Luke week 6: 2:1-20

What Makes Something Extraordinary?

Ordinary is simply defined as— with no special or distinctive features; normal

When we experience something that is extraordinary it leaves a mark on our lives. We can not escape the memory of the extraordinary. It leaves a lasting impression.

Who was present in the Manger scene?

The two Gospels that have the birth narrative present very different views of the narrative.

Matthew- No census, No traveling, No homeless Joseph and Mary, Star, No shepherd, local focus with Herod.

Luke—Bethlehem is the ancestral home or a place to visit, No wisemen, Birth is more global impact, Urgency.

These are some of the challenges when it comes to understanding the birth narrative. We often mash up the two narratives to create the whole story. It is also a reflection of the authors audience and intentions in sharing the birth of Jesus. We often have to struggle with some of these details and balance them out to see the message that the author is trying to share. The message that God put on their hearts and inspired them to write.

Read Luke 2:1-6

The Census

There are resources outside of the Bible that support the idea of census being taken. From 20 AD to AD 270 we posses actual documents from the census taken. The Census also is what has helped some to try to determine the approximation of Jesus Birth. However, the factual information about Jesus Birth is not the focus of the census.

Luke is using the census as a tool to show the Birth of Jesus in relationship to the political power Structures.

Who is in control of the Narrative of the story of Jesus’ Birth?

Caesar Augustus and Quirinius are historical figures that there is record of. They also serve as a reminder that man tries to control the world in which we live. Yet, God can take any situation and turn it to his good and work within the plans of man to make amazing things happen.

Bethlehem

The importance that the birth takes place in Bethlehem holds great theological importance. It is the connection of Jesus to the Line of David and identify’s him as a Son of David. It also reinforces the theme of 1 Samuel 16:1 and Micah 5:2 which is quoted in Matthew 2:5. These verses reinforce and command that the birth take place in Bethlehem to be a proper fulfillment of prophesy.

Read Luke 2:7-20

The Ordinary meets the Extraordinary

We come to another story of the ordinary interacting with the Extraordinary. Jesus is born in the most ordinary way. The most extraordinary person to be born in this world was born in an animal pen and wrapped in simple cloth. The Angel brings news to the shepherd and a great heavenly host sings praises to these same shepherds. It is the contrast of the ordinary and the extraordinary that look likes to use to help tell his stories.

Why do we compare the Ordinary and the Extraordinary?

Luke presents a choice to the reader in v. 11. What do you think that choice is?

Translation issues in V. 14

V. 14 is translated differently in some versions.

Luke 2:14 NIV

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

Luke 2:14 KJV 1900

14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men.

How do you Understand these passages?

One of the challenges of biblical interpretation starts with what manuscripts are being given priority and authority to inform the original languages. This at points can create some discrepancies in the translation. The King James presents the translation as an act between men, peace between men. The NIV and other modern translations the peace comes from God and is a gift from God.

Both are proper translations of their manuscripts but both change the final result because of the translation and which manuscript is being used.

The public announcement

Up to this point the coming of the Messiah was a private knowledge between Mar, Joseph, Zechariah and Elizabeth. This was revealed to them by God. The first announcement of the Messiah is to the Shepherds in the field.

How would you react if you were one of the Shepherds

Shepherds were considered lowly by other people. They were not able to maintain the strict orthodox rituals of handwashing and cleanliness because of their line of work. They were often looked down upon. Yet, God choose them to be the first to receive the good news of Jesus’ Birth that night.

An Interesting side note. These shepherds could have been the ones who tended to the sheep that would be used in sacrifice to God. They could have been in charge of the pure and spotless lambs that would be used in the temple worship. This is an interesting thought than that they would be the first to see the Lamb of God come into this world.

The second announcement of the Messiah comes from these shepherds when they share the good news of what they have heard and seen. They have announced to anyone who would hear that the Messiah had come.

Why is it important that Jesus came from such humble beginnings?