Luke 2
CHAPTER 2
The birth of Jesus
Now it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to register themselves, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and family of David) 5 to enrol himself with Mary, who was engaged to him, being great with child. 6 And it came to pass, while they were there, the time came that she should give birth. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds in the same region staying in the field and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were terrified. 10 And the angel said to them: Be not afraid. For I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: You shall find a baby wrapped in birth clothes and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a crowd of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those in whom He is well pleased.
15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger. 17 And when they saw it, they told people about the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 And Mary treasured up all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it had been spoken to them.
21 And after eight days, when he was circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which name was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Simeon and Anna meet Jesus
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord: A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law, 28 then he took him into his arms and blessed God, and said: 29 Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 which You have prepared before the presence of all peoples; 32 a light to be revealed to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against. 35 Yes, and a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow eighty four years. She departed not from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up to worship at that very same hour, she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all those that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.
Jesus at twelve years old
41 And his parents went up every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to the tradition of the feast. 43 And when they had finished the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. 44 Supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and then they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him: Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you. 49 And he said to them: How is it you searched for me? Did you not know that I would be in my Father's house? 50 And they did not understand what he spoke to them. 51 And he left with them and went to Nazareth, and was subject to them; and his mother treasured all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus developed both in wisdom and body, and in favour with God and men.
Commentary
2:7 From birth, Jesus knew rejection from men; for surely somebody could have found a better bed for a heavily pregnant woman. When we experience rejection, He knows how we feel.
2:8 Shepherds were one of the most despised classes in Palestinian society. But God chose to use them as the witnesses to the birth of His Son.
2:15 That has come to pass- Faith is believing what we can’t see but what has been revealed to us by God’s word. The shepherds are a classic example of faith. Therefore the shepherds rejoiced because their faith had been rewarded- they found everything exactly as had been said and as they had believed (v. 20). This was and is the joy of faith rewarded.
2:32 A light for revelation- The Gentiles will only see that light if we reveal Him to them in our witness.
2:35 When the spear pierced the side of Jesus, the heart of Mary was pierced too as she watched. Our reaction to the cross is that the thoughts of our hearts are revealed. Hence the breaking of bread service, when we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, is a time for self-examination because quite naturally the thoughts of our hearts are revealed as we stand before the cross (1 Cor. 11:28).
2:47 Jesus would’ve had a natural aptitude for His Father’s words. He would’ve searched for His Father just as any child does for the father they have never seen. As God’s Son, His intellect would’ve been surpassing. His exposition of Scripture at 12 would’ve been very mature. Note His humility, though, in asking questions- of the men who later would hate and murder Him.
2:48 Your father… Jesus rebukes her by saying that she should’ve guessed that He was to be found in the house of God, His true Father (v. 49). Mary had become so used to the idea of Joseph being the father of Jesus that she had perhaps lost the intensity of persuasion she had when the Angel visited her 13 years ago- that Jesus’ Father was God. Time and the incorrect views of others about Jesus and God can likewise make us view them as the world around us does.
2:52 The growth of Jesus in favour with God makes a nonsense of Trinitarian claims. Likewise His growth in wisdom and knowledge is understood quite naturally if we accept Him as God’s begotten Son. “God the son” and “Trinity” aren’t found in the Bible.
