Explore the Bible Lesson Preview December 20, 2009 "Why did Jesus Come" Background: Luke 2:1-35 Lesson: Luke 2:8-15, 25-35

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1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview December 20, 2009 "Why did Jesus Come" Background: Luke 2:1-35 Lesson: Luke 2:8-15, Motivation: Jesus' birth gives us cause to celebrate, not just at Christmas, but all year long! Understanding the miraculous nature of His birth and mission helps us more fully comprehend His purpose for us. (Jer. 31:22). John 8:58; 17:5, 24; Heb. 10:5 Examination: I. O Little Town of Bethlehem (1-7) A. Age "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered " (1) Be liever's Study Bible, p. 1436: " 2:1 The reign of Augustus (27 B.C. - A.D. 14) was a time of relative peace on earth. Luke's account depicts Augustus as God's agent, who, by his edict of census, sets the stage for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem." "This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria" (2) Bel iever's Study Bible, p. 1436: 2:2 "Quirinius is Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, a prominent Roman governor of Syria (A.D. 6) who was in control of the military in Syria under Varus (6 B.C.) and would have directed the census. Recent archaeological discovery indicates that Quirinius may have been twice governor of Syria, the earlier date being about 6-4 B.C. and the second A.D The first term of Quirinius would fit Luke's account well at this point. Luke is a careful historian as well as an accomplished theologian. 1 / 7

2 B. Ancestry "Joseph also went up 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 lineage of David " (4) The full genealogy of Jesus is found in 3: The important note here is that He was of the line of David in fulfillment of prophecy (Micah 5:2). C. Arrangement "to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child " (5), p. 1436: 2:5 &qu ot;here betrothed' refers to the contractual but unconsummated marriage. This type of betrothal ( kidd ushin, Heb.) was as binding as marriage and could be broken only by divorce." (Jer. 22:24-30) D. Appointments "So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was not room for them in the inn." (6-7). Jesus was later proclaimed " King of Kings" and "Lord of Lords " (Rev. 17:14). In a non-historical account, one would expect the writer (propagandist) to omit details that would detract from Jesus' "kingliness". However, in brutal detail, Luke records the humble "appointments" of His birthing center. These have been faithfully reproduced in countless nativity scenes., p. 1436: 2:7 " Swaddling clothes' were narrow strips of cloth wrapped around an infant. That Christ was born and placed in a manger' led to the tradition that He was born in a stable. Early tradition indicates that He was born in a cave, which may have been used as a stable." (Matt. 13:53-58) Luke 19:10; I Cor. 5:7) II. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (8-20) 2 / 7

3 A. Attesters "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night " (8 cf ). Once again, a surprise leaps from the history of Luke! One would expect the first witnesses to be high born, legal scholars, or people of note. Instead, rough smelly shepherds are given the privilege of witnessing to the birth of the " Lamb of God." William Barclay, The Gospel of Luke, p : "It is a wonderful thing that the story should tell that the first announcement of God came to some shepherds. Shepherds were despised by the orthodox good people of the day. They were quite unable to keep the details of the ceremonial law; they could not observe all the meticulous hand-washings and rules and regulations. Their flocks made far too constant demands on them; and so the orthodox looked down on them. It was to simple men of the fields that God's message first came. But these were in all likelihood very special shepherds. We have already seen how in the Temple, morning and evening, an unblemished lamb was offered as a sacrifice to God. To see that the supply of perfect offerings was always available the Temple authorities had their own private sheep flocks; and we know that these flocks were pastured near Bethlehem. It is most likely that these shepherds were in charge of the flocks from which the Temple offerings were chosen. It is a lovely thought that the shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs were the first to see the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29; Heb. 10:4, 9) B. Angels "And behold an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord '... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying : Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men '! (9-14), p. 1436: 2:14 "A better rendering of the text is peace toward men of goodwill'. This one-verse hymn has been titled the Gloria in Excelsis Deo ( 3 / 7

4 Latin for "glory to God in the highest")." William Barclay p. 23: "We have already seen that when a boy was born, the local musicians congregated at the house to greet him with simple music. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem and therefore that ceremony could not be carried out. It is a lovely thought that the minstrelsy of heaven took the place of the minstrelsy of earth, and angels sang the songs for Jesus that the earthly singers could not sing." (Isa. 61:1; I Cor. 15:1-4) C. Aftermath 1. The Shepherds "Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Christ " (17). The reaction of the shepherds was witness and wonderment (20) (Isa. 9:6-7; Contrast 2 Thes. 2:9) 2. The Crowd "And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds " (18). Even though Jesus' birth was in humble circumstances, it was still marvelous to recount. (humiliation; Phil. 2:5-8 Followed by exaltation in 9-11) 3. Mary "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart" (19) In contrast to her exclamation of praise (1:47-55), Mary quietly mediated upon the wondrous new child God had provided. III. Joy to the World! The Lord is Come (2:21-35) A. Timing 4 / 7

5 1. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb " (21), p. 1437: 2:21 " Eight days' indicates the time for the circumcision, and usually, the naming of a male child (Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3). God's law ever precedes man's finest medical discoveries. Normally, in the blood of infants, the coagulants reach their maximum effectiveness on the eighth day after birth." 2. "Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed..." (22), p. 1438: 2:22 "A woman who bore a male child was considered unclean for 40 days." (Lev. 12:2-8) B. Traditions "And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord," A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons' (24), p. 1438: 2:24 " A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons' is the offering prescribed for the poor in connection with the religious purification of a new mother (Lev. 12:1-8). The turtledove is a small type of pigeon. " 2:27 The custom of the law' required that in the case of the firstborn there was a payment of five shekels for redemption' from priestly service, which could be paid after the first month of the child's life. Forty days after birth, the mother's purification was accomplished." C. Tribute "...he took Him up in his arms and blessed God..." (28) Simeon believed that he would not die until he saw the Messiah (" Consolation of Israel ", Isaiah 40:55). His instant recognition of Jesus as the Messiah was further miraculous confirmation. 5 / 7

6 , p. 1438: " 2:29-32 Simeon's song, called Nunc Dimittis (Latin for ("now you let depart," after the first two words of the Latin translation of Simeon's song), exhibits his knowledge of Is " D. Trials "Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against.'" (34), p. 1438: 2:34 " The fall and rising of many' indicates that those who reject the Messiah will be cast down, while those who accept Him will rise through salvation." E. Truth "(Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (35) Believer's Study Bible, p. 1438: 2:35 " This statement, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed,' refers apparently to those who speak against Him and thus reveal their true character. Application: 1. Jesus birth gives cause to celebrate. (Rev. 4:8-11; 5:9-12; 11:15-19) 2. Jesus' miraculous birth was historically affirmed by key witnesses. 3. Jesus' birth began a process that results in every person being judged by Him. (Phil. 2:10-11) 6 / 7

7 Leader Pack Item 6: Poster: Lesson Outline Illustrator: p. 38; "Caesar Augustus" Notes: **You may access David's Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: y.org/ ; Dates: 12/19 - Candycane Lane; 12/24 - Christmas Eve Services - 5:00 & 11:00; 12/27 - Ch ristmas Weekend (No SBS) - normal worship Schedule Dates: 1/8 - Midnight Madness; 1/12-4/13 - Livingproof Bible Study; 1/ Student Mission Conference; 1/17 - Missions Expo; 1/ Livingproof Blog Event; 2/ Senior Adult Revival; 2/19 - Night of Worship; 2/21 - New & Pros. Member Orientation. 7 / 7