LOC – 007 – The Birth of Jesus
Lesson Objectives

It is Christmas and God gives us His greatest Gift.
God’s ways are not man’s ways.
He uses and blesses people that we would often overlook.
God sees great value in the meek and humble.

Lesson Commentary

Read Luke 2:1-20

We’re just getting started. Heightened expectancy of the people, John the Baptist’s conception and birth, events in Israel’s current history, prophecy and much other evidence points to the time for the Messiah to come. In this lesson, we get to celebrate the most awesome, life-changing and miraculous birth in the history of the earth: God’s sending His own Son to live among us!

A doctor named Luke writes this story. Luke’s birth story consists of five parts: birth (Luke 2:1-7); announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20); circumcision and naming (Luke 2:21); purification and dedication in Jerusalem (Luke 2:21-38); return to Nazareth and the summary of the child’s growth (Luke 2:39-40). We will look at parts one and two in this lesson and the rest of the story in the next lesson.

Mary has returned from her visit with Elizabeth. Joseph has been informed of the nature of her pregnancy. The wedding ceremony has taken place. If we were to pick up a copy of the “Shepherds Gazette” the following day, what would be in the news. What is going to happen as we continue “Walking With Jesus.”

The Birth

Lk 2:1 – The census is being taken again. It gets taken about every fourteen years. “Herod the Great”? - That’s debatable. If he only knew what most Jews think of him, he’d run for a hiding place. He rules over the land like a cruel and implacable tyrant, who is extremely jealous of power. In his mental and physical degeneration, he’s killed anyone who would be likely successors to his throne, even in his own family. It isn’t long ago that he had his favorite wife and one of his sons murdered. The man appears to be mentally insane. It is not likely that he is going to live much longer. He has ruled over the Jews under Caesar Augustus. Now Caesar isn’t so bad. He has promoted peace and prosperity. Too bad Herod couldn’t learn from him.

This is a time in this monarchy that has surpassed all of those before it. It is now at its peak and this event is taking place. It spans from Britain to Parthia and is considered the empire of the whole earth. Judea has now become a full province of Rome. This is the first taxation of the Jews as a Roman province. The prophecy that is given in Genesis 49:10 stated that the Messiah will come before the scepter departs from Judah. This is also a time of world peace. Wouldn’t it be great if the Prince of Peace were born now?

Herod the Great started rebuilding the Temple about thirty years ago. It appears that he is trying to buy some favor with the Jews. They’ve been working on it for so long, and it doesn’t look like they are even half-finished yet. The way things are between the Jews and Rome, it will be destroyed before the end of the century because of some Jewish rebellion. Some of the Jews are angry with Roman rule. They are praying that the Messiah will come soon and rescue them from this Roman tyrant. It would be great to live under a Jewish king, especially one who is sent from God.

Lk 2:2-3 – Jews have been told to come from where they had been scattered to their city of origin for the census. Citizens from all other nations under Roman rule have to return to their home for this census and taxation. Quirinius is governor of Syria around 6-5 BC.

Lk 2:4 – Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem, about six miles south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” (Jesus will be later called the “Bread of the Life” that came down from Heaven.) Bethlehem is also the city in which David was born. It is fitting that his descendant to the Throne of God will also begin His earthly life there in that royal city.

Joseph and his wife, Mary are newlyweds from Nazareth, and are too poor to afford a trip to Bethlehem on their own. The census “forced” them to go to Bethlehem so the prophecy concerning the Messiah could be fulfilled. Both of them are of the lineage of David. That is important because the Messiah is to be a descendant of David and born in Bethlehem.

Lk 2:5 – They are “pledged to be married” – Marriage isn’t complete until the sexual union (but sex does not make one married until after the marriage ceremony.) Joseph and Mary are married in the sight of the law, but they do not have sexual relations until after the birth of Jesus. Mary came with Joseph because they know that she is due. Micah 5:2 says that the Messiah (the Christ) will be born in Bethlehem. They know that their baby is supposed to be the Messiah, but do they realize their trip to Bethlehem is important to His birth?

Lk 2:6 – The trip takes its toll. It is pretty exhausting to walk over sixty miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem via the east side of the Jordan River. And if Mary rides on the donkey, it will be a very bumpy ride. We don’t know how soon she delivered after her arrival, but the text implies that it was the same night. He is the firstborn, but there will be more siblings to follow. In the Jewish culture, the firstborn equates to a position of honor, which is another reason for Jesus being the oldest child in the family.

Lk 2:7 – Joseph and Mary find out that there is “No room in the inn.” The town is crowded with descendants of David. The inn is also noisy, crowded, and no place for a woman about to give birth. It is considered that the innkeeper is doing Joseph and Mary a great service putting them in the stable.
(Modern day entrance to the stable (cave) where scholar believe that Jesus was born.)

It seems an unusual place for a King to be born. Luke does not say He is born in a stable, but only that Mary “placed Him in a manger.” Since mangers are common to stables and there is no room in the inn, it is logical to presume that He is born in a stable. Not the cleanest place for a baby to be born by our standards, but definitely more private than a crowded noisy inn with no vacancy.

It is so tragically fitting that God becoming man should be born in a place of dishonor rather than a palace. What a contrast to heaven; in that even the lowest stable in heaven is greater than the greatest palace on earth! If Joseph and Mary were not so poor, it is likely that accommodations in a more appropriate place might have been provided. It is a comment on the humbleness of God and the all-powerful providence of God in protecting His Son in such a low environment. As we seek our fine houses and fancy cars, don’t forget what Jesus gave up to come to earth to die for your sins.

“Strips of cloth” or “swaddling clothes” refers to cloth without any seams. They usually wrap babies up real tight to straighten out their bodies so they will grow straight. I guess they are afraid that if they don’t, the baby will be hunch backed. They use a feeding trough for a crib. I wonder what the animals in the stable think about this.

Note – Nothing is said about a doctor, nurse, or midwife being present. Did Joseph help deliver Jesus? Men, what part did you play when your wives gave birth to your children? What did you feel about that moment?

Here the everlasting Father becomes a servant of time. He who is spirit became physical so the He could redeem us who are physical and make us spiritual. We who are born of time can now become spirits of eternity.
(Shrine of the Nativity where we believe Jesus was born.)

The Annunciation to the Shepherds

Lk 2:8 – Some shepherds are watching their flocks when some angels appeared to tell them about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Shepherds are looked down on in Jewish society as lower class citizens. Jesus often associated with “undesirables.” It is interesting that God chooses the poor shepherds to be the first hearers of His Good News. Several of the patriarchs were shepherds including Abraham, Moses and David. Shepherds were also the descendants of David vocationally. To “shepherd” is also a phrase associating with ruling. In the 23rd Psalm, God is called our Shepherd. Often times, we will see that what man dishonors or looks down on is the very thing that God honors.

The angels do not appear to the priests in the Temple who are the rulers of the Jews. They are not capable of accepting and appreciating what God is doing. The angels appear to shepherds who have less of a problem accepting a King being born in a stable. Shepherds will also be one of the first and best sources for spreading of news. They often see things coming in the surrounding area and will rush into the city to tell others.
(A hillside outside of Bethlehem where the shepherds may have been watching their sheep.)

Lk 2:9 – Here’s another angelic appearance. That makes four within the past year and a half after four hundred years of “silence” from God. It says, “...the Glory of the Lord shone around them...” God’s presence is always an awesome experience that can often be felt. They are “terrified.” The Greek says that they “feared a great fear.” Angelic visitations and appearances are not a natural phenomenon. How would you feel if an angel from heaven appeared to you in the middle of a winter night?

Lk 2:10 – “Good News” comes from the Greek word “Eunaggelion,” from which we get “Gospel.” Any news about Jesus is “Good News.” Compare this verse to the comments to Mary in Luke 1:26, 30-38. Remember God’s promise to Abraham – “Ta ethne” (which means “all ethnics” or “all nations”)? The history of the Old Testament has been Kings, prophets, captivity, and then silence. Now the Messiah is being born, which is really GOOD NEWS! And to think that shepherds were the first to be told about this world-changing event. “All the people” refers to the Jews, and Gentiles. Up until now, the Old Covenant was with only Jews (and those proselyted into Judaism). Gentiles (non-Jews) were not included in the Old Covenant.

Lk 2:11 – “A Savior,” who is “Christ the Lord” is definitely a reason for rejoicing. This is announced to shepherds first. Three titles are used for Jesus in this one verse. “Lord” in the Old Testament will be a strong reference to Jehovah. Jesus is being announced as nothing less than God in human form. He is born in the city of David in fulfillment of prophecy.

Lk 2:12 – How will they find Him who is born Christ the Lord in a town crowded with visitors? A baby in a manger is not a normal sight. They will know where all of the stables are around Bethlehem. He won’t be that hard to find. Surely they are being told of something out of the ordinary.

Lk 2:13 – Who says nothing “spectacular” happened at the birth of Jesus. It only happened to shepherds, not to the “rich and famous.” We don’t know if the first angel appeared as a man standing in front of the shepherds or suspended in the air above them. Either way, the accompanying host is definitely suspended in the air in angelic flight and praising God. Here we have angels, who have nothing to gain by Christ’s birth, yet they are praising God for what He is doing in the lives of humanity. What are you praising God for?

Lk 2:14 – The “peace” that is God’s gift to man, is the peace of freedom from sin, and the burdens of this life, not necessarily a peace from war or the strife. It is available to everyone who is willing to receive it. “Good will” is God’s grace on an entire sinful race. He seeks our good will and makes it possible through the birth of His only Son who is to die for our sins. God seeks to restore us into an eternal relationship with Him through the birth (and death) of His Son. That should give all of us a real peaceful feeling about our eternal security. Do you feel God’s peace in your life?

“...On whom His favor rests.” (Revised Standard Version) means that God’s pleasure is not based on what we have done, but on a promise He made to Abraham two thousand years before the birth of Christ. For that reason we have the opportunity to enter into this eternal fellowship with Him.

Lk 2:15 – The angelic visitation is short as with all angelic visits. As soon as the angels have left, the shepherds discuss whether they should “Go to Bethlehem.” The shepherds are curious about what they have heard. They aren’t questioning whether it is true, but rather they want to see what they have been told. Consider their emotions for a moment. First, they are terrified. Then they are interested, then they get excited. “Thing” refers to the word or event that was spoken of by the prophets for ages. Some “Thing”, huh! Our system of the dating of all events in the history of mankind is based on this “Thing!” Nothing has changed the course of the world as much as the life of Jesus!

Lk 2:16 – The shepherds go immediately, the same hour of the night. This is “an event!” They find the manger with out any trouble. Being poor themselves, they will have no problem accepting Joseph and Mary in such a degrading situation, but will readily accept them as the angels have directed them. The angelic visit is sufficient confirmation to them that this is indeed the Messiah that the Jews have been waiting for.

Lk 2:17 – When the shepherds see what God has done, they have something to talk about. They share the story of God’s revelation with Joseph and Mary, and then to the community on the next day. This is the second supernatural event to happen within the past few months. (The birth of John the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth is the first time we have seen something from God in hundreds of years.) God has become man, confined to the body of a baby and entrusted to the care of Joseph and his young wife named Mary (who had no previous child raising experience.) How would you feel if you were in their place?

Lk 2:18 – The shepherds aren’t silent about the news God has shared with them. This is too awesome, too overwhelming to keep to themselves. They are honest men, so there is no reason to doubt what they have seen and heard.

Lk 2:19 – “Mary pondered these things...” Can you imagine what Mary is thinking? Have you ever wondered about your baby, child, or teenager? Have you ever seen things in them that caused you to ponder their future? Remember, Mary has heard from God. Put that together with the visit of the shepherds. Now what do you think is going through her mind?

Lk 2:20 – Morning news item in the Shepherds Gazette. Shepherds tell of a visit by angels who tell of the birth of Messiah in Bethlehem. They visited the baby and find that it is true and then go and excitedly tell others. Who are you going to tell about the birth of Jesus?

Read Matthew 1:25b; Luke 2:21-39a.

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 007JESUS IS BORN!
How to Reap the Benefits of Obedience

Almost all of us like to hear stories about babies being born. Let’s go to Luke 2:1-20 and learn about the most significant birth in the history of the world. (This lesson takes the form of a conversation between two shepherds.)

Ephraim, how is that ewe coming with giving birth to that lamb? That is the third one in the past 12 hours! Every one of them is looking healthier than normal, too! Aren’t these little lambs cute? All babies are cute, aren’t they? Do you remember when your first child was born? Yes, I’ll come help just as soon as I check the headlines in the newspaper!

Look at this, Ephraim! They actually published our story in the Bethlehem Shepherd’s Gazette! Shepherds Proclaim the Messiah Born in Bethlehem!

Caesar Augustus, the emperor in Rome, has required that another census be taken. It has been 14 years since the last census. Caesar reigns from Britain to Parthia, which is considered to be the entire world. (Marco Polo hasn’t discovered China yet!) He has promoted peace and prosperity. ----

It says here that Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem from Nazareth, for the census that has been instituted by Caesar because Joseph is of the tribe of David. (Why couldn’t they just count him in Nazareth?) Bethlehem is located six miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem means “House of Bread”. (Baby Jesus will later be called the “Bread of Life”!)

Obedience Surrenders Control! - Luke 2:1-4

Joseph and Mary are newlyweds who have had their wedding ceremony, but haven’t had sexual relations yet. God would not have chosen them if He knew that they would have violated His Laws. Mary is 9 months pregnant by the Holy Spirit and they had to travel about 60 miles south from Nazareth to Bethlehem. If she rode a donkey, no wonder she delivered last night. If she walked, that would wear her out also. That road from Jericho to Jerusalem is straight up hill! Joseph’s ancestors originally came from Bethlehem, so it is logical that the census would bring him back there.

It is more important to be obedient to God than to satisfy personal drives or wants. Is God in control of your life? If you are truly walking with God in control of your life, He will guide you to where He wants to use you and bless what you do.

Obedience is Not Always a Pretty Picture!- Luke 2:5-7

Isn’t it sad that there are so many people in town that Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay in the Bethlehem Inn 6.They say that they always leave the light on, but this time, they were completely full!

Can you imagine a baby being born in a stable with all of those dirty, smelly animals around? Nothing is said about a doctor or nurse being present for the birth! Did Joseph help deliver God’s Son? No doctor or mid-wife, just Joseph and Mary who had to figure out what to do all on their own! Sanitary?!?

Either way, the Messiah, who they named Jesus, was born last night and laid in a manger after being wrapped in a seamless piece of cloth. Babies are often wrapped because they thought it was important to make their limbs straight.

When God is in control and we are in obedience, great things happen.

Obedience is Always Associated With a Promise!- Luke 2:8-15

ANGEL SIGHTING! – The reason we know is because an angel from God appeared in the sky and told us! We were just watching the sheep so that no lion or wolf would drop in for a late night snack. Then all of a sudden, Gabriel Calling! That scared me and made me jump like the lion had snuck up on me! I thought for sure that we were in big danger!

The angel told us not to be afraid! That was a little late. My heart is still pounding in my chest. I had never seen an angel before. The angel said the Messiah, had been born in manger in Bethlehem! Then a whole bunch of angels appeared in the sky. They were singing praises to God and blessing us with a lot of warm air. It was so beautiful.

After the angels disappeared back into Heaven, we decided we should go and see this baby. Left the sheep, but took a baby lamb with us as a gift. Joseph and Mary told us how Gabriel appeared to Zechariah; one of the priests that were serving in the Temple about a year and a half ago and six months later appeared to Mary telling each that they would have a baby.

We obeyed God and believed the angel and were blessed by seeing the Christ child on the night he was born. If you obey God, you are going to experience similar blessings in your life.

The Object of Obedience Determines its Rewards!- Luke 2:16-20

Imagine, we shepherds are considered to be undesirable by most people are the first to hear about the Messiah being born! Yet we are the first to learn of the birth of the Messiah! The angels don’t appear to the priests in the Temple or the government leaders in Jerusalem, but to a scraggly band of insignificant shepherds on the hillside outside of Bethlehem.

God has done a great thing, Ephraim! And it’s all in the Shepherd’s Gazette, just like it happened. Someone ought to write a story about this baby some day so others could read it and learn what God has done among us! I hope they mention that we were the first to see the baby Jesus!

Hey, there are some people over there. Let’s go and tell them what we saw last night! I’ve just got to tell someone else about this baby being born and the angels and so on. Isn’t it wonderful to be rewarded for being obedient? Why aren’t more people choosing to be obedient to God?

CONCLUSION

God keeps His promises! Obedience is KEY to getting God’s blessing.

NEXT WEEK: Jesus is circumcised and named in obedience to the Mosaical Law.