CHAPTER 2

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Among all the Bible Scriptures, this probably is the most well known. Most churches, and places that can still have public Christmas plays, read this Scripture at Christmans time. Christmas is actually the holiday when we thank God for His provision of "The CHRIST Child!"

This "decree" was made after, or sometime around, the time when Joseph and Mary were married (See Matthew 1:18-25). And, evidently, Bethlehem was the place of Joseph's birth.

Let us realize here, how important is the admonishment in 1Timothy 2:1-2, that we PRAY for "all men...For kings, and for all that are in authority..."

It was BECAUSE of the "decree" that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, where King Jesus was BORN! Thus, the prophecy of Micah 5:2 was fulfilled. You see, God is effectively working "ALL things together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Sometimes it may not FEEL like it, but God is ALWAYS working the affairs of government for the GOOD of the saved! That is, IF the saved are PRAYING for the same! Even then, though, God is working FOR "good" toward the saved; because when the saved are not doing properly, God gives them BAD government.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

I'm quite sure Joseph and Mary struggled with the fact that this "decree" was for their GOOD! Mary was near delivery, and the trip would be very difficult for her. And Joseph was going to have to pay a TAX, when he needed to be saving money for the child to be born.

And how GOOD could it feel when they arrived in Bethlehem to find "NO VACANCY" signs in all the motels?! The only place they could find for Mary to deliver the child was perhaps a stable or a cave!

The point is, GOD WAS WORKING; and God is ALWAYS WORKING, "FOR" the GOOD of the saved!

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Somewhere near the place in Bethlehem where Jesus was born, there were some "shepherds" who were watching over and protecting their flock during the night.

It was to them that God appeared. Yes, I said GOD. Notice that verse 9 says, "the angel of the Lord..." There is One, and ONLY One, physical manifestation of the Holy, invisible God - JESUS! Yes, it was HE Who broke through space and time to reveal His own birth! Just as He had appeared several times BEFORE His birth (See Genesis 17:1, Joshua 5:13-15, and Judges 6:12, and Daniel 3:23-25 for instance).

"THE Angel," this visible representation of God, brought "tidings of great joy," where tidings means NEWS!

And the NEWS was that "this day in the city of David"(Bethlehem) was born a "Savior, which is CHRIST, the LORD." He is CHRIST because He is the long-awaited and prophesied Messiah. And He is LORD because He is God, born of God, to be the visible image of the invisible God.

Further, THE Angel explained WHERE they would find this CHRIST, MESSIAH, LORD. They would find Him "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger!" The Great Almighty God of Heaven, took upon Himself the clothing of human form; and that as a NEWBORN CHILD! This baby, would "grow up before" God as "a tender plant" (Isaiah 53:2). And, according to the "multitude" of angels which next appeared, He brings "peace, good will toward men."

Jesus came to bring eternal "peace" between God and mankind. He offers a peaceful re-establishment of harmony between sinners and a Holy God. The manner in which He offers that "peace" is that He brings "good will" to mankind. He brings the WILL of God that none "should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2Peter 3:9)

Now, these shepherds new that the "city of David" (vs 11) was "Bethlehem" (Vs 15). And that's where they went! Take note that they "came with HASTE" (vs 16)!

After they had viewed Jesus, they then "made known abroad" that He is "CHRIST, the LORD!"

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

These lowly shepherds were actually the first evangelists of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They KNEW, according to what the angel had told them, that this baby, Jesus, was "Saviour, Christ the LORD!"
And, as they went on the way back to their duties, they "told" everyone they saw!

WHAT, exactly, did they tell everyone?
That this child was "CHRIST the LORD!"
The word "Christ" is the Greek word meaning the same as the Hebrew word for MESSIAH.
Messiah (Hebrew, mashiyach) meant anointed One, or specifically, THE anointed One of God to be SAVIOR.
The word "LORD" is the Greek word meaning the same as the Hebrew Yehovah, or self-existent and eternal God. The Greek word is actually Kurios, coming from the root Kuros meaning Supreme Authority.

WHAT, the shepherds were telling people was that the baby born was Messiah-Savior and Yehovah, GOD!

It's no surprise then that "all they that HEARD it wondered!"
It is no surprise either that Mary "pondered" about what the shepherds had said!

In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel had told Mary to name the child JESUS. He had also told her that the child would be called "the Son of the Highest", and would inherit the kingdom of David, and that His kingdom would be "without end." But Gabriel had NOT said the child would be "CHRIST the LORD!"

Can you imagine the debate raging in Mary's mind?
How could GOD be born to her?
Indeed! People would think her foolish to blaze abroad such a statement!

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;" (1 Cor 1:27)

This Child, our LORD Jesus, was born of a WOMAN ( Galatians 4:4) and took upon Himself the nature of a human being (Philippians 2:7-8).

Therefore, He complied with "the law" of God in every way.
And that compliance is shown in the very beginning of his life, for ....

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

On the eighth day of His physical life here on earth, Jesus was circumcised according to the law ((Genesis 17:12, and (Leviticus 12:3). At this time, He received His earthly name, Jesus, according to what the angel had told both Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:31, and Matthew 1:21).

And on the 37th day of His physical life (Leviticus 12:4-6), Jesus was brought again so the parents could make an acceptable offering to God for the blessing of His birth.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus on this 37th day of His life, a man named Simeon came at the same time. This man had received revelation from God that he would not die before seeing "the consolation of Israel." And Simeon was drawn to be in the synagogue that particular day by "the Spirit" (vs 27) of the Lord.

This man brought confirmation to Joseph and Mary.
This man brought proclamation to all who were in the synagogue that day.

Note verse 30: Jesus IS God's "salvation!"
And, verse 31: Jesus is God's salvation to "all people!"
And, verse 32: Jesus fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2. He is the "Light" of the world! (See John 8:13, and John 9:5).
Jesus is both the revelation of God, and the "glory" of Israel.

In verse 34, Simeon "blessed" Joseph and Mary. He proclaimed them blessed among men. They had received honor from God, and were given the privilege of raising this Child Who brought God into man, and would bring men to God!

Simeon also stated that this child would be for the "fall and rising of many in Israel." He, Jesus, is the "cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22). He is the stone by which all men comprising the house of God must be aligned (See Matthew 21:44).

Many have "fallen" upon Christ, and have been raised to everlasting life.
Many have refused to "fall" upon Christ as their only means of salvation, and they shall be fallen upon by Him at the final judgment day!

Many have "spoken against" this "sign" of God's advent into the world through human form. However, the Scriptures prophesied of this very thing.

Note, now, that there is a parenthetical thought at the beginning of verse 35. We'll get to that in just a moment.
However, the preceeding thought in verse 34 is continued at the end of verse 35.
"The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" refers to people who claim or disclaim Jesus as God in the flesh. Jesus Himself said, "He that is not WITH me is AGAINST me" (Matthew 12:30, and Luke 11:23).

Now, let's go back to that parenthetical thought at the beginning of verse 35, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also..."
Each time Jesus would be mocked, it would cut deeply into Joseph and Mary!
Each time Jesus would be denied, it would pierce their souls!
Is the same not true with Christians today?
Do we not suffer with Him when He suffers mockery and denial?

Also, Mary would watch and feel the deep piercing of the sword of suffering as Jesus died vicariously on the cross for men.

Jesus is the pivotal point of God's eternal salvation offered to mankind.
By receiving Him, men receive salvation.
By refusing Him, men receive condemnation.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Here is another person who came to bring confirmation to Joseph and Mary and proclamation to the world.

Anna is described in 4 different ways in these three short verses.
First, she was a "prophetess," meaning she was known for speaking prophecies that were truth.
Second, she was about 84 years old and was a widow.
Third, (though the last part of verse 36 is inclear in context), her husband had probably died at an early age.
But, fourth, and most important, she was DILIGENT in servitude of God (verse 37)!

The terms "in that instant" (verse 38), probably describes the fact that Anna came in about the time Simeon finished his statements.

She praised God for Jesus, and "spake" of the Child to everyone who "looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

The people looking on knew both Simeon and Anna.
They knew both of them by the character of life they had displayed.

NOTE: Because these knew Jesus, they told of Jesus!
Point being: when someone KNOWS Jesus, they will TELL of Him!

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Not much is said about the early life of our Lord, Jesus. Luke, here, compacts the early life of Jesus in two short statements.

He returned to Nazareth with Joseph and Mary.
He "grew". He grew physically and in character and in "wisdom."
He was "strong" (the word "spirit" is not in the manuscript. It was inserted in the King James version to clarify meaning.) More appropriately the implied meaning is that Jesus grew strong in personal self-discipline (as will be demonstrated in the following verses).

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

There's a misconception about Jesus going with His parents at "twelve years" of age. Some have said that was when He was "of age" to become responsible for his own actions according to the laws of God. In effect, some would say that Jesus was having his "Bar Mitzvah." Simply stated, this means a Jewish boy becomes personally responsible for abiding by the law. Before this age of "Bar Mitzvah," the parents were responsible for seeing that the boy abided by the law.

But the "Bar Mitzvah" is for boys of age 13....not 12! At 12 years of age, Jewish boys do learn to fast at certain times, thus leading to their 13th year when they become "a son of the commandment."

Perhaps then, the reason for this particular statement by Luke is to show that Jesus was AHEAD of the normal progression. BEFORE he was of age for the "Bar Mitzvah," He was able to do MORE than others at that age!

Let us be careful to understand the meaning of the "feast."
This was the "Feast of Passover." It was one of the celebrations at which ALL males were required to appear (See Exodus 23:17). Immediately following the feast of Passover was the "feast of unleavened bread" (Leviticus 23:5-6). These feasts lasted a total of 8 days.

Ordinarily, families attended the feasts in large groups. It would not have been uncommon for a Jewish boy to become misplaced for a time because he might have been with other people in the family.

After Joseph and Mary had traveled toward home ONE day, they realized Jesus was not with the company. Then, it took them one MORE day to get back to Jerusalem. And on the THIRD day, they found Jesus in the temple.

When they found Jesus, He was "sitting" among the "doctors" of theological reasoning. He was there among the LEADERS of Judaism!

The amazing thing is that Jesus was ALLOWED, at 12 years of age, to be in their company! They were not trying to "shoo" Him on because He was a child! They were listening intently!
Also, Jesus was astounding them with questions which He asked, and answers that He gave (verses 46-47 above).

Now, upon this scene, come Joseph and Mary asking WHY Jesus had not come home with them.
Jesus answered their question with a question. "WHY" were they looking for Him? Surely they must know that His business with His HEAVENLY Father was more important than the business with His earthly parents! (See verse 49 above)

This was not a child in rebellion toward his parents!
This was a child intent on His purpose!
It's little wonder that Joseph and Mary "understood not" Jesus' answer!
How could a boy this YOUNG be so cognizant of His life's purpose?

What an example Jesus has given us in even His early childhood!!
How INTENT a person should be upon fulfilling their purpose in life!
Our whole purpose in life is to please GOD!

Let us be about our purpose!

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Notice how the Scripture is phrased!
Jesus went "down" with His earthly parents, and became "subject" to them!

He could not fulfill His purpose as a MAN until He had fulfilled His purpose as a CHILD!
"Children, obey your parents in the LORD; for this is RIGHT!" (Ephesians 6:1)

And, DURING Jesus' submissiveness to His earthly parents, He was intent on GROWING.
He grew both in height and physical strength and in "favour with God and man."
He paid attention to being God's child, and to being pleasant to mankind.

The KING OF GLORY, the CREATOR was found being in "the form of a servant" and "made Himself of no reputation" except that He was "humbled," and became "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross!" (Philippians 2:7-8)

Children need to be taught they are here for a purpose!
That purpose is to PLEASE GOD (See Ecclesiates 12:13-14).

And children need to be taught to LEARN and GROW toward fulfilling that purpose!

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.