I’m so glad you’ve returned to study with me. Let’s continue with Luke 2 today. If you missed the beginning, please go back and read Luke 1.
Before we continue, though, we must pray.
Lord Jesus, it is only through You that we can see what You want us to see in this chapter or any chapter, so I ask for the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the words to add, and You to lead. Thank You, Lord.
Please Read Luke 2:1-7 AMP
Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem
1Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] [a]Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be [b]registered [in a census]. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register with Mary, who was [c]betrothed to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, 7 and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [[d]swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a [e]manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.
Years ago, I read that Bethlehem is where the shepherds who raised spotless sheep for the offerings in caves around Bethlehem. They had them clean for the sheep in the belief that a totally clean cave would allow a spotless lamb to be born. And that this was where Jesus, our shepherd and spotless lamb of God was born. And that He was likely wrapped in strips of Zachariah’s (Zacharias’s) priestly garments. Because He is our High Priest too.
Please Read Luke 2:8-14 AMP
8 In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for [f]all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest [heaven],
And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”
When the angels appeared to shepherds outside of Bethlehem, they were likely very near the cave in which Jesus was born. The “city of David” is Bethlehem. Don’t let the familiarity with the story stop you from seeing the majesty of it. And notice, the very first thing the angels say to everyone they’ve talked to since chapter one, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is a very common response to heavenly beings coming to earth. Yet the fact that they did so is also proof that God is real. God cares. God is well pleased with some of us.
Please Read Luke 2:15-20 AMP
15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, 18 and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
Christ the Lord, the Messiah, has been born. Can you imagine how full of praise they must have been?
Please Read Luke 2:21-24 AMP
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21 At the end of eight days, when He was to be circumcised, He was named Jesus, the name given [to Him] by the angel [Gabriel] before He was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the time for their purification came [that is, the mother’s purification and the baby’s dedication] according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord [set apart as the Firstborn] 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy [set apart and dedicated] to the Lord)” 24 and [they came also] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord [to be appropriate for a family of modest means], “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
There are two different times here, first when He is named and the second when he is dedicated. There had never before or has never been since that the one dedicated to God was so wholly committed to God as Jesus, God himself, was.
Please Read Luke 2:25-32 AMP
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the [g]Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 27 Prompted by the Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, [h]to do for Him the custom required by the Law, 28 Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed and praised and thanked God, and said,
29 “Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was previously unknown],
And [to bring] the praise and honor and glory of Your people Israel.”
Isn’t it lovely to hear that there were some people back then who had the Holy Spirit? He is the gift of God to everyone who believes in Jesus.
Those words, “a Light for revelation to the Gentiles to disclose what was previously unknown…” Evoke the answer to that…
Romans 16:25-27
Now to Him who is able to establish and strengthen you [in the faith] according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery [of the plan of salvation] which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now has been disclosed and through the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God, leading them to obedience to the faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forevermore! Amen.
And Ephesians 3:4-10
By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not disclosed to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit; 6 [it is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs [with the Jews] and members of the same body, and joint partakers [sharing] in the [same divine] promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation]. 7 Of this [gospel] I was made a minister by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. 8 To me, [though I am] the very least of all the saints (God’s people), this grace [which is undeserved] was graciously given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the incomprehensible riches of Christ [that spiritual wealth which no one can fully understand], 9 and to make plain [to everyone] the plan of the mystery [regarding the uniting of believing Jews and Gentiles into one body] which [until now] was kept hidden through the ages in [the mind of] God who created all things. 10 So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Please Read Luke 2:33-35 AMP
33 And His [legal] father and His mother were amazed at what was said about Him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen carefully: this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for [i]a sign that is to be opposed— 35 and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The fall and rise of many in Israel… and for a sign that is to be opposed (by the world of unbelievers). Every one of us has works God planned in advance for us to do. Believers, that means there is something God has for you to do, and it is good.
Please Read Luke 2:36-38 AMP
36 There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the [area of the] temple, but was serving and worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.
The Holy Spirit is given to both men and women. God shows no favoritism. He just showers His favor on believers. Apparently there were more true believers at that time too as that little phrase, ‘to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem’ means there were others.
Please Read Luke 2:39-40 AMP
Return to Nazareth
39 And when they had done everything [in connection with Jesus’ birth] according to the Law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him.
Don’t lose sight of Jesus, the Messiah, for the ‘humanness’ in much of the story. For He is Christ, our Messiah, and He was filled with the Spirit and in fact, was God among humans.
Please Read Luke 2:41-45 AMP
Visit to Jerusalem
41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover Feast. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning [to [j]Nazareth], after spending the required number of days [at the Feast], the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and traveled a day’s journey; and [then] they began searching [anxiously] for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for Him [everywhere].
Can you imagine their fear? Yet this is God they’re looking for.
Please Read Luke 2:46-47 AMP
46 Three days later they found Him in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard Him were amazed by His intelligence and His understanding and His answers.
All who heard Him were amazed at what? His ____________, and His _______________ and His ______________.
Please Read Luke 2:48-49 AMP
48 When they saw Him, they were overwhelmed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Listen, Your [k]father and I have been [greatly distressed and] anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be [l]in My Father’s house?”
“Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Even at twelve, He knew Whose and Who He was. Can you imagine what it must have been like to know you had a part in raising God? Oh they must have feared for His life. Don’t forget though, this is God’s Son we’re talking about. The fullness of God and the manifestation of God in human form.
Please Read Luke 2:50-52 AMP
50 But they did not understand what He had said to them. 51 He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.
He was submissive and obedient, how can He not expect those who love Him to be like Him, submissive and obedient to Him?
And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.
We can keep increasing in wisdom too.
Stature in this sentence likely means: importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement.
And the Favor with God? Faith in Jesus puts you under God’s Favor. We are showered with blessings one upon another every single day of our lives. And His mercy is new, brand new, every morning. Meaning however long you’ve lived, God has given you new mercy in a unique way every single day! Grow your faith. It matters.
Return to the Luke Quicklinks.
Read the Isaiah short study.
Leave a comment? Scroll down below the footnotes.
Footnotes
Luke 2:1 Augustus, Rome’s first and possibly greatest emperor was born Gaius Octavius in 63 b.c. He was the great-nephew, adopted son and heir of the dictator, Julius Caesar. Under Augustus’ intelligent leadership (27 b.c.-a.d. 14) Rome entered the period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Luke 2:1 This was the first general census conducted outside Rome that included the people of the Roman provinces.
Luke 2:5 See note 1:27.
Luke 2:7 This was customary among the Jews, and quite comfortable and protective for the baby. Wrapping the baby in strips of cloth was intended to strengthen the back and bones for good growth.
Luke 2:7 I.e. feeding trough for animals.
Luke 2:10 I.e. Gentiles as well as Jews.
Luke 2:25 A Messianic title.
Luke 2:27 I.e. offer the turtledoves as a sacrifice.
Luke 2:34 The rejecting of the Messiah, culminating in the crucifixion.
Luke 2:43 Nazareth of Galilee was about 65 miles north of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:48 Joseph was recognized as the legal father of Jesus.
Luke 2:49 Or occupied with My Father’s business.
I’m so glad you’ve returned to study with me. Let’s continue with Luke 2 today. If you missed the beginning, please go back and read Luke 1.
Before we continue, though, we must pray.
Lord Jesus, it is only through You that we can see what You want us to see in this chapter or any chapter, so I ask for the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the words to add, and You to lead. Thank You, Lord.
Please Read Luke 2:1-7 AMP
Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem
1Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] [a]Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be [b]registered [in a census]. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register with Mary, who was [c]betrothed to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, 7 and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [[d]swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a [e]manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.
Years ago, I read that Bethlehem is where the shepherds who raised spotless sheep for the offerings in caves around Bethlehem. They had them clean for the sheep in the belief that a totally clean cave would allow a spotless lamb to be born. And that this was where Jesus, our shepherd and spotless lamb of God was born. And that He was likely wrapped in strips of Zachariah’s (Zacharias’s) priestly garments. Because He is our High Priest too.
Please Read Luke 2:8-14 AMP
8 In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for [f]all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest [heaven],
And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”
When the angels appeared to shepherds outside of Bethlehem, they were likely very near the cave in which Jesus was born. The “city of David” is Bethlehem. Don’t let the familiarity with the story stop you from seeing the majesty of it. And notice, the very first thing the angels say to everyone they’ve talked to since chapter one, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is a very common response to heavenly beings coming to earth. Yet the fact that they did so is also proof that God is real. God cares. God is well pleased with some of us.
Please Read Luke 2:15-20 AMP
15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, 18 and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
Christ the Lord, the Messiah, has been born. Can you imagine how full of praise they must have been?
Please Read Luke 2:21-24 AMP
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21 At the end of eight days, when He was to be circumcised, He was named Jesus, the name given [to Him] by the angel [Gabriel] before He was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the time for their purification came [that is, the mother’s purification and the baby’s dedication] according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord [set apart as the Firstborn] 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy [set apart and dedicated] to the Lord)” 24 and [they came also] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord [to be appropriate for a family of modest means], “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
There are two different times here, first when He is named and the second when he is dedicated. There had never before or has never been since that the one dedicated to God was so wholly committed to God as Jesus, God himself, was.
Please Read Luke 2:25-32 AMP
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the [g]Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 27 Prompted by the Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, [h]to do for Him the custom required by the Law, 28 Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed and praised and thanked God, and said,
29 “Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was previously unknown],
And [to bring] the praise and honor and glory of Your people Israel.”
Isn’t it lovely to hear that there were some people back then who had the Holy Spirit? He is the gift of God to everyone who believes in Jesus.
Those words, “a Light for revelation to the Gentiles to disclose what was previously unknown…” Evoke the answer to that…
Romans 16:25-27
Now to Him who is able to establish and strengthen you [in the faith] according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery [of the plan of salvation] which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now has been disclosed and through the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God, leading them to obedience to the faith, 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forevermore! Amen.
And Ephesians 3:4-10
By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not disclosed to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit; 6 [it is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs [with the Jews] and members of the same body, and joint partakers [sharing] in the [same divine] promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation]. 7 Of this [gospel] I was made a minister by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. 8 To me, [though I am] the very least of all the saints (God’s people), this grace [which is undeserved] was graciously given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the incomprehensible riches of Christ [that spiritual wealth which no one can fully understand], 9 and to make plain [to everyone] the plan of the mystery [regarding the uniting of believing Jews and Gentiles into one body] which [until now] was kept hidden through the ages in [the mind of] God who created all things. 10 So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Please Read Luke 2:33-35 AMP
33 And His [legal] father and His mother were amazed at what was said about Him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen carefully: this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for [i]a sign that is to be opposed— 35 and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The fall and rise of many in Israel… and for a sign that is to be opposed (by the world of unbelievers). Every one of us has works God planned in advance for us to do. Believers, that means there is something God has for you to do, and it is good.
Please Read Luke 2:36-38 AMP
36 There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the [area of the] temple, but was serving and worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.
The Holy Spirit is given to both men and women. God shows no favoritism. He just showers His favor on believers. Apparently there were more true believers at that time too as that little phrase, ‘to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem’ means there were others.
Please Read Luke 2:39-40 AMP
Return to Nazareth
39 And when they had done everything [in connection with Jesus’ birth] according to the Law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him.
Don’t lose sight of Jesus, the Messiah, for the ‘humanness’ in much of the story. For He is Christ, our Messiah, and He was filled with the Spirit and in fact, was God among humans.
Please Read Luke 2:41-45 AMP
Visit to Jerusalem
41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover Feast. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning [to [j]Nazareth], after spending the required number of days [at the Feast], the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and traveled a day’s journey; and [then] they began searching [anxiously] for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for Him [everywhere].
Can you imagine their fear? Yet this is God they’re looking for.
Please Read Luke 2:46-47 AMP
46 Three days later they found Him in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard Him were amazed by His intelligence and His understanding and His answers.
All who heard Him were amazed at what? His ____________, and His _______________ and His ______________.
Please Read Luke 2:48-49 AMP
48 When they saw Him, they were overwhelmed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Listen, Your [k]father and I have been [greatly distressed and] anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be [l]in My Father’s house?”
“Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Even at twelve, He knew Whose and Who He was. Can you imagine what it must have been like to know you had a part in raising God? Oh they must have feared for His life. Don’t forget though, this is God’s Son we’re talking about. The fullness of God and the manifestation of God in human form.
Please Read Luke 2:50-52 AMP
50 But they did not understand what He had said to them. 51 He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.
He was submissive and obedient, how can He not expect those who love Him to be like Him, submissive and obedient to Him?
And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.
We can keep increasing in wisdom too.
Stature in this sentence likely means: importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement.
And the Favor with God? Faith in Jesus puts you under God’s Favor. We are showered with blessings one upon another every single day of our lives. And His mercy is new, brand new, every morning. Meaning however long you’ve lived, God has given you new mercy in a unique way every single day! Grow your faith. It matters.
Return to the Luke Quicklinks.
Read the Isaiah short study.
Leave a comment? Scroll down below the footnotes.
Footnotes
Luke 2:1 Augustus, Rome’s first and possibly greatest emperor was born Gaius Octavius in 63 b.c. He was the great-nephew, adopted son and heir of the dictator, Julius Caesar. Under Augustus’ intelligent leadership (27 b.c.-a.d. 14) Rome entered the period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Luke 2:1 This was the first general census conducted outside Rome that included the people of the Roman provinces.
Luke 2:5 See note 1:27.
Luke 2:7 This was customary among the Jews, and quite comfortable and protective for the baby. Wrapping the baby in strips of cloth was intended to strengthen the back and bones for good growth.
Luke 2:7 I.e. feeding trough for animals.
Luke 2:10 I.e. Gentiles as well as Jews.
Luke 2:25 A Messianic title.
Luke 2:27 I.e. offer the turtledoves as a sacrifice.
Luke 2:34 The rejecting of the Messiah, culminating in the crucifixion.
Luke 2:43 Nazareth of Galilee was about 65 miles north of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:48 Joseph was recognized as the legal father of Jesus.
Luke 2:49 Or occupied with My Father’s business.