The Book of Luke: The Birth of Jesus

The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-20

Luke 2:1-20 describes the birth of Jesus:

_Luke 2:1-5 - The Census and Journey to Bethlehem_

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

_Luke 2:6-7 - Jesus' Birth_

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

_Luke 2:8-20 - The Angelic Announcement_

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God.

14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.

_Key Points:_

1. Jesus' birth fulfilled prophecy (Micah 5:2-5).

2. God's love and salvation are for all people (Luke 2:10-11).

3. Jesus' humble birth contrasts with his divine nature.

_Reflection Questions:_

1. What significance does Jesus' birth hold for you?

2. How does the angelic announcement impact your understanding of God's plan?

3. What role do the shepherds play in the narrative?

_Additional Verses:_

- Isaiah 9:6-7

- Matthew 1:18-25

- John 1:1-14

_Study Resources:_

- The Bible Project: Luke (video)

- N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone (commentary)

- The Lutheran Study Bible (study notes)

Would you like:

- More commentary on Luke 2

- Study questions or discussion topics

- Historical context and background

- Comparative analysis with other Gospels

- Devotional or reflection materials

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