Luke 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
No matter where you were, you had to return back to your birth place as to be taxed.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
We see Joseph and Mary are married. She's about to give birth to Christ. It's six months after the birth of John the Baptist.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
"Bethlehem" Hebrew word = "the house of bread". Christ is our Bread to eternal life.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
"Swaddling cloths" was a medical term = "to wrap like a bandage". Luke will use many medical terms because he was a medical doctor. There wasn't room anywhere because of this census. So many had entered Bethlehem, their birth place and had already taken all the rooms. That is why they ended up in the manger. It was meant to be or God would had seen they had room in the Inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
This of course shows us it's still summer, because the herds aren't in the fields in the winter. They were pinned and fed grains in the winter months. No shepherds would risk losing one of their flock by keeping them in the field during the winter. They would become bait for every animal. Only during the summer when the fields are green for food, would their flocks be in the field.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
"Christ" = "the Anointed one".
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.
We have been given The Only Way to peace on earth and that's Only through Christ and the promises of God.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
They understood the importance of this event so much that they left their flocks to see the blessing the angels had told them of.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
They didn't walk, they ran to see Him.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
They started immediately spreading the word, Christ was born.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The people were amazed at the things they heard these shepherds say about the angel of God appearing, the heavenly host praising God and the heavenly Choir singing the praises of this Christ child.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Mary stayed calm and collective in her actions, enjoying and reflecting on all the things that have happened and I'm sure are going to happen.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
"Jesus" = "YHVH's Savior" Hebrew word "Yahshua", = "The Salvation of Jehovah", sent for us to have life. He would become the last sacrifice for ALL. †
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
Mary could enter the Temple, to present Jesus to the Lord after a total of forty days. Leviticus 12:2-4 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, `If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 3 And in the eighth day of flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled."
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Christ death did away with the blood ordinance under the law of Moses and any sacrifice made today is of no affect. Hebrews 10:8-10 8 And when He said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offerings for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein;" which are offered by the law. 9 Then said He, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God," He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. 10 By the which will [will of God] we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Simeon knew he would see Christ Jesus in his lifetime.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
The Spirit of God has lead Simeon into the temple at the same time Joseph, Mary and Christ entered in.
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Simeon has been blessed to see Christ Jesus and is now ready to leave this flesh life.
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
That salvation Simeon has seen is Christ Jesus.
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
He came for Gentiles = muslims, every religion under the sun and for the tribes of Isreal. He came bringing the lit path for EVERYONE.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Joseph and Mary loved the things being spoken of about The Gift of Christ given to them.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Simeon knew Christ would be hated, crucified and would rise being the last sacrifice for everyone. He knew many would "spoken against" = "debate" it all.
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
She's a teacher of the Word of God, yep a preacher. That's what a prophetess is. A female preacher. There are many of them in God's Word. Most don't teach Chapter for Chapter and word for word, so more than likely most haven't heard this. I'm sure they've heard "a women is to be silent" though and have taken it totally out of context. We've already gone over this in our studies, but if you need more information, I'll be glad to give it to you.
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
At 84 she lived within the temple serving God.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Anna entered Jerusalem preaching the good news of Christ Jesus being born and what would come of His arrival. Yes! She is still preaching.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Their on the way home after the governmental census, the offered sacrifices and the preaching. Christ, Joseph and Mary start off to Nazareth, a days journey.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41 Now 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 after the custom of the feast.
This is the 12th year Christ goes to Jerusalem in remembrance of death passing over those that placed the lambs blood around their doorways while in Egypt.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
As the crowds left Jerusalem, Christ stayed behind without Joseph and Mary's knowledge.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
They left Jerusalem in a group, thinking the whole time Christ was with someone in the family or their friends.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
At the age of 12, Christ was teaching everyone that would listen and they were amazed. Never has there been One such as Christ in history!
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
Christ step dad and mother Mary was looking for Him everywhere and was worried about Him.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
Seeing they both knew Who Christ is, why would they think they would find Him anywhere else but in His Fathers House.
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
They just couldn't understand what He was saying at the time.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Christ Jesus went back to Nazareth and did as His earthly mom and dad told Him, all the while Mary remembered what Christ was on earth for.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.