Sermons
God Intervening in the History of Man
Series: Studies in Luke3 Studies in Luke
God Intervening in the History of Man
Lk. 2:1-52
Introduction:
1. Luke 2 reflects Luke’s goal of writing out everything carefully in an orderly way. The chapter is arranged geographically. First, Jesus is born in Bethlehem (2:1-20). Second, He is taken to the temple in Jerusalem (2:21-38). Third, He is taken to Nazareth (2:39-40). Fourth, He is taken to Jerusalem at age 12 (2:41-52).
2. We will follow this same structure in our study.
3. One of the things I want you to recognize is that this is Luke’s description of God’s intervention in the history of man.
Discussion:
I. Jesus is born in Bethlehem (2:1-20).
A. Luke begins with a time stamp.
1. A census is in process by order of Caesar Augustus.
2. The first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
B. There is a Myrian (Myra was an ancient city in Lycia, in modern day Turkey)
inscription that says, “Divine Augustus Caesar, son of God, imperator of land and
sea, the benefactor and Savior of the world” (cf. 1:32). Cf. Acts 17:7.
1. Four things: son of god, birth good news, savior of the world, his appearance
(coming) would end war.
2. There is a contrast between who the world sees as king and who God sees as
King.
3. There is a contrast between Roman rule and God’s rule that Luke sets us up
to see.
C. The family is to return to Bethlehem the city of David to register (1:27, 32, 35, 69,
78; 2 Sam. 7:12ff; Micah 5:2).
1. So, Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. It
is about 90 miles (130 KM). Averaging 2.5 mph and 20 miles per 8 hours
each day it would take 4 days.
2. Understanding that Mary is 9 months pregnant may have slowed the trip
somewhat. This assumes that she became pregnant near the time of
Gabriel’s announcement. She has spent 3 months with Elizabeth (1:56). Six
months in Nazareth and now is in Bethlehem.
3. Here she gives birth.
D. Laid in a manger—no room in the inn. Probably not to be interpreted as a
hotel. Families generally had a guest room (cf. 22:11). Living quarters often
closely associated with the animals in some cultures. Ex. Black Forest;
Colombia.
E. An angel announces the birth to shepherds. Those God esteems are not
necessarily those esteemed by the world.
1. “Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is
Christ (Messiah) the Lord.” Note what the heavenly host says about peace
among men. Cf. the same idea associated with Caesar.
2. Angel did not come to Caesar, Quirinius, Herod, or any other.
3. They will find a baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger.
4. Apparently these shepherds visit within the first 8 days after Jesus’ birth.
F. Mary treasures things up in her heart.
II. Jesus in Jerusalem at the temple (2:21-36).
A. The Old Testament mandated circumcision on the eighth day (Gen.). 17:12; Lev.
12:3). This is the time a name was given to Jewish children. Jesus was his
name (1:31).
B. On verse 23 see Ex. 13:2, 12; Lev.12:6-8; Num. 3:13; 8:17.
C. On verse 24 see Lev. 5:11; 12:8.
D. The encounter with Simeon (25-31).
1. He identifies Jesus as the Lord’s Christ.
2. It is interesting that he sees Jesus as “a light of revelation to the Gentiles” (cf.
Isa. 42:6; 49: 6, 9).
3. Mary and Joseph are amazed (33-35).
E. The encounter with Anna (36-38).
1. Gives thanks to God.
2. Identifies Jesus with the redemption of Jerusalem.
III. They return to Nazareth (39-40).
A. Very little information about the first 12 years of Jesus’ life.
B. He grew. Became strong. Increased in wisdom. The grace of God was upon
Him.
IV. Jesus in Jerusalem at 12 years old (41-52).
A. The Feast of the Passover (aka. Feast of Unleavened Bread) was one of three
feasts the Jews returned to Jerusalem to celebrate (Pentecost and
Tabernacles).
B. They traveled with others and when they left, they thought he was with others in
the caravan.
1. They discovered he was not with them after a day’s journey.
2. Likely that they spent the night and traveled back the next day.
3. After 3 days, probably the 3rd day, they found him. He was in the temple
engaged with the teachers. If my understanding is correct, by this time it
was common for 12-year-olds to have memorized the first five books of the
O.T.
4. Parents are astonished.
5. “Did you not know I had to be in My Father’s house or about His business?”
6. A mysterious statement. Mary treasured all these things in her heart.
C. “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
He increased intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially.
Conclusion:
1. Who is this child?
2. Angels announce his birth.
3. His birth seems to fulfill prophecy.
4. People in the temple acknowledge Him as the Christ.
5. Yet, he has a very humble beginning and seems to grow up in all the regular ways.
6. Given the presentation so far, who do you think He is? It’s OK if you don’t know for sure, even his father and mother are amazed and pondering over what is happening.
