Luke chapter 2 is very unique - it is the only place where we learn in detail what happened at the birth of Christ - again, evidence that Luke may have gotten the story from Mary herself. It is the only place where we see Jesus presented for circumcision at the Temple, and the only gospel that records a tiny but significant story of Jesus as a 12 year old boy.
The first 20 verses you probably have memorized - they form one of the two Christmas stories - the other is in Matthew, but it actually occurs when Jesus was no longer a newborn (the Magi).
Verses 1 - 7
There is a lot of controversy, believe it or not, over the accuracy of this paragraph. People say that there was never any empire-wide census under Augustus, no reason for Joseph to go to Bethlehem, no need for him to take his wife, and for that matter Quirinius wasn’t governor at that time. So, they conclude, the Bible is a made up afterward version of events that seem plausible but not factual.
Well - let’s talk about that. It’s true that Caesar Augustus didn’t call for any empire-wide census but he did have a policy that allowed for regional census taking and taxation - and that is the key. There was a regional census taken during that time - Jewish custom called for men to return to their ancestral towns - and it’s quite possible that Quirinius was the administrator of the census and later became governor to invoke the tax (census taking took a long time). As for Joseph bringing Mary - perhaps they knew she was getting close and knowing the significance of this child decided to stay together.
Some other things - they probably did not arrive in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve - but some days or weeks beforehand. It says "while they were there…" not - "soon after they arrived." Also - we think about Jesus being laid in a sort of wooden crib inside a wooden Crèche scene with angels, shepherds, and the Wise Men all gathered ’round in a holy glow.
In reality - it was a cave in a hillside and Jesus was laid in a stone feeding trough. This cave may be one of the only accurate sites of Jesus’ life in Israel. I’ve been there and it’s no Oregon Health Sciences University maternity wing - nor is it the Sheraton.
What’s beautiful about this, of course, is that the King of Kings was not born in a palace or even a real home - but in the crummiest of places, attended by the lowliest of people - because Jesus came to save the lowest of people.
Verses 8 - 20
I think we tend to romanticize the shepherds - you know - like American cowboys sitting by the fire under a twinkling sky - but instead of the lowing of cattle in the background it is the bleating of sheep. Well - forget that image. Shepherds at this time were outcasts in their society. They were not allowed in cities and were often considered thieves.
For God to send his angels to announce the birth of Christ would be like coming to homeless people in downtown Portland.
It may have been Gabriel bringing the "good news" - which is the gospel itself. He says it is for "all people" which actually in the Greek refers to the people of Israel (the word "laos") - but that good news was to be spread throughout the whole world.
"A Savior, who is Christ the Lord." There is a lot in this little phrase. "Savior" means "deliverer" and would have meant that to the Greek as well as Hebrew audience. "Christ" means "anointed one." "Messiah" is the Hebrew form of the word. The "Lord" meant deity. So you have God as the One set apart for the special task of delivering His people.
The shepherds didn’t ask for a sign but they got one - and a very specific one. Swaddling clothes was normal - but not lying in a feeding trough. Its interesting too because this gave them a clue where to look. They couldn’t have gotten into a wealthy home, but into a stable they could go. Just as Jesus is accessible to all.
The shepherds then "made known" what they saw and heard. It means to declare something you know. The shepherds were not learned men or religious experts. But they had experienced something that was worth telling - the first ambassadors of the gospel. The people who heard it "wondered" or "marveled" at it. It means to admire from a word that means "to look at closely." Mary, it says, "treasured" the experience - it means "to confer." She "mulled them over." She will have more food for thought shortly.
Verses 21 - 24
This short section might actually encompass three different ceremonies. Leviticus 12:3 says that male boys must be circumcised on the 8th day. A local priest could have performed this rite - and they gave Him the name the angel told them to. Then after one month, Numbers 18:15 says that the first born male of every household belonged to God and must be redeemed by sacrificing a lamb or doves if the family was too poor. Interestingly, God said if the first born wasn’t redeemed it must be killed. Jesus was redeemed, but He would later give His life as a sacrifice. This was to happen 30 days after birth.
Then 40 days after birth, Mary would also have to go to the Temple to give a sacrifice to make her ceremonially clean again. Two turtledoves or pigeons could be used instead of a lamb. It may be that both these events took place at once, or they stayed in Jerusalem for the 10 days.
Verses 25 - 35 Simeon
Imagine what Joseph and Mary must have thought at all these proclamations about their Son. Apparently the shepherds weren’t the only ones told of the Messiah’s coming.
So here’s this guy Simeon. A holy man, Simeon was "waiting for the consolation of Israel" which basically meant he was waiting for the Messiah. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. And God told him he would see the Messiah. Wow. So one day God says "go to the Temple" and here comes the promised Messiah.
Simeon’s words are glorious - this Child is obviously something very special. Notice he says "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." Luke wrote to a Gentile audience so this would be important for them (and us) to know.
So just as Mary and Joseph are rejoicing and marveling over the words he says something more - something troubling. Jesus would bring salvation, but He would also bring division - which was true. And he notes that for Mary this blessing comes at great sorrow for her. How often do God’s greatest blessings come at great pain for His saints?
Verses 36 - 38
By some accounts Anna was 105 years old. This was not totally out of the question - Jewish literature records a woman of that age around that time. She was at the Temple whenever it was open. She was also a prophet, which means she spoke God’s truth. We don’t know exactly what she said - but apparently she spreads the word about Jesus to her friends that were waiting for God to restore the nation. Pretty amazing stuff for a couple of poor, young parents.
Verses 39 - 40
So now Mary and Joseph go back to Nazareth. Here’s this little tiny bit of information about Jesus’ youth. He grew strong it says - "grew" refers to physical strength - "strong" refers to spiritual strength. We also know that He was wise beyond His years and that it was obvious that God was with Him. Don’t we as parents have that as our prayer for all our children as well?
Verses 41 - 52
12 years of age was when Jewish boys began to reach manhood. Those who came to the Passover feast mostly traveled in caravans with the women and children in front and the men behind. Because Jesus was in that in-between stage he could have been in either group. A boy of 12 also might not have spent much time with his parents in Jerusalem. So it’s conceivable that Joseph and Mary wouldn’t know whether or not Jesus was with them.
One day out, one day back, and one day searching for Jesus - and they finally find Him in the Temple having what apparently were deep theological discussions with the Rabbis. Mary scolds him - Jesus answers back calmly, not disobediently. He doesn’t understand their concern because He knows then that He is the Son of God and that He "must" be in "my Father’s house."
But despite this - it’s not time yet for Jesus to enter into public ministry. So He returns and melds right back into the life of a 1st century Jewish boy in Palestine - going to school, helping out at home, learning a trade. He was quite capable of it then - it just wasn’t time.
We don’t know anything about the next 18 years, except that Joseph probably died, and that Jesus was well loved and grew up as a fairly normal person - going through all the things we experience in adolescence.
Conclusions
Jesus led an ordinary life, but was a very special child.
Luke’s account shows us that Jesus had a typical upbringing for a Jewish child in the 1st century. And as He grew He began to explore what God was doing through Him. I don’t mean to denigrate His deity - Jesus was fully God. But He was also fully man.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ESV
A word to parents - watch for your child’s special relationship with the Father. Encourage it. Encourage them to ask questions, and engage them about spiritual things. Don’t scold them for perhaps being more radical than you in the things of God.
God moves mighty men and nations with or without their knowledge and consent
- I’m sure Augustus sat on his throne in Rome passing policies for census taking that benefited him. I’m sure the Syrian officials who called for a Palestinian census were looking forward to getting rich off the taxes. No one was thinking about a poor couple - a carpenter and his out-of-wedlock pregnant betrothed making their way to Bethlehem. Yet the selfish acts of evil men can be used by the selfless love of a holy God to bring about a great salvation.
For us - if you belong to the Lord then it doesn’t matter what city, county, state or federal governments do to you. It doesn’t matter what men try to do to squelch your ministry or witness for Jesus Christ.
Psalms 118:6-7 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. ESV
That doesn’t mean we don’t vote, or make our opinions known or don’t pray. It just means we need to acknowledge who is really in control.
God moves in the hearts of men by inviting them to look for and find the Savior
- Notice how God spoke to the shepherds - "go check it out man!" Later, in John 1, Philip tells Nathaniel about Jesus. Nathaniel says "can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip says "come and see." It’s an invitation. God does not force Himself on anyone. He could. The shepherds could have opened their eyes and be on their knees in front of the baby Jesus. He doesn’t work that way. He invites, we investigate, He reveals.
Perhaps God is inviting you to investigate Him right now. Or maybe there is a truth or challenge or an encouragement waiting for you. But God wants you to "come and see."
Simeon had to wait his whole life for a promise to be fulfilled - but when it came, he was ready
- Do you ever go along and "bam" have a divine appointment you’ve waited for for years? That’s what happened to Simeon. Now he could very easily have given up, felt that the Lord didn’t really speak to him, or that maybe he wasn’t worthy after all. But he kept faith in what the Lord revealed and when it came he was ready.
What has the Lord spoken to you? Is there a vision you feel is from Him but hasn’t come about yet? Don’t give up - be ready. Sometimes the most precious promises take the most time to come to pass as God works on our hearts and prepares us for that moment.
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