In today’s study our titles are; Verses 1-20 The birth of Jesus Christ. Verses 21-24 The presentation in the temple. Verses 25-40 Simeon and Anna give praise. Verses 41-52 The boy Jesus in the temple. Luke 2 and verse 1 reads.
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.
It is said in the book of Josephus, this decree of taxation was done so that the roads in Rome could be paid for.
Luke 2:2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
This verse is important as it gives us a date. Cyrenius (G2958) or Publius Sulpicius Quirinus being his given Latin name, was governor of Syria between 4 B.C.-1 B.C. But the time of the taxing was 1 B.C. This would be the Year that Christ would be born.
Luke 2:3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[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:)
Do not overlook Joseph came up from Galilee from the city of Nazareth. Bethlehem means; house of bread. Christ is our Daily Bread, the Word of God. We learned in Matthew 1 Joseph’s genealogy for this reason. Joseph was not the father of Jesus, but that he was worthy to be his stepfather. David was born in Bethlehem so by family he was to go to Bethlehem. But that Jesus would be called a Nazarene, don’t overlook he came up from Nazareth.
Luke 2:5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[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.
There was no room for them in the inn because the time of The Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. People came from all over the world to be there because it was a commandment from God in Deuteronomy 16:16 that all of Israel (Jacob) must observe throughout their generations. Fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7 and verse 14 reads.
Isa.7:14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Immanuel, God with us. Back to Luke 2 and verse 8 reads.
Luke 2:8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
This verse proves that it was not in December, but in September because of the sheep in the fields. We also proved in the last chapter that John the Baptist was born at the Passover, and six months later would be the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus was born on September 29th 1 B.C.
Luke 2:9] 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 means; the Anointed One, the Messiah. Let’s go to Isaiah 9 and verse 6 reads.
Isa.9:6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Any questions on the Trinity? Let’s keep reading, verse 7 reads.
Isa.9:7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
This is why Joseph, being worthy, went to Bethlehem. Prophecy fulfilled. The Zeal of the LORD is the Holy Spirit. Let’s go now to Matthew 1 and verse 22 reads.
Mat.1:22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
And Peter when he was dressing down the Kenites, said in Acts 2 and verse 34 reads.
Acts 2:34] For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
[35] Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
David had not ascended into heaven because he was still alive when he said this in Psa.110:1. Back to Luke 2 and verse 12 reads.
Luke 2:12] 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,
Let’s go to Psalms 148 and verse 2 reads.
Psa.148:2] Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
The whole host of heaven sang praises to the LORD. This must have been absolutely wonderful to hear. Now, these shepherds were given a sign, of course they had to go to Bethlehem. Back to Luke 2 and verse 14 reads.
Luke 2:14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
I would like to remind you of Isaiah 57 and verse 21 reads.
Isa.57:21] There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
But for the children of God, Peace on earth. Back to Luke 2 and verse 15 reads.
Luke 2:15] 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.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Just as God had said it would be.
Luke 2:17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[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.
What a glorious day for all who heard the sayings of these shepherds. Now, let’s pay attention to the timeline. Jesus was born on the day of the Feast of Tabernacles, being seven days from the start of the feast as this feast like the Passover was two weeks. September 29.
Luke 2:21] 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.
Now we have eight days later, the day after the final day of the feast being another sabbath, this would be October 7Th. How is it that our enemies know more about Christianity than Christians? Watchmen watch.
Luke 2:22] 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;
This purification according to the law of Moses is found in Leviticus 12 and verse 1 reads.
Lev.12:1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[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 the 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.
Why it is different for having a baby girl I have no idea. For the girl it goes from 33 days to 66 days, doubled. Back to Luke 2 and verse 23 reads.
Luke 2:23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
We find this written in Exodus 22:29.
Luke 2:24] 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.
Back to Leviticus 12, we keep reading and verse 6 reads.
Lev.12:6] And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
[7] Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
[8] And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
This is the law of Moses, if you don’t think the law still pertains, then let’s hear it from the mouth of Jesus, Matthew 5 and verse 17 reads.
Mat.5:17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
God’s Word will come to pass exactly as it is written, the reason why we study. Back to Luke 2 and verse 25 reads.
Luke 2:25] 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 Ghost was upon him.
This man is named Simeon, a Hebrew name. Simeon, H8095 means; hearing. His Greek name is Simon, G4826 also means; hearing. He was waiting for this moment, meaning that the Holy Spirit had visited him and gave him this sign.
Luke 2:26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
What an awesome promise from the LORD this man was given.
Luke 2:27] 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,
Came by the Holy Spirit, means he was taken there by the same Spirit that was in Jesus. Jesus means Yahoveh’s Savior.
Luke 2:28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Could you imagine the Lord Jesus as a babe in your arms, knowing he was the Christ, think about this for a moment.
Luke 2:29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Yah’s Savior as promised in Isaiah 52 and verse 10 reads.
Isa.52:10] The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Back to Luke 2 and verse 31 reads.
Luke 2:31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Written in John 1 and verse 14 reads.
John 1:14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Back to Luke 2 and verse 32 reads.
Luke 2:32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
All these prophecies are coming to pass quickly before their eyes. Let’s go back to Isaiah, first Isaiah 9 and verse 2 reads.
Isa.9:2] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Now let’s go to Isaiah 42 and verse 6 reads.
Isa.42:6] I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Now, Isaiah 49 and verse 6 reads.
Isa.49:6] And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
And finally, Isaiah 60 and verse 1 reads.
Isa.60:1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
[2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
[3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Before we go back to Luke, I want to explain that all prophecies are for both advents. Remember Rev.19:10, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”. Back to Luke 2 and verse 33 reads.
Luke 2:33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
[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 is giving Mary a prophecy, making Simeon a prophet, a son of Aaron, the priest line. Let’s go to Isaiah 8 and verse 14 reads.
Isa.8:14] And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
[15] And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
And in Hosea 14 and verse 9 reads.
Hos.14:9] Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Many who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God will fall by the way and stumble and be deceived in the end times. Back to Luke 2 and verse 35 reads.
Luke 2:35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
This verse cuts deep. Let’s go to Psalms 42 and verse 10 reads.
Psa.42:10] As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
This heartbreak for Mary would be seen in John 19 and verse 25 reads.
John 19:25] Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
Fulfilled in John 19 and verse 33 reads.
John 19:33] But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:
Fulfilling the commandment of not breaking the bones of the lamb sacrificed for the Passover. Exo.12:46 and Num.9:12.
John 19:34] But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
The heartbreak of Mary foretold by this man Simeon. Back to Luke 2 and verse 36 reads.
Luke 2:36] 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;
The tribe of Aser is Asher from Greek to Hebrew. One of the twelve tribes of Jacob. We find their inheritance given as the fifth lot in Joshua 19:24.
Luke 2:37] 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.
This woman was a widow for eighty-four years. She served the LORD day and night, faithful to say the least. Let’s go to 1Timothy 5 and verse 3 reads.
1Tim.5:3] Honour widows that are widows indeed.
[4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
[5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
[6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Back to Luke 2 and verse 38 reads.
Luke 2:38] 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.
[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Do not overlook that they went back home to Nazareth. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, circumcised in Jerusalem, but lived in Nazareth. It is imperative that we understand this.
Luke 2:40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
The Holy Spirit was on him, for he was Immanuel, God with us.
Luke 2:41] 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.
The custom that we spoke about in verse 8, being the law from Deuteronomy 16:16. But let’s go to where God first gave this commandment to Moses in Exodus 23 and verse 14 reads.
Exo.23:14] Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.
[15] Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)
This would be the Passover Feast.
Exo.23:16] And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.
The Feast of Harvest is the Feast of Weeks called Pentecost today. And the feast of ingathering would be the Feast of Tabernacles. Feast of harvest was the first harvest of barley, first fruits. The Feast of Tabernacles would be the last harvest during September.
Exo.23:17] Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
Back to Luke 2 and verse 43 reads.
Luke 2:43] 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.
[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.
It was dangerous in those days to travel through the wilderness. With robbers about, they were protected with multitudes.
Luke 2:45] 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.
The Word of God was with them. Even the scribes and the Pharisees were astonished with his understanding. Would they remember when he was older? Don’t overlook that he had answers for them.
Luke 2:48] 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.
Don’t think for a moment Jesus would disrespect his mother and father, but listen to the first words of Jesus.
Luke 2:49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Notice the uppercase Father. These are the first words of Jesus recorded, his last words would be “It is finished” spoken in John 19:30. But let’s go to John 9 and verse 4 reads.
John 9:4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Back to Luke 2 and verse 50 reads.
Luke 2:50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
[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.
[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Jesus would not be seen again until he was thirty years old. There is a book by E. Raymond Capt called The Traditions of Glastonbury. There we find that Jesus went to the British Isles with his uncle Joseph of Arimathaea. Jesus built a church there, and his mother Mary would build her church on his foundations after his crucifixion. Great study today, let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible
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