Background Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Lesson Context: Today’s lesson text is part of a much larger story in Luke 1-2 that details Jesus’ conception and birth. Luke weaves this story with his account of John the Baptist’s conception and birth. Both births were announced by an angel, accomplished by God’s miraculous power, and accompanied by wonders that God performed. The faithful looked to the promises of Scripture for hope. God had promised a great Son of David to rule over His people (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and restoration beyond exile (Isaiah 51:11).
l. In Those Days (Luke 2:1-7):
A. The Decree of Rome (vv. 1-3). v. 1. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Agustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke clearly tells us that he recorded actual history and real events. This is not “once upon a time.” These are not stories of Zeus and Apollo on Mount Olympus. This is real. A decree went out from Caesar Augustus: The story of Jesus’ birth began during the reign of one of the most remarkable men in ancient history. It seemed that the authority of this man changed the chaos of that time in a dramatic way. He brought three things that turn the tide miraculously. First, he brought peace because he had defeated his rivals. Second, he brought political and administrative skills, perhaps even brilliance. Third, he brought vast sums of money from Egypt to pay the soldiers and to help the Roman economy. v. 2. “(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)” The registration and census described wasn’t for simple record-keeping or statistics. It was to efficiently and effectively tax everyone in the Roman Empire. (David Gutz’s Bible Commentary) v. 3. “And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.” Roman taxes required that each person return to the city of his or her ancestors to be counted in a census. (International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2024-2025)
B. The Journey of a Family (vv. 4-5). vv. 4-5. “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) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem (just outside of Jerusalem) is about 80 miles. This was not a short distance in those days. It was a significant undertaking, costing time and money. We often think that Mary was close to delivery when they made this journey, but this may not have been the case at all. Joseph may have been anxious to get out of Nazareth to avoid the pressure of scandal. (David Gutz’s Bible Commentary)
C. The Birth of a Child (vv. 6-7). v.6. “And so it was, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” After arriving in Bethlehem, Mary went into labor. Luke does not indicate the time between when they arrived and her labor. (International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2024-2025) v. 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.” One of the striking things about Luke’s narrative is how simple it is in contrast to how great the events are. In our modern age, small events are often inflated with over-description and presented as more important than they actually are. Yet under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke presented this most amazing event in an understated manner. (David Gutz’s Bible Commentary) The first order of business was to wrap the newborn in swaddling clothes, long cloth strips that bound the infant’s limbs. A manger was a feeding trough for domestic animals. The expression there was no room…in the inn can also refer to a guest room in a house. Traditionally, it has been believed that Mary and Joseph were denied space in an ancient hotel. (International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2024-2025)
ll. In the Fields (Luke 2:8-16):
A. Angelic News (vv. 8-12). v. 8. “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Shepherds worked an important but lowly profession in the ancient world: caring for and tending to sheep. Shepherds and their flocks were typically in the field from early spring to early fall, but nothing in the Gospel accounts confirms the exact time of year of Jesus’ birth. (International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2024-2025). v. 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.” v. 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.” The good tidings of great joy brought by the angel were the beginning of the gospel message. v. 11. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Shepherds were among the first to receive the good news of the child born in Bethlehem. This child would someday be a Saviour for people. Jesus’ work, culminating in His death and resurrection, enacted God’s plan of salvation for the world (1 John 4:14). (International Sunday School Lessons KJV 2024-2025)
B. Heavenly Host (vv. 13-14). v. 13. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying” v. 14. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
