LUKE CHAPTER 2

LUKE CHAPTER 2

SCRIPTURE:

Today I will summarize Luke chapter 2 where Like documented the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.  Luke started the chapter by documenting some history.  He said a decree went out from Emperor Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken from everyone in his kingdom.  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was the governor of Syria.  Everyone had to travel to their city of birth to do the census and pay the tax.  A man named Joseph who was engaged to the virgin Mary went from Galilee to the city of Nazareth to Bethlehem where he was originally from.  While they were in Bethlehem to register for the census.  Mary who was pregnant gave birth to her firstborn son. 

She wrapped him in clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Shepherds were staying out in the fields during the night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them suddenly and the Lord’s glory lit up the countryside.  They were terribly frightened.  The angel said to them don’t be afraid I bring to you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.  Today in the city of David there is been born for you a savior who is Chris the Lord.  This will be a sign for you.  You will find a baby wrapped in clothes lying in a manger. 

Suddenly a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared and they all praised God and said,” Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.” The angels disappeared into heaven.  The Shepherd’s said to themselves,” Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.  So, they hurried and went.  They visited Mary, Joseph, and the baby as he lay in the manger.  When they saw the sign, they told Mary and Joseph what had just happened with the angels.  Everyone was shocked and overjoyed.  The shepherds then went back to their hillside but they glorified and praised God on the way.  A week later, when the time came for the baby to be circumcised.  Mary and Joseph named the new baby Jesus.  This was the name given by the angel before Jesus was conceived in the womb.  Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple after the days of purification were completed according to the law of Moses.   Every firstborn male is to be dedicated to the Lord.  Joseph then offered the prescribed sacrifice according to the law of God.  A pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law of the Lord.  Simeon was a good and God-fearing man at the temple during this time. He was waiting for Israel to be saved. 

The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Lord’s promised Messiah.  Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple.  When the parents brought Jesus Christ into the temple to do for him what the law required.  Simeon saw Jesus in the temple.  Took him in his arms and blessed God. He said now Oh lord you can allow your servant to depart this life in peace.  You said I would see your salvation and indeed I have.  This baby will be the light f revelation to the Gentiles.  Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and said this baby is appointed for the destruction and Salvation of many in Israel and he will be opposed. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.  The thoughts from many hearts will be revealed because of Jesus. 

Another person was in the temple while all this was happening.  There was a prophetess widow who was 84 years old.  Her name was Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher.  She never left the temple but day and night worshipped God, fasting and praying.  That very same hour she arrived and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.  Jesus and his parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover festival. 

When Jesus was twelve years they went to the festival as usual.  When the festival was over, they started back home, but Jesus did not go home with his family.  For three days he sat in the temple listening to the teachers there and asking many questions.  All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his wisdom and how intelligently he answered.  For he was so young.  His parents searched everywhere for him for three days after noticing he was gone.  They assumed he was with other relatives or friends.  They went back to Jerusalem and found him in the temple. They said why have you treated us this way?  We have been looking for you everywhere.  Jesus replied,” did you not know that I had to be in my father’s house? But they did not understand what Jesus meant but Jesus went back with them and he was obedient to them.  His mother treasured all these things in her heart.  Jesus grew both in body and wisdom, gaining favor with God and men.

OBSERVATION:

The thing I think the lord wants us to understand after reading this chapter is that Jesus was born n Bethlehem as the prophecies foretold.  He grew up in Nazareth as the prophecies foretold.  God used Caesar’s decree to place people in the right spot at the right time to fulfill his prophecies.  The Lord wants us to see that he announced Jesus’ birth to the lowest sector of society on that day shepherds before anyone else.  The Lord wants us to see a glimpse into what Jesus was liking growing up.  When he was twelve Jesus amazed the greatest teachers of the law with his answers and his questions.  Even Jesus submitted himself to the authority figures over him like his parents and his teachers when he didn’t have to.  He did this to give us an example to follow.  Are you submissive to your lawful authority or are you a rebel?  It’s time you submit to the authority of the lord right now.  There is still time to repent and believe.  Obedience to God is proof of our love for him. It demonstrates our commitment and faithfulness to God.  Obedience opens God’s door of blessings to our lives. 

PRAYERS:

Dear God, please give me a humble heart to yield to your instructions at all times, so that I can prosper.  Help me to obey you and let me be flexible for Holy Spirit’s guidance.  Let me follow when you lead, and let me be willing to receive your blessings whenever you are ready to hand them over.  I can only keep my life pure by obeying your commands. Keep me from disobeying your commandments. Explain your law to me and I will obey it and keep it in my heart so that I will not sin against you.  Teach me your ways father.  Help me to understand your law and I will meditate on your wonderful teachings.  Strengthen me as you have promised my father.  Keep me from going the wrong way and from paying attention to what is worthless.  Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich.  Enable me to speak the truth at all times and do your will for I have chosen to be obedient.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your beloved son.  Amen.