Luke 2

Luke 2 describes key events surrounding the birth and early life of Jesus. This chapter includes the Roman decree that brings Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born. Shepherds receive a divine announcement about His birth and visit Him, celebrating the arrival of the Savior. Later, Jesus is presented at the temple, where Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah. The chapter concludes with a glimpse of Jesus' wisdom as a young boy in the temple. Luke 2 emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the recognition of Jesus' divine purpose from a young age.

Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV)
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 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,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Roman decree for a census forces Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in David's city. Despite the challenges of travel while Mary is pregnant, their obedience results in Jesus’ birth in humble circumstances. His placement in a manger signifies a lowly entrance into the world, emphasizing His accessibility to all people, regardless of social status.

Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 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.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The angels appear to shepherds, a group often overlooked by society, highlighting God’s favor for the humble and lowly. The angel’s message brings reassurance and joy, declaring Jesus as the Savior for all people. The heavenly choir praises God, affirming peace and goodwill for humanity, emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ birth as a transformative event for the world.

Luke 2:15-20 (NKJV)
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

The shepherds respond immediately, eager to witness the promised Messiah. Their encounter with Jesus fills them with joy, leading them to share the news broadly. Those who hear the shepherds’ testimony marvel, while Mary deeply reflects on these events. The shepherds’ joyful return signifies the impact of meeting the Savior and their role as the first messengers of His birth.

Luke 2:21-24 (NKJV)
21 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.
22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

This passage highlights Jesus’ adherence to Jewish law from infancy, emphasizing His identification with Israel and His role as the Messiah. His circumcision on the eighth day aligns with God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-12) and symbolizes His inclusion in God’s chosen people. The naming of Jesus, instructed by the angel, reflects His divine mission as the Savior (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21). Mary’s purification after childbirth follows the requirements of Leviticus 12:1-8, where women were to offer sacrifices, with a provision for the poor to bring two birds instead of a lamb. Their offering indicates their humble status. The presentation of Jesus in the temple fulfills Exodus 13:2, where God commands that every firstborn male be consecrated to Him. By obeying these laws, Jesus’ family demonstrates faithfulness, and His consecration foreshadows His role as the one who would perfectly fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17) and redeem humanity.

Luke 2:25-35 (NKJV)
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.
34 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
35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Simeon, a devout man, receives a promise from the Holy Spirit that he will see the Messiah. Recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise, he proclaims Jesus as the salvation for all people, including the Gentiles. His prophecy to Mary foreshadows both Jesus’ impact and the sorrow she will experience, highlighting the significant role Jesus will play in revealing the hearts of many.

Luke 2:36-40 (NKJV)
36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Anna, a dedicated prophetess, recognizes Jesus as the source of redemption and eagerly shares this revelation. Her testimony confirms Simeon’s declaration and brings further encouragement to those awaiting the Messiah. Jesus' return to Nazareth and growth in wisdom and grace highlights His development under God’s guidance, preparing Him for His mission.

Luke 2:41-52 (NKJV)
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

At age twelve, Jesus shows an early awareness of His divine purpose, engaging with religious teachers in the temple. His response to Mary indicates a strong sense of mission, yet He submits to His earthly parents, embodying humility. His growth in wisdom, stature, and favor reflects both His human development and God’s hand on His life as He matures into His role as the Savior.