Luke — Chapter 2
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1And 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.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And 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:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And 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.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And 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.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21And 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.
22And 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;
23(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And, 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 Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27And 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,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34And 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;
35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36And 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;
37And 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.
38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43And 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.
44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46And 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.
47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48And 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.
49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
1Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.
2This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.
6And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
11for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
12And this [is] the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
15And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.
17And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
21And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),
24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord`s Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,
28then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.
33And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;
34and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
35yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
37and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.
38And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast;
43and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not;
44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day`s journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance:
45and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.
46And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions:
47and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.
49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father`s house?
50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all [these] sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes.
2This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3Everyone went to his own town to be registered.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David.
5He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child.
6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night.
9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified.
10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people:
11Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.
12This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!”
15When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.”
16So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger.
17When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child,
18and all who heard it were astonished at what the shepherds said.
19But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean.
20So the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.
21At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22Now when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23(just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be set apart to the Lord”),
24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is specified in the law of the Lord, a pair of doves or two young pigeons.
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law,
28Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying,
29“Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation
31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:
32a light, for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
33So the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected.
35Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”
36There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having been married to her husband for seven years until his death.
37She had lived as a widow since then for eighty-four years. She never left the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
38At that moment, she came up to them and began to give thanks to God and to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39So when Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.
41Now Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover.
42When he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.
43But when the feast was over, as they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,
44but (because they assumed that he was in their group of travelers) they went a day’s journey. Then they began to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47And all who heard Jesus were astonished at his understanding and his answers.
48When his parents saw him, they were overwhelmed. His mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.”
49But he replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
50Yet his parents did not understand the remark he made to them.
51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. But his mother kept all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with people.
1Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
2This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;
5to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
6While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth.
7She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
9Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
11For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
13Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
15When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
17When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.
18All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
21When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),
24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
25Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,
28then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29“Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
30for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,
34and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
35Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
37and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day.
38Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
39When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
40The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
41His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.
42When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,
43and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it,
44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.
46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.
47All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
49He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
50They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Summary
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during Caesar Augustus' census, angels announce the news to shepherds, He is presented at the temple where Simeon and Anna recognize Him, and at twelve He astounds the teachers in His Father's house.
Authorship & Background
Map & Geography
- Bethlehem (vv.4-7): Located about 5 miles south of Jerusalem in Judea. Joseph and Mary traveled here from Nazareth (~80 miles) for the Roman census. Jesus was born here — the city of David.
- The fields near Bethlehem (vv.8-20): Shepherds keeping watch over their flocks in the fields surrounding Bethlehem heard the angelic announcement.
- Jerusalem / the Temple (vv.22-38): Jesus was presented at the Temple according to the Law. Simeon and Anna met the holy family here.
- Nazareth (v.39, 51): The family returned to Nazareth in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Commentary
- Enduring Word (David Guzik): enduringword.com Guzik examines the historical setting of the census, the significance of shepherds as first witnesses, Simeon's prophecy, Anna's faithfulness, and the boy Jesus in the Temple.
- Charles Spurgeon: Sermon: "No Room in the Inn" on v.7 (MTP Vol. 9, No. 485) "No room for Him in the inn — and there is still no room for Him in most hearts. The world is too full of itself to make room for its Creator. Too busy, too comfortable, too occupied with lesser things. And so the King of glory is born in a stable. The question is not whether there was room in Bethlehem — the question is whether there is room in you." Sermon: "Good Tidings of Great Joy" on v.10 (MTP Vol. 5, No. 168) "Good tidings — not good advice, not good demands, not good suggestions. Good tidings. News. Something has happened. A Saviour is born. The Gospel is not instruction about what you must do; it is announcement of what God has done."
Videos
Reflection
- 1. "There was no room for them in the inn" (v.7). The world had no room for its Creator. Is there room for Christ in your life — in your schedule, your priorities, your decisions? Or is He crowded out by lesser things?
- 2. God announced the birth of His Son to shepherds — the lowest, most marginalized people. The Gospel always goes to the humble first. How does your view of who "deserves" to hear the Gospel compare to God's?
- 3. Simeon waited his entire life for one moment — to see the Messiah (v.26). He was faithful in the waiting. What are you waiting on God for? Are you faithful in the waiting, or have you given up?
- 4. Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (v.52). He grew — intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially. As a man, are you still growing in all four areas? Or have you plateaued?
- 5. God used Caesar Augustus' decree to fulfill prophecy (v.1-4). The most powerful man in the world unknowingly served God's plan. How does this truth about God's sovereignty over human governments affect how you view current events and political leaders?
- 6. The shepherds "came with haste" (v.16) — they didn't delay. When God reveals something to you, how quickly do you respond? What causes you to delay obedience?
- 7. Mary "kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (v.19). She didn't fully understand everything happening, but she treasured it and reflected on it. How do you handle things in your spiritual life that you don't fully understand? Do you dismiss them or ponder them?
- 8. Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be "a sign which shall be spoken against" (v.34) — and that a sword would pierce Mary's soul (v.35). Following Christ brings both joy and pain. Are you prepared for both? How do you handle the painful side of faith?
- 9. At twelve years old, Jesus said "I must be about my Father's business" (v.49). He had a clear sense of purpose and identity. Do you know what your "Father's business" is? What has God specifically called you to do?