Luke 2:1–35

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Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

WHY DID JESUS COME?
Luke 2:1–35

Birth (1–7)
Octavius Caesar Augustus ordered a census of the Roman Empire. Taxation normally followed, based on the census. The head of each family had to return to the town where he was born and his family records were kept. Joseph went from Nazareth in Galilee, where he may have gone to find work, to Bethlehem in Judea. Mary went with him. It was near time for her to deliver. Everyone in Nazareth knew she was pregnant before her marriage, and had Joseph left her there, the townspeople might have mocked her when the child was born.

The only place available for Joseph and Mary was a stable, where animals were kept. There Jesus was born. The “swaddling cloths” Mary wrapped around Jesus was a large square of material with a strip extending from one corner. She enclosed the baby with the square and then wound the strip around Him.

Announcement (8–14)
As they had for thousands of years, shepherds tended their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. This fact does not mean Jesus was born in the spring of the year because that was when the ewes dropped their lambs (and might need the shepherds’ help delivering) and no shepherd would keep sheep in an open field in the December cold. Bethlehem is roughly on a line with Montgomery. In both places, the winter drop in temperature usually comes only after the first of the year. No one knows exactly when He was born, but December is as good a time as April.

An angel clothed in bright glory appeared and spoke to the group. “Stop fearing. I bring you good news about a great joy for all people!” This joy was based on the birth of the Savior, whom the angel further identified as Christ the Lord, in the city of David (Bethlehem). Without waiting for the shepherds to ask, the angel announced a sign. They would find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger, a stone feed bin for animals. Why a baby? And why a manger? Only an aristocrat dares approach a king in a palace. But in the company of a baby in a manger, any person on earth can be at ease. And because Jesus had to grow up instead of entering life as a full-grown man means He knows human life inside out, from beginning to end, and is well fitted to understand men. Other angels joined in praise to God, pronouncing peace “among people on whom His favor (grace) has settled.” This peace is given not to every single person but to those who know God’s grace in Christ.

Visit (15–20)
The shepherds went and found the infant just as the angels said. When they told their story, all wondered at it but Mary treasured it in her heart. The shepherds returned to their jobs, glorifying God for all they saw and heard.

Circumcision/Naming (21)
On the eighth day, Joseph circumcised the baby and named Him Jesus, the Greek form of the name Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation!” This was the name Gabriel had given him before the baby’s conception.

Purification/Presentation (22–35)
Luke combined two separate rituals into one. The mother of a male child was unclean for 40 days after delivery. A purification offering made in the temple ended her uncleanness (Lev. 12:2–7). A wealthy mother brought a lamb; a poor mother, like Mary, brought a pair of birds (Lev. 12:8). In Israel, the first-born male was regarded as belonging to God in a special way, so his parents presented (Ex. 13:2) him before the Lord and then redeemed him by an offering.

In the temple, aged Simeon saw the infant. A strict observer of the Law and man of personal piety, he waited for “the consolation of Israel,” i.e., the Messiah who would also be a light to the nations. In blessing the little family, the old man pointed out a twofold effect of Jesus’ mission. Some would stumble over His person and claims and reject Him. Others would accept Him and find new spiritual life. All men must choose to accept or reject Him. Jesus would become a sign to be spoken against, and His sufferings would make up a sword that would pierce Mary’s heart.