In chapter 2, Luke provides some details concerning the birth and early childhood of Jesus. Whereas chapter 1 focused on the pre-birth events in the lives of Zacharias and Mary, chapter 2 focuses on outside witnesses of his birth: shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and even temple officials. Luke wants the reader to understand that Jesus’ birth was not ordinary, even in regard to His conception. His birth was a cosmic event witnessed by those who were actively seeking God. The love theme throughout chapter 2 can be found in a number of places—from the humble setting of His birth, to the loving gifts of the Father to Simeon and Anna who had devoted their lives to serving God.
The question might be asked, “How did Luke, not an eyewitness to the events, know so much about them?” It is speculated that when Paul was in prison in Caesarea—some 3 years—Luke traveled to Jerusalem and interviewed Mary and others knew Jesus well. Tradition also has it that Philip’s four daughters, who were prophetesses, were extremely well-informed about the birth, life and death of Jesus. Luke, as it turns out, was an investigative journalist.
What to look for in Luke 2
As you read each paragraph ask, “How is God speaking to me personally through His word?”
Jesus was the Son of God, the coming King of the Jews. Note particularly the humble circumstances of His birth.
Review chapter 1 and count the number of individuals who are “filled with the Spirit” (beginning with John the Baptist). Note features that are common to all these individuals, and the result of their being filled with Spirit.
Note Simeon’s responses to meeting Jesus. Note the global and personal responses, and note what is the foremost desire in Simeon’s heart.
Observe Anna’s reaction to God after having lost her husband and not having any sons to provide for her. How did she spend the rest of her days?
When Jesus is separated from His parents, note where He is finally located, and what He is doing when He is found.
Note how Luke describes Jesus’ childhood, and whether or not he records that Jesus worked miracles as a child, as the Gnostic gospels claim.
2:1-7 The birth of Jesus took place sometime between 6 and 4 BC. The exact time frame of the census is uncertain, but it is known that Caesar Augustus was the first declared emperor of Rome; the name “Augustus” means “exalted one.” Regardless of the details, the purpose of the census was twofold: registration for conscription into the Roman army (from which Jews were exempt), and registration to levy a “poll tax” which every person under Roman rule was required to pay annually. Because this was the “first census,” Jews were required to return to their ancestral cities to register. Both Joseph and Mary were descendants of David, and therefore required to journey to Bethlehem, the City of David, to register. From a human perspective, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 70 miles over hilly terrain. There is no indication in Scripture that Mary actually rode on a donkey, although in all probability, she did. There is also no indication they traveled alone; they may have been part of a caravan of fellow travelers.
Would Joseph and Mary have traveled all the way to Bethlehem when she was nine months pregnant had not Caesar called for a census? It is highly unlikely. Also, had Joseph and Mary related the birth of their son to Micah’s prophecy—that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2)— they might well have moved to Bethlehem much earlier. Joseph and Mary were not scholars of the Hebrew Scriptures, and may not have realized that the birth of their son was the fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy. The point here is that God is in charge of rulers and kings (Isa. 40:23; Dan. 2:21) and uses even their politically motivated behaviors to exalt His name and fulfill His will. As God had planned since the beginning of time, the Messiah, the “stem of Jesse,” would be born in the City of David (Isa. 11:1).
2:4 As indicated above, Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem because both were direct descendants of David. A comparison of the genealogies found in Luke and Matthew indicate that Mary represents the physical descendant of David leading to the Messiah, and Joseph represents the legal, or royal line leading to the Messiah. The reader should take note: God doesn’t express His love for mankind with a spattering of coincidences here and there; His love is directly tied to and expressed through His providential dealings with all mankind throughout history.
2:5 The phrase “who was engaged to him, and was with child” is nothing short of what could be considered a scandalous statement. Clearly, Joseph and Mary had neither married nor consummated their relationship. Mary’s condition would have brought upon her great shame and ostracism, and upon Joseph, great judgment and contempt. Matthew’s gospel helps shed light on Joseph’s dilemma (Matt. 1:18-25). Matthew clearly states that Mary was still a virgin when Jesus was in her womb, and conception was not by Joseph, but by the Holy Spirit.
Can the reader see the great love that Joseph had for Mary? As Matthew states, his instinct was to “send her away secretly.” Being engaged was as legally binding as marriage, and therefore Joseph had the legal right to break the covenant as well as the relationship. But he chose to suffer ridicule by trusting God, and he chose to risk his own reputation by loving Mary.
2:7a Also, Luke clearly states that Jesus is Mary’s “firstborn” son, not her “only” son. Mary will have other sons, including James, the author of the epistle (Luke 8:19-21; Gal. 1:19). God’s love allowed Mary to have a full family to take care of her when Joseph apparently died at a relatively young age, and Jesus, the eldest son, was fulfilling God’s plan for mankind.
2:7b The birth of Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love for a lost world. That we live in a world without biblical love is indicated in the pathetic scene that no one at the inn was willing to make room for a woman who was about to have a baby. No one was willing to sacrifice their room for the One who will be willing to sacrifice His life for all mankind. Mary is directed to a stable. The incarnation of the word, God’s ultimate act of love, is unrecognized by the world. It is a foreshadowing of things to come.
One last note needs to be inserted regarding Jesus’ birth and the traditions associated with it. It is unlikely Mary gave birth the night she arrived in Bethlehem. Luke states, “while they were there,” not “when the arrived….” Most likely, Joseph had pitched a tent, as most travelers did. When it came time for Mary to deliver, the inn would have been a better setting, as women helpers would have been available. As it turned out, the inn was full when it came time for Mary to give birth. Therefore, they resorted to a stable (which may have been a cave) where there was plenty of water and straw for a bed.
Also, the nativity scene currently celebrated at Christmas pictures animals, shepherds and the three wise men, and a bright star shining in the background. The nativity scene is a direct descendant of the Christmas morality plays held in churches during the Middle Ages. Churches condensed many events into a single event for simplicity’s sake. Though Luke records the incident with the shepherds, it is unlikely they arrived there the same night, as they would have been punished for leaving sheep unguarded. Therefore, they probably arrived later the next day when their watch was over. Also, no animals are mentioned in Scripture (although there were probably some in stalls). And the three wise men from the East? Matthew’s gospel does not mention the number of wise men—there may have been a whole caravan—and it is clear in Matthew 2:11 that they entered “the house,” which some have speculated may have taken place as much as two years after Jesus’ birth.
But out of love, we will forgive church tradition for these inaccuracies, as in the end, they are superiorly overshadowed by the superb truth that “the word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:12).
2:8-14 Shepherds were at the bottom of2:8-14rstige chain in Jesus’ day. They had no status other than what their families gave them. These particular shepherds were most likely watching over sheep that were destined for sacrifice. In the hills of Bethlehem, Herod the Great had built a residence, and the surrounding fields were ideal for grazing sheep. Historians indicate that the sheep kept at Herod’s residence were those destined for sacrifice in his temple. It is no coincidence, then, that the shepherds keeping watch over lambs destined for sacrifice would be directed to the Lamb of God who would become the sacrifice for all mankind’s sins, God’s greatest gift toward man.
2:9-10 Notice that on almost all angelic visitations, their opening words are, “Do not be afraid.” Out of love, God anticipates our fears even before we do. Notice, too, that the good news is for “all people.” That means all people, including Gentiles. Luke especially would have picked up on these subtleties. The good news will result in “great joy.” This is explained in the next verse. Finally, note that the angel is standing before them, not hovering above them in the air, as is depicted at Christmas.
2:11 It is to shepherds, and only to shepherds, that the announcement is made that the Messiah is born. He is the long-awaited-for Deliverer. The word “Christ” is the Greek word for the Hebrew word “Messiah.” The good news that will come to all mankind and bring great joy is the news that God is fulfilling His promises and will indeed provide for all mankind a Deliverer from sin.
2:12 There is not only an announcement, but proof is provided.
2:13 For the sake of accuracy, please note that there is no mention that the angels sang. They were praising God and “saying.” Our assumption that the angels were singing probably comes from Handel’s “Messiah.”
2:14 What is being implied here is this: there are men and women who please Him and there are those who don’t. One of the most important questions in life is this: “With whom is God pleased?” A Christian might assume that God is pleased only with someone who has already believed in Jesus Christ. But the question is broader and more imminent than that; at this point in history, Christ hasn’t died for sins. As we will discover later in the Scriptures, those with whom God is pleased are those who truly understand what it means to love others and act accordingly toward their fellow man. The principle is quite simple and profound: those who act in love toward others will recognize God’s love through Christ, and those who don’t love will be blind to all God offers through Jesus Christ.
2:15-16 The shepherds went “straight” to Bethlehem. They “came in a hurry” and “found their way” to the Messiah. This is the manner in which those “with whom He is pleased” demonstrate their desire to see Jesus. For these, there is always an urgency to seek out Jesus. For those who have no desire to seek Jesus, there is always an urgency to flee His presence. Those with whom God is pleased seek the presence of Jesus with a sense of urgency.
2:17 Those who receive good news also have an urgency to tell others about it. This episode with the shepherds confirms for Joseph and Mary that their child is no ordinary child.
2:18 “All” refers to the shepherds, Joseph and Mary. It is possible that there were others present, but this is not stated.
2:20 What is the response of those who come into the presence of the Savior? “Glorifying and praising God” is the normal response. All fear is gone, for the perfect love that has been expressed by God through the birth of the Son of God casts out all fear.
2:21 As we read in John’s case (1:59), it was customary to name the child at his circumcision. However, in Jesus’ case, according to the instruction from the angel Gabriel, Jesus is given His name “before” His circumcision. There is significance in this. Jesus supersedes the law of Moses; that is, He existed before the Law. John’s naming was according to the Law, he being the last of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus’ naming was before the Law, Jesus being the fulfillment of the Law. Jesus’ name was given before He was “conceived in the womb.” Jesus existed before the Law was given to Moses, and He supersedes the Law because He existed before He came into the world to save mankind from its sin.
The name Jesus is Greek for the Hebrew name Joshua, which means “the Lord saves,” or “the Lord delivers.”
2:22-24 Mary required purification and Jesus required dedication according to the Law. Instead of a lamb plus a pigeon or turtledove, which was the required sacrifice, two turtledoves or pigeons were allowed to be used by those who were poor. Not only did Jesus have to be born in a stable, but He had to be dedicated with the poorest of sacrifices.
2:22 “…they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.” This event happens at the beginning of His life. At the end of His life, He will bring Himself up to Jerusalem and present Himself to the Lord. Whereas the least costly sacrifice is presented in the beginning, the most costly sacrifice—His life—will be presented in the end. God’s love accepted the least costly sacrifice—Christ’s love allowed for the most costly sacrifice. The entire event of purification and dedication is one smothered with love: God’s love for Joseph and Mary, Joseph’s love for Mary, Mary’s love for God, and God’s love for His Son who will eventually become the Perfect Sacrifice.
2:25-32 God is a consoler and comforter of His people. Simeon is desperate to experience the “consolation,” or comforting of God’s people as promised by the prophet Isaiah (40:1). There is a wonderful irony here, because the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, “was upon him.” We know this by Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17 where Jesus calls the Holy Spirit “the Comforter.” Not only was the Holy Spirit “upon” Simeon, but the Holy Spirit had “revealed” to him that he would actually come face to face with the Messiah. Why was the Spirit ministering so frequently in Simeon’s life? Because he was “righteous and devout.” One cannot become righteous and devout without the Holy Spirit, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, one becomes more righteous and devout. Simeon was wholly dedicated to the Lord.
2:32 “…a light of revelation to the Gentiles….” This quotation from the prophet Isaiah had more meaning than Simeon imagined at the moment, but it was not lost on the Gentile Luke. Simeon, like most devout Jews, assumed that the Messiah would make His power and sovereignty known to all the Gentile world by ruling over them, resulting in their acknowledgement that the God of Israel was the only true God. Luke, however, discovered that the Messiah would make His salvation known to the Gentile world, thus not only saving him, but saving any Gentile who received Jesus Christ as Lord. Thus, the “consolation of Israel” was not just for the Jews, but for the whole world.
2:33-35 This is the first indirect mention of the cross. As the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would see the Christ, the Holy Spirit also revealed to him a mystery that most Jewish leaders did not see—that the Messiah must first suffer and die. Even Jesus’ future disciples would have a difficult time accepting the fact that the Messiah must first experience the cross. Why? Because, like most of us, no one wanted to deal with the seriousness of personal sin and the cost of the sacrifice that would be needed to reconcile God to man. Like us all, most Jews wanted heaven and all God’s blessings without the sacrifice. That the Messiah must first suffer and die was a truth that the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon, most likely through Isaiah 53.
2:35 Mary had no idea of the grief that would await her 33 years later. Up to the point of the word “Israel,” Mary is hearing only wondrous and glorious things about her Child. God’s love allowed her to continue on with the joy of the moment, and kept her from understanding the terrible truth that one day her heart would be broken. This is a hard thing to accept about God’s love; more often than not, love involves much more pain and sacrifice than we are willing to acknowledge or accept.
2:36-38 Anna was someone who, after the death of her husband, could have justifiably sought another husband. She could also have become very angry at God for taking her husband. Yet, instead of turning to anger, or to financial security from the world, she chose instead to see her situation as a sign from God and devote her life fully to the kingdom of God. Anna was what Paul would later refer to as “a widow indeed” (1 Tim. 5:3).
2:38 Whereas Simeon was looking for the consolation of Israel, Anna was looking for “the redemption of Jerusalem.” Whereas Simeon saw the big picture of national spiritual need, Anna saw the plight of the poor, the needy and the oppressed.
2:39-40 After the birth of Jesus, Mary remained “unclean” for 40 days, according to Mosaic law. During this time, she and Joseph returned to Nazareth, and soon after were married. So Joseph and Mary were officially married only after she gave birth to a child. Rumors, of course, would spread that Jesus was illegitimate, that Mary was an adulteress, that she had perhaps prostituted herself out to a soldier stationed in Nazareth, or that perhaps she had even been raped. As Simeon had prophesied, Jesus was already being “opposed.” We know from Matthew’s gospel that Joseph had had doubts in the beginning, but God lovingly informed him in a dream that Mary’s pregnancy was of the Holy Spirit. It was only through his love for her and her Son that he was willing to endure the gossip, the whispers, the ostracism, the rumors and the public humiliation that surely accompanied their return to Nazareth. Why didn’t Joseph choose another city where they could hide their secret? Because Joseph knew that Mary needed to be around family, and he was willing to suffer personal consequences to see that she was taken care of.
2:41-51 This paragraph indicates clearly that Jesus knew He was the Son of God. This passage, the only one in Scripture that mentions Jesus’ childhood, also emphasizes Jesus’ primary earthly ministry—teaching. Had Jesus performed miracles, as the apocryphal New Testament (Gnostic) literature record, would not Luke have mentioned it? Jesus’ primary ministry, apart from His death on the cross, was to change people’s mind about God and their relationship to Him. This can only be done by teaching truth, and by example. If one desires to know what “questions” Jesus was asking, one need look no further than the substance of His teaching throughout the gospels. Perhaps “all who heard Him” were so “amazed at His understanding” because He was able, even at the age of twelve, to grasp the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. The spirit of the law teaches that God is a God of love, and that God wants all mankind to experience His love and express His love to others.
A logical question to ask is why didn’t Jesus inform His parents that He was remaining behind in Jerusalem? Wasn’t that an unloving thing to do to His parents? The answer can be found in the number of days He went missing—three. Note that a total of three days goes by between the time they discover Him missing and the time they find Him in the temple. This event is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion and resurrection. In the crucifixion, Jesus will go “missing” for three days, and then He will be “found” in His Father’s house—that is, in a resurrected state. During the time between His resurrection and ascension, He will be teaching, but this time, not teaching the rabbis but His disciples, the new leaders of the church. In verse 50, Joseph and Mary “did not understand the statement” because He had not disclosed Himself as the Son of God, and because they had no idea the cross was coming.
2:51 Jesus fulfills the fifth commandment by remaining in subjection to His parents, even though He knows He is the Son of God. This is another way of saying that He honored His father and mother, which in itself is another way of saying He loved them.
2:52 There is no mention of miracles or the “gifts of the Spirit,” as the Holy Spirit had not yet empowered Him.
Questions for Your Personal or Group Reflection
In chapter 2, God continues to speak. Through the angel, He spoke to the shepherds and through the Holy Spirit He spoke to Simeon. God still speaks today through His word. How has God’s word spoken to you as you have completed studying this chapter?
Ask yourself, “What is the primary focus of my life? Is it family? Is it my career? Is it satisfying my personal needs and wants?” If it is any of these things, where does your relationship with God fit in? Is it something that is just tacked on to these other priorities? If you really want to hear God’s voice and have His word speak to you, what are you going to change in your priorities to make that happen? How will your life change in regard to prayer, study and service? What will it take for you to become “righteous and devout” as Simeon was? What are you “looking for”?
What would it take for you to be “filled with the Spirit,” and how will you know when you are? Is being filled with the Spirit something you or a charismatic speaker makes happen, or does God make that happen?
Consider Anna’s life. What did she do to replace personal loss and grief with joy and fulfillment? What is the great lesson her life teaches? Have you thought about what you would do if God intervened in your life like He intervened in Anna’s?
When it comes to your relationship with Jesus, what are you focused on pursuing—His miracles, His “signs” or His teaching? Which of these will have the most lasting effect on your life and on those whom your life touches?
Go through chapters 1 & 2 and circle the word “favor” or its variants (e.g., “favored”). (You can find the word in 1:25, 28, 32, and 2:51.) What does it mean to find “favor” with God? How can you find favor with God? (Hint: There is a close relationship between “favor” and “grace.”)
What has chapter 2 taught you about God’s love, His desire for you to experience His love and how He wants you to express His love?
