Book of Luke -
Lesson 4
Read Luke 2:1-20
Introduction: In our first three lessons on this book of Luke, we’ve see the conception of both John the Baptist and Jesus, as well as the birth of John. Also, the visit of the two cousins: Elizabeth and Mary, and Mary’s return home. Now, in this lesson, we are to see events surrounding the birth of the one who is the Saviour of the world, of all mankind!
1. The first thing we see is an effort to let us know who was ruling and what was going on at the time when Jesus was born. Thus identifying some important factors. The Roman Ruler Caesar Augustus, and the Syria governor was Cyrenius. It was tax time, each person having to return to
"his own city." Joseph had to go to the city of Bethlehem, the city of David. He had "his espoused wife," Mary, with him, who was close to delivering her child (Lk. 2:1-5).2. Tax time had arrived, and each person had to go to his "own city" to be taxed. Joseph had to go the Bethlehem. While there with his "espoused wife" she gave birth to Jesus. He was her firstborn, as we have seen she was a virgin (Lk. 2:6-7)
3. There was no room in the inn. So he was wrapped and laid in a manger. Thus we see the humble surroundings of the birth of the Son of God, who came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10).
4. We are told of the shepherds in the field and that they were told of the birth of the Son of God, the Savior , who is
"Christ the Lord," by "the angel of the Lord" (Lk. 2:8-14). He spoke of the glad tidings of great joy which would be to all people. They were told that they could find the child in the city of David. A great host appeared "praising God," and saying "Glory to the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."5. The shepherds went immediately and found the child as they had been promised that they would. They were impressed, of course, and returned
"glorifying and praising God" for all the things they had heard and seen (vs. 15-20). All who heard wondered, and Mary pondered these things in her heart! This was indeed a great even, that was not understood by many then, and is not appreciated today by a great portion of humanity. Let us understand and appreciate the fact that God’s grace has provided each of us with a Savior because we were lost without Him. But even though we have such evidence of His birth, life, death and resurrection, if we fail to submit our lives to His rule, we shall still be lost. We need not be. Let us submit!
QUESTIONS:
1. How is the TIME indicated when these things occurred --who ruled (Lk. 2:1).?
2. Where did Joseph and Mary go and why (vs. 2-5)?
3. Why was Jesus placed in a Manager (vs. 6-7)?
4. Where were the shepherds and what did they see and hear (Vs. 8-11)?
5. What "sign" were the shepherds promised of the reality of what had happened (v 12)?
6. What occurred "suddenly" for the shepherds to witness (vs. 13-14)?
7. What did the shepherds say "one to another," when the angels were gone (v. 14)?
8. What did the shepherds find and what were they doing as they "returned" (vs. 16-20)?
9. What did Mary do with "all these things" she had seen and heard (v. 19)?
10. What is your personal impression of the event we’ve studied in this lesson?
11. Do you see misbehavior relative to the event recorded here?
