Explore the Bible Lesson Preview December 24, 2017 The Promised One Background: Luke 2: 1-40; Acts 13: 23-25 Lesson: Luke 2: 25-38 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. Celebrating Jesus Birth (1-20) A. Age In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. (1) This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. (2) Luke s careful notation of public figures, which have been confirmed by archeology, has been a tremendous tool for authenticating his history. B. Ancestry And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, (4) The full genealogy of Jesus is found in 3:23-37. 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 along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. (5) Mary was engaged but not married and yet obviously pregnant. One can only wonder about the gossip! D. Appointments While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (7) 1 / 8
Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough--because there was no room for them at the lodging place. (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. E. Attesters In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. (8 cf. 15-17). 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. 22-23: 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) F. Angels Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough." 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and 2 / 8
saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! (9-14) HCSB, p. 1733-34: 2:9-10 Though not named in the present passage, the angel of the Lord was Gabriel (1:11-20). The glory of the Lord was a bright light (in the midst of the darkness of night), indicating God s glorious presence. It is only natural to be terrified at the sight of an angel, not to mention a sudden, overwhelming light from the sky. The angel spoke to calm the shepherds and refocus their attention on the proclamation of the gospel (good news). All the people could refer to Israel, but given Luke s emphasis on the gospel spreading to the Gentiles, it probably means all nations. 2:11-12 Savior (Gk. soter ) means deliverer, redeemer. Messiah (Gk christos, equivalent to the Hb meshiach ) means anointed one, especially focusing on being anointed as king. Lord (Gk kurios ) was used of secular rulers, but it is also the standard translation of the primary name of God in Hebrew, Yahweh. The shepherds would have been shocked to hear that a divine messianic ruler had been born, but to be told He was lying in a feeding trough and born to a man and woman of humble means would have seemed preposterous. 2:13-14 The hymn sung by the choir of angels ( heavenly host ) is well-known today as the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, from the first words of verse 14 in the Latin Vulgate ( glory to God in the highest ). To give glory to God does not give Him something He otherwise lacks. Rather, it is a 3 / 8
confession of the wondrous glory He forever possesses. The peace to be found on earth was not the Pax Romana (the universal peace of the Roman Empire), but peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The people whom God favors are those who have found God s undeserved favor, or grace, through Christ. (Isa. 61:1; I Cor. 15:1-4) G. Aftermath 1. The Shepherds After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, (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 who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (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 was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. (19) In contrast to her exclamation of praise (1:47-55), Mary quietly mediated upon the wondrous new Child God had provided. II. Recognizing Jesus is Unique (21-40) A. Timing When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus--the name given by the angel before He was conceived. (21) His very name proclaimed His mission. B. Traditions and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons). (24) This was the 4 / 8
sacrifice of the poor according to Lev. 12:1-8. C. Tribute Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said (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. D. Thanks At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (38). Anna, a prophetess, was of advanced age. Her recognition of Jesus Messiahship was further validation to onlookers (Deut. 17:6; 19:15). E. Testimony The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on Him. (40) Compare this description of Jesus with that of John the Baptist (1:8) and Stephen (Acts 6:8, 10). His parents obedience to God (39) was the context for His growth. III. Reflecting on Jesus Uniqueness (2:41-52) A. Missing Years 1. Events Luke does not record the visit of the wise men (Matt. 2:1-12), the flight to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-15) or the massacre of the innocents (Matt. 2:16-18). Each gospel presents key events according to the Holy Spirit s theme. 2. Years When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. (42) Other than speculation in some apocryphal literature, nothing more is known of these years beyond verse 40; The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace was on Him. 5 / 8
B. Mission 1. Study After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (46) The thought of twelve year old Jesus confounding ( astounded 47) the Rabbis has delighted children for generations. It is also a foreshadowing of the verbal sparring with religious leaders He would have in His future. 2. Son Son, why have you treated us like this? (48) There has been much speculation concerning His understanding of Messiahship. Obviously by age 12, Jesus clearly understood the distinction between earthly parents and His heavenly Father. 3. Service "Didn't you know that I had to be in My Father's house?" (49) His parents confusion anxiously searching is in contrast with His certainty. My Father s house was the obvious place to find Him. 4. Submission Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. (51) This is a pretty amazing concept for the Son of God to be subject to a couple of Galilean peasants! Hebrews 5:7 speaks to this submission During the days of Jesus life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission (NIV) verse 8 follows with He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Jesus set the example for all believers in the area of submission to authority. 5. Sanctification And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with people. (52) Jesus is our example, not only in submission, but also in growth. Living things either grow or die. The perfect, sinless Son of God grew. (Heb. 6:1-3) 6 / 8
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 provides our example in submission and growth. Explore the Bible Leader Pack: Item 11 Poster: Luke 2:7 Biblical Illustrator: p. 18 The Jewish World When Jesus Was Born Notes: **You may access David s Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: www.hfbcbiblestudy.or g ; Dates: 12/24 Christmas Eve Services 2, 4 & 6pm, no LBS; 12/25-26 Christmas Holiday, offices closed; 12/31 Impact NYE; 12/31 Normal service schedule and LBS a.m., NO 5:00 service or 6:30 LBS. 2018: 1/1 New Year s Day, offices closed. 1/8-12 Daniel Fast; 1/13 Men:Serve; 1/23-2/27 7 / 8
Tues. eve The Table; 1/26 Midnight Madness; 1/28 FRC EXPO; 2/9-10 Superstart Preteen Conf; 2/10 - IMPACT guys serve girls; 2/16 Marriage Matters; 2/24 Men:Serve; 2/25 - Parent Commitment; 2/25 World Mission Offering. 8 / 8