Explore the Bible
Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile
God Provides a Savior
Luke 2:8–20
This passage is a Christmas Eve classic for our family. In the midst of decorations, puzzles, games, music, presents, food, scents and sounds, we gather together to read the Nativity story and remind each other that Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift ever given. We usually begin reading verses 1–20, noting Luke always provides historical context through his references to leaders (Herod in chapter one, Augustus and Quirinius in chapter two and seven civil and religious leaders in chapter three).
We also note in the passages before and after our lesson’s text that Mary and Joseph considered honoring God and meditating on godly counsel to be crucial for themselves and baby Jesus. Mary often considered deeply the information she received (Luke 1:29; 2:19, 51). Joseph was careful to follow God’s Torah (vv. 21–27) regarding rites of circumcision and naming (Lev. 12:2–3), rite of cleansing (Lev. 12:6–8) and rite of redemption tax (Ex. 13:2, 12; 34:19–20), as well as cultural training (Luke 2:41–52). Joseph and Mary agreed to follow Gabriel’s instruction (Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31) to name him “Yeshua,” salvation, or “Yehoshua,” Yahweh saves. This child was the promised Savior.
The Savior Announced (8–14)
Why did God choose shepherds outside the historic town of Bethlehem to be recipients of an angelic announcement? Could it be it was because David, promised descendant of the Savior, had his start as a shepherd? Or was it because David referred to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, as their Shepherd? Perhaps Gayle Erwin had it right in his book, “The Jesus Style,” where he points out that God uses improbable means to announce the birth of Jesus so that He receives the greatest glory. Or perhaps God is teaching us that He still uses unnamed men from the outskirts of society to serve as His messengers today.
Although the New Testament was originally written in Greek, not Latin, it is a phrase from the Latin “vulgate” (the first official Christian translation of Scripture) that is still sung at Christmas time by Catholics and Protestants alike, “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” This phrase encapsulates the reason the Savior was born into the world, to bring glory to God in the highest.
The Savior Found (15–16)
The shepherds followed the angelic instructions and they found Mary, Joseph and the baby. Everything the angel told them was true, down to the detail that the infant would be wrapped in strips of burial linen and lying in a feeding trough.
Though he was just a newborn, these men already knew this child was the Anointed One promised by God, the Savior for “all the people” (v. 10). A week later Jesus was named and circumcised. Within two months He was dedicated at the temple. Within two years he was visited by magi from the East (Matt. 2:1–11).
The Savior Proclaimed (17–20)
Once the shepherds confirmed that what they heard was true, they told anybody who would listen. “Angel … scared to death … fear not … good news … Savior … are you seeing this? Blinding light … music … surrounded … Glory to God … let’s go see … just like the angel said … hey, you’re not going to believe this.” Then they went back to work. They worshipped God, glorifying and praising Him because of what He had revealed to them.
Mary listened to it all. What does this mean? What kind of child will He be? What kind of man will He be? What does God have in store for Him? For us?
Not everyone responds the same way to Jesus. The innkeeper provided no room. Mary quietly pondered everything she heard. The shepherds proclaimed His birth. Simeon and Anna prophesied His passion. The magi presented Him gifts. Herod prepared for His murder.
Jesus the Savior has come. What will you do with Jesus?
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