Luke 2 ’ Birth and Childhood Luke 2 tells us of Jesus’ birth and childhood; again, we see that Luke spent time with Mary to get these stories.

Verses 1&2 Events at the time of Jesus’ Birth • Luke lets us know what is going on during the time Jesus was born and how it affected the. • Caesar was a powerful ruler; he took over an empire in chaos, infrastructure and farms were largely neglected of damaged by war. Roads and streets were unsafe at night; travelers kidnapped and sold into slavery. Morals were very loose due to wealth and luxury for a few and poverty and little hope for others. • Guzik states; Caesar brought order by; 1) defeating all of his rivals, 2) he had great political and administrative skill, and 3) he brought vast sums of money from Egypt to pay soldiers and help the economy of Rome. • Rome had always been a republic; but that wasn’t enough for Caesar and he made it happen and was made emperor; Caesar Augustus (Augustus literally means exalted). • The order Caesar brought did not solve the real problems; he just stopped them for a time with more government bureaucracy. Under his rule he did expand the empire and helped the Roman people in many ways. • Caesar issues a decree for a ; in effect this wasn’t to count people and get data like our census; but the point of a census was to tax people in an efficient manner. All of this is historically recorded as well as Biblically. • The governor in the Roman region near at the time was and this is also historically recorded. • The world responds to Caesar and all go to their own city. • It is interesting how God uses Caesar and his decree to fulfill the prophecy of :2; that the Messiah would be born in . After all, I’m sure Joseph and Mary didn’t want to make the trip nearly nine months pregnant.

1

• Guzik notes that for many, this wasn’t a bad trip; yes, they had to pay taxes, but it was also an opportunity to gather with family because each returned to the city of family origin. Verses 4-7 Jesus’ Birth • Joseph was of the lineage of King (remember the promise made to David that someone from his family would rule forever – this lineage is important – fulfills prophecy) and so he went to Bethlehem, the town of David. • Bethlehem is south-southwest of about 80 miles. This was an expensive trip and took them a considerable amount of time; just to go pay taxes. • Stop and think for a moment; Mary was nearly nine months pregnant. She didn’t have to go with Joseph according to Roman law. On the other hand, it did get both Joseph and Mary away from people and all the social pressure that went along with Mary being pregnant. • Walter Liefeld confirms; “It is possible that Joseph used the emperors order as a means of removing Mary from possible gossip and emotional stress in her own village. He had already accepted her as his wife (:24), but apparently continued in betrothal (Luke 2:5), pledged to be married, till after the birth.” • Luke does not waste a whole lot of words describing the birth; “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.” • She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes. Guzik notes; “this comes from the ancient Greek word “to tear,” meaning they were torn strips of cloth wrapped around Jesus.: • Given the fact that the states firstborn indicates that Mary had other children. • He was placed in a ; a feeding trough for an animal. • Obviously, Joseph could find no other place to stay; “no room for them in the inn.”

2

Verses 8-14 Birth announced to the • Whether these were the shepherds that cared for the temple flocks, we don’t know. Guzik notes that Bethlehem shepherds were known to care for the temple flock. If so, the lambs they cared for were the ones used in temple sacrifice. • This would have been quite a shock to them to have a shining appear before them. • The angel knew this so the first thing he says is; “Do not be afraid.” • He continues; “I bring you good news of great joy.” Good news is where we get the word from. • According to Leon Morris this was very ironic to use shepherds as the first witnesses. “As a class shepherds had a bad reputation…More regrettable was their habit of confusing ‘mine’ with ‘thine’ as they moved throughout the country. They were considered unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in the law courts.” God appears to the common people from society right away. • “Born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior.” The term Savior reflects that Jesus will deliver His people; this theme is prominent in both Mary and Zechariah’s songs from chapter one. • God provides humanity a Savior, to save us from our sins. Not what the people then had in mind or perhaps many people today, but God knew just Who we needed even before we were born. • If it wasn’t shocking enough for the shepherds, now a appears in the sky; praising God! They said; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” • What the world needed most; especially in this war torn, devastated region was the peace of Christ. • Guzik writes; “Even the pagans of the first century world sensed this need for peace and a savior.” Epictetus, a first century pagan writer, expressed this: “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy; he cannot give peace of heart, for which man yearn for more than even outward peace.” • I like John Trapp’s statement; “Let God have all the glory, so we may have all the peace, and grace or good will.”

3

Note: Darrel Bock brings out an interesting point on Jesus whole birth story; he asks us to contrast God’s plan versus how we would script the story. God chooses a very simple (very faithful) women to give birth to the Messiah in a normal village in the strangest of settings with witnesses from common shepherds to wise men. Bock also points out the sense of community; the birth and the first day is usually a very private moment. In Jesus case; shepherds and were all part of the day’s events. The whole script God designed; shows how He identifies with humanity and the fact that what is important is life, family, and community, not the accoutrements that come with life. Verse 15-20 The Shepherds Response • When the angels had gone away to heaven; the shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem (“Let us now go”) to see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord revealed to them. • The angel told them they’d find the baby in a manger – not something you see every day; a baby in a feeding trough. • William Barclay writes; “It is a lovely thought that the shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs were the first to see the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” • The shepherds were obviously inspired by what the angels had told them and by what they had seen and they immediately went and told others. • People also listened to the shepherds and were astonished and filled with wonder at what they said about this Child. • Mary was obviously impacted by their visit and everything that was happening pondered the events; trying to figure it all out. • Trapp makes a good point; God revealed the birth of Jesus through shepherds and wise men; poor/rich, un-respected/respected, learned/unlearned, Jewish/Gentile, and living near/living far off. • Look at the impact on the shepherds; they returned to their flocks and they glorified and praised God, because everything angels told them was true. • John Calvin calls us all to account here regarding the response of the shepherds; “If the cradle of Christ had such an effect upon them, as to make them rise from the stable and the manger to heaven, how much

4

more powerful ought the death and resurrection of Christ to be in raising us to God?” Verses 21-24 Jesus’ Purification at the Temple • On the eighth day; Jewish children were to be circumcised. Joseph and Mary were devout in their faith and would have followed the Law of Moses. • They brought Jesus to the temple for purification as well; a reminder that we are all born into the world as sinner; except for Jesus. All this is written in Leviticus 12. • Even though Jesus was without sin; he always identified with the people he came to save (sinners). He went through circumcision, purification, and was baptized. He even identified with sinners by being crucified on a cross. • Purification included the sacrifice of a lamb; unless the family was poor, in which case two doves or young pigeon could be sacrificed. • The fact that two young pigeons were used, tells us of the poverty that Jesus was born into. • Guzik notes; all this would have happened before the wise men came for a couple of reasons; 1) they would not have gone to after being warned by an angel. 2) being the faithful people they are, they would not have offered two pigeons given the rich gift they received from the three wise men. Verses 25-35 God’s promise to fulfilled • Simeon was a faithful prophet of the Lord, who lived in Jerusalem. He was told through the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. • “Waiting for the Consolation of Israel.” Simeon would have heard the news of ’s birth and its meaning from Zechariah’s words. The word from the shepherds about Jesus would have spread as well. • Led by the Spirit, Simeon goes to the temple and in the Women’s Court (Mary was there) he meets Jesus. Simeon takes the child in his arms and praises God for allowing him to see the Salvation of the World. Again, we see in Simeon’s praise that Jesus will be; “a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

5

• Simeon also uses the word “light” to describe Jesus. This continues the theme from verses 78-79 in chapter one and recalls Isaiah 60:1-3 where the prophet states that the light of salvation comes with revelation and glory as a result. • Simeon is stressing that Jesus is coming for all people; not just the Jewish people. • We can hear the joy in Simeon’s voice; He is full of praise and lover for the Lord and now feels at peace. • Again, Mary and Joseph are left to ponder and wonder about every being prophesied about Jesus. • Simeon then blesses them and issues a bitter warning; there would be many who would rise and fall because of Jesus. We see it in the Chief Priest and . Guzik contrasts, the example of Peter and how he repented and how Judas on the other hand despaired; the thieves of the cross, one who blasphemed and the other who believed. • Jesus is truly very attractive to many, and rejected by others. • “A sign will be spoken against Him”; he will be the target of much hatred. • He also tells Mary; “A sword will pierce through your own soul also.” I’m sure Mary could not have imagined what awaited, but it was important for her to know that this journey with her Son, Jesus, would be difficult. Note: We all need to take a lesson from this statement; faith in Christ, our journey of faith in Him, will not be all roses, but we will face burdens too. I cannot imagine how Mary suffered and grieved at Jesus rejection, but I cannot imagine the joy she felt at the resurrection. Verses 36-38 Anna’s Testimony to Jesus the Messiah • We know from that Anna was a prophetess and we know she spoke a specific prophecy regarding Jesus. • We know Anna was very faithful and did not leave the temple, but served the Lord day and night with fastings and prayers. • Obviously, led by the Holy Spirit, Anna knew who Jesus was when they walked by.

6

• Anna was a widow, living on the generosity of other, but she did not lose hope or get bitter (contrast her with Naomi). • God revealed much to Anna and it was shown in her loving response to Jesus and the knowledge she shared about Him. Note: We have much to learn from Anna’s example of faith and worship. Verses 39-40 Return to Nazareth • After fulfilling everything according to the law; they returned home to Nazareth. • Jesus grew strong and was filled with wisdom; and God’s grace was upon Him. God was clearly filling Him and preparing Him for His ministry. Note: Mary and Joseph were part of this development. We as parents and grandparents can learn from this example; we need to pray for our children and grandchildren and teach them whenever we can about Jesus so they may be filled with wisdom. • We know almost nothing about Jesus from now until the age of twelve. Obviously, God feels we don’t need to know, so we don’t need to speculate. Verses 41-52 Jesus in the Temple • Again, we see the devout faith of Mary and Joseph. They went to the Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Feast of the . • People would make these pilgrimage trips together; it was safer and it was truly a part of the celebration with people of faith. • They would have recited scripture, sang, and prayed as they made their way to Jerusalem. • One particular group of Psalms were recited during every journey to Jerusalem for annual feasts. The are known as; the Psalms of Ascent, Psalm 120 – 134. As they made their pilgrimage, their mindset was they were ascending to the Temple. • After a day they realize they haven’t seen Jesus, so they start looking for Him. This wasn’t neglect on the part of Mary and Joseph; after all they traveling with friends and relatives.

7

• I’m sure the felt horrible when they realized Jesus wasn’t with them. • They returned to look and they must have begun to worry after three days of looking. • They finally find Him in the temple amongst the teachers; where He had been for three days listening, asking, and answering questions. • We get a true sense here that Jesus knew His identity on two levels; 1) the response of astonishment from the teachers at how much Jesus knew. 2) His response to Mary; “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?” • Barclay notes that this was a common practice during the Passover season, for the to meet in the Temple court and discuss religious and theological questions. All were welcome. • When Jesus referred to being about His Father’s business; that was not uncommon. Most sons took up their Father’s business in those days and Jesus did become a carpenter. What they didn’t understand was Jesus was referring to His true Father in Heaven. This leads to a question that one always has with regard to Jesus and His childhood years. Did Jesus always know who He was? Certainly, He did at the age of twelve. Guzik asks; were there self-imposed limitations of His humanity? The truth; we don’t need to know or God would have been revealed in scripture. • Jesus does honor His parents and goes with them. Our scripture states; “Jesus was subject to them.” • He honored His father and mother and in so doing honored His Father in Heaven. Being God did not affect how Jesus treated His parents; He wasn’t arrogant or disobedient, but obedient. • Mary obviously sensed something different in her Son and kept all these things in her heart. Luke’s interview with her must have been amazing. • Jesus obviously worked with His father, Joseph, and learned and earned as a carpenter. • Jesus did all the little things right, as well as the big things. We can learn from that; the little things we do are just as important as the big things. • After the events in the temple; we are told Jesus grew in: wisdom, stature, and in his relationships with people. People were attracted to Jesus even

8

before He began His ministry, even before His grace and mercy was available to us.

Sources: Guzik, David; Luke Study Guide, blueletterbible.org Bock, Darrell L.; The Luke NIV Application Commentary studylight.org John Calvin’s Commentary Matthew Henry Commentary G. Campbell Morgan; The Gospel According to Luke Trapp, John; Complete Commentary, studylight.org Latourette, K.S.; A History of Christianity Liefeld, Walter L.; Luke (The Expositors Bible Commentary) Morris, Leon; Tyndale Commentary: Luke Barclay, William; The

9