from the screen into a Sunday school classroom, homeschool lesson, family gathering, or church Christmas activity.

The printable format is particularly useful when you want students to work together or when phones and other devices would distract from the lesson.

FaithBlitz Pro is designed for teachers, church leaders, homeschool families, and others who regularly need printable Bible resources.

Pro includes unlimited printable quiz PDFs without watermarks along with answer keys and Scripture references.

If you only need an occasional printable, use the free option.

If you are preparing multiple Christmas lessons or regularly printing quizzes throughout the year, FaithBlitz Pro removes the daily printable limit.

Build a Complete Christmas Bible Quiz Series

You can use these resources as a small Christmas Bible study series instead of a single lesson.

Begin with the Advent Bible Quiz to explore prophecy and anticipation.

Move into the Birth and Childhood of Jesus quiz for the broader Nativity story.

Use the Luke Chapter 2 quiz to study Bethlehem, Jesus' birth, the shepherds, and the temple.

Then use the Matthew Chapter 2 quiz for the Magi, Herod, and Egypt.

Finish with the broader Christmas Trivia Quiz to test what the group remembers across the entire Christmas story.

That sequence moves from prophecy to birth to the events that followed Jesus' birth without requiring a teacher to create every question from scratch.

More FaithBlitz Christmas Resources

If you are teaching younger children, start with Christmas Bible Quiz Printable for Kids With Answer Key.

If you are planning several weeks of Sunday school lessons, use Advent Activities for Sunday School — Bible Quiz and Game Ideas.

If you are organizing a larger church event, youth gathering, Bible study, or Christmas party, use Christmas Bible Trivia for Church Groups — Quiz Ideas and Printables.

This Nativity guide is the most focused option when your goal is specifically to study the birth of Jesus and the Gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke.

Nativity Bible Quiz FAQ

What is a Nativity Bible quiz?

A Nativity Bible quiz tests knowledge of the biblical accounts surrounding Jesus' birth and early childhood. Most questions come from Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 and can include Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, the shepherds, angels, Magi, Herod, Simeon, Anna, and the flight to Egypt.

Where is the Nativity story found in the Bible?

The primary Gospel accounts surrounding Jesus' birth are found in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2. Matthew emphasizes events including the Magi, Herod, and the flight to Egypt, while Luke contains details such as the journey to Bethlehem, the manger, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

Can I print the Birth of Jesus quiz?

Yes. FaithBlitz provides a Print PDF option on the Birth and Childhood of Jesus quiz as well as the Luke 2 and Matthew 2 quizzes.

Does the Nativity quiz include answers?

Yes. FaithBlitz printable quizzes include answer keys and Scripture references so students and teachers can check the biblical source for each question.

Is the Nativity quiz suitable for kids?

Yes. The Birth and Childhood of Jesus and Luke Chapter 2 quizzes are good starting points for children and beginners. Teachers can also use individual questions from this guide and adjust the difficulty for their class.

What is the difference between the Luke 2 and Matthew 2 Nativity stories?

Luke 2 includes Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the shepherds, the angelic announcement, Jesus' presentation at the temple, Simeon, and Anna. Matthew 2 focuses on the Magi, King Herod, the star, the gifts, the flight to Egypt, and the family's eventual return.

Does the Bible say there were three wise men?

No. Matthew 2 describes Magi coming from the east and names three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—but does not specify the number of Magi.

Print a Nativity Bible Quiz

Choose the version that matches your lesson.

For a broad Birth of Jesus lesson, use the Birth and Childhood of Jesus quiz.

For the manger, shepherds, and events of Luke 2, use the Luke Chapter 2 quiz.

For the Magi, Herod, and events after Jesus' birth, use the Matthew Chapter 2 quiz.

Each gives your group a way to do more than remember a familiar Christmas story.

They can open Scripture, check the details, and understand the Nativity more carefully.