The birth of Jesus is unique from any other human birth,Marry had no physical relationship with Joseph yet she was conceived.She was conceived by the Holy Ghost.And this is miracle which God performed in order to bring the savior who would redeem the sinful man.
This verse shows that shepherds were in the field at night with their flocks when Jesus was born. Many people believe that December 25th was when Jesus was born, but during that time it would have been very cold. The shepherds would not have been outside, at night, with their sheep if it was wintery cold. This shows that Jesus was not born on December 25th and we are not sure exactly when he was born.
Notice besides parents the only people that knew about the birth are shepherds. Where was the mayor! Where were the religious leaders? The ruling body? You would think the brass would be there to see The King born. verse 18 says all that heard "wondered" just like today! People today still "wonder" about That Birth. God KNEW those would not believe. What a Savior we have in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke was writing to the Gentiles and signs of the babe, a firstborn,writing about his divinity in a cosmic sense and echoing Isaiah's prophecy he knew his audience needed to hear this aspect of his swaddling representing the one who came to redeem us not only as the Son of Man, but the manger that represent where the flock ate their food as He too, becomes our Bread of Life.
I am teaching a lesson on Zachariah in the temple and this verse came to mind. He would have done well to "kept these things in his heart and pondered them". We don't always have to "tell the whole world".
Not a comment on Luke, but a correction on the verse Luke 2:40 King James Version (1611). "Upon" was written with a "V" it was written as vpon. Is this correct with the translation or just an error?
ROSENJD AYOTOMIWA JAMES on Luke 2:47 - 10 years ago
Hhmm.. D key 2outstanding perfeormance(intelligience) is to first settle down,know what you want and then make consistent right step via the help of the Holy spirit
Wendell,
I think that Jesus, parents lost sight of his mission in life due to the cares of life.That can happen to us too and JESUS warned us about it in the book of Mark.
Why is it that Mary and Joseph didn't understand Jesus when he told him that he was about his Father's. business? They had been told that he was the Son of the Most High.
I bless God a bout the life of Simeon who waited for the fulfillment of God's unfailing promise. He saw Christ and he was comforted. We shall all see the promise of God for our lives before we leave this world if we have faith in God.
@Brad Holland,
To study the differences between the King James Version 1611 (authorized version) and the other versions is something you should do with diligence ( Hebrews 11:6; 2 Timothy 2:15) and I believe you will conclude that the King James Version 1611 (authorized version) is the only inspired word of God as I have. As for the vulgate text it is from the Alexandria manuscripts (Egypt) Latin based that the catholic church uses for their version translated by origen and others that is proven to be corrupt by most honest and true bible translators. The King James Version 1611 (authorized version) is translated from the manuscripts of Antioch ( Acts 11:26) (Textus Receptus) where you will find that most honest and true translators conclude to be correct. As for the original text there are no original texts and when someone can produce them I might start altering my thinking on this subject. God is never to concern about the originals, see what god does with originals and how he preserves his word ( Exodus 32:19, Exodus 34:1; Psalms 12:6,7; Matthew 24:35; Peter 1:19) more original writings ( Jeremiah 30:1, Jeremiah 36:27, 28, 32). God has preserved his word in the King James Version 1611 (authorized version). When a person comes to conclusion that all versions are of God they have not studied the scriptures with diligence. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways ( James 1:8). There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end there of is the ways of death ( Proverbs 14:12; 2 Timothy 2:15).
The difference in the King James Version of Luke 2:14 to the Vulgate is worth studying. Wikipedia says it is based on inclusion or omission of a "genitive" vowel at the end of Greek versions of the verse. I have not yet found decisively strong evidence supporting one translation over the other or (alternatively) allowing for both interpretations as would be possible if the original text was not explicit in it's use of language. I would be happy for information explaining the King James interpretation or translation of this verse.
Every time I read Luke 2, my heart is filled with joy and peace settles over me, knowing that this child lives in my heart and is my Salvation. Then I read people trying to figure out what the lineage of the Christ was/is. And I just have to marvel at the ignorance expressed in these conjectures. What difference does it make and how is it any of our business? God sent his son to be born of Mary, a virgin. That should be enough for any believer.
This blesses us to know that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. He came as the scriptures said, to give life unto the world. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to men.
I believe all of the Holy Bible. What we read in Luke 2 is the entire truth. So as some one that has experienced the truth "Word of God" I know there is a true and living God, "Father of Jesus Christ", The only begotten Son Of God.
I can't help feeling sad about some comments written about these scriptures demonstrating their unbelief. It is like Paul said the god of this word has blinded them lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them. The scriptures say 'but if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost' 2 Corinthians 4:3,4.
Just because Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit, doesn't mean that Joseph was not the genetic father of Jesus. The other half of the DNA had to come from somewhere. It probably came from Joseph. Otherwise, Jesus would have been a genetic clone of Mary. I would try not to get too hung up on this issue.
This is awesome I wish I had this in a letter I would show to some church members, my God all Israel is related I wish I had all this in a letter. God bless you, in Jesus� name. Dean Harris 5716 w. 43rd st Indianapolis Ind 46254
Ok I am going to try to answer the question of Jesus's davidic lineage. The relation does not start with Mary or with Joseph. We have to go way back to the three sons of Noah, Ham, Shem and Japath these brothers are responsible for repopulating the earth after the flood. Therefore all nations that are came from these three brother and are realated. So lets take a look at the isralites, starting with the twelve tribes of Israel. The sons of Israel where all related because their father was Jacob and therefore all of Israel in one form or another, they are nieces, nephews, cousins etc.. and are related, which means that more than likley Mary and Joseph are distant cousins. Since all the tribes of Israel are related Jesus did come throught David's line from Joseph and his mother's side because they where all realted. Do you remember where Jesus stated I have no mother or brothers because in reality his cousin gave birth to him. Now I know this may sound odd Mary was impregnated by the holy spirit i.e artificial insemenation happen all the time today. Therefore Christ truly being both flesh and divinity did come throught David's line because all Israel is realted and all twelve tribes came from the same father Jacob I'll give you the scripture in a moment.
The previous comment says that Jesus is in the Davidic lineage through Joseph. I thought that Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit not Joseph. This comment harmonizes two different Gospel accounts of the same event. I am asking why Matthew and Luke's Gospel differ? The lineage of Jesus as stated in these two Gospels differ. The events stated differ.
Obviously one account cannot be true. You cannot harmonize these birth naratives without creating your own Gospel. No Gospel writer was a witness to this event.
The gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the son of David, who is to take the throne, as told by Micah5:2 But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. So the Lord has Caesar Augustus to proclaim that all the world would be taxed. Joseph being of the house and lineage of David takes his espoused wife Mary there to pay the tax. Fulfilling the prophecy by Micah. The shepherds were told by the Angels that they would find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. The gospel of Matthew tells that the Magi would see his star in the east, and when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy, and this was after the birth, about two years. God did not want Herod to know when the child would be born, because he wanted to kill the child. So after the Magi gave the gifts of gold,frankincense, and Myrrh God warned them to go back to their country another way, and not tell Herod. Joseph was told, in a dream, to take the child to Egypt with Mary by night, and wait until Herod would die. This fulfilled scripture, because the prophet said out of Egypt have I called my son. Luke, the doctor, tells that until the days of Mary's purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they were to take the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. They had to offer the turtle doves or two pigeons for a sacrifice according to the law of God. Also Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death, until he had seen the Lord's Christ. So all these events had to take place, and at different times to fulfill scripture. So the word of God is true, and we walk by faith. The bible says who ever doubts, is as a double minded man. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved. Thank God that he so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that who ever believes in him would not perish, but have everlasting life.
The problem here is the same problem that has existed since the time of Christ.
The Bible tells us that it is the actual Word of God, yes written by human writers, but inspired and breathed out by God Himself. How do we know this to be true? For those of us who are truly christians, we have a personal relationship with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
No-one can tell me that this is a figment of my imagination, because it is a daily living experience and reality for me. Furthermore, no-one can tell me that the Bible is false, because I know the one who authored it and have proved it to be true in my daily life.
Of course, those who do not have this relationship with God will always mock and doubt, because they do not have the same personal experience. Sadly, the Bible says unless such individuals repent and turn to God now, they will have chosen to spend eternity away from God, in a place of hell.
Some will read this and laugh - doesn't matter to me, some will agree - it all depends of course where you stand before God. See John chapter 3 verse 16.
Steve's comment says "if the Bible says that something happened then it happened". Then why do the accounts of "Luke" and "Matthew" differ? This testimony is all hearsay and the gospel writers (who are NOT eyewitnesses) can't keep their stories straight! There is NO proof that Nazareth was even a town in the 1st century CE. Jesus being born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of the scriptures is not prophesying! I could go on and on. People, demand better evidence before committing yourself to a untenable belief. As was said by Mark Twain �faith is believing in something that just ain�t so�.
The whole point is that God sent His son to be born. Without the holy birth of Jesus we would have no Saviour we would just have some man.
But God sent His only begotten son to save us from our sin. To redeem man from his sin state so he can have access to the Almighty. v10 v11
Luke reminds me of where I came from and what I have been delivered from that I am re=born, Christ's birth is a picture of my holy rebirth from sinner to saint ,that I desire the holy things of God now. That I have been reborn by a holy God and am being purified by Him through living for Him and giving my life to Him.
The word of God came wrapped in flesh and laid in a manger. The world had no place for Him then and no place for Him now;but, thanks be to God He resides in men's hearts through the power of the Holy Ghost. Obey Acts 2:37,38.
I think that Jesus, parents lost sight of his mission in life due to the cares of life.That can happen to us too and JESUS warned us about it in the book of Mark.
Thank You for every answered prayer, ever parable I have understood, and every sin you carried on the cross. I love you.
To study the differences between the King James Version 1611 (authorized version) and the other versions is something you should do with diligence ( Hebrews 11:6; 2 Timothy 2:15) and I believe you will conclude that the King James Version 1611 (authorized version) is the only inspired word of God as I have. As for the vulgate text it is from the Alexandria manuscripts (Egypt) Latin based that the catholic church uses for their version translated by origen and others that is proven to be corrupt by most honest and true bible translators. The King James Version 1611 (authorized version) is translated from the manuscripts of Antioch ( Acts 11:26) (Textus Receptus) where you will find that most honest and true translators conclude to be correct. As for the original text there are no original texts and when someone can produce them I might start altering my thinking on this subject. God is never to concern about the originals, see what god does with originals and how he preserves his word ( Exodus 32:19, Exodus 34:1; Psalms 12:6,7; Matthew 24:35; Peter 1:19) more original writings ( Jeremiah 30:1, Jeremiah 36:27, 28, 32). God has preserved his word in the King James Version 1611 (authorized version). When a person comes to conclusion that all versions are of God they have not studied the scriptures with diligence. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways ( James 1:8). There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end there of is the ways of death ( Proverbs 14:12; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Obviously one account cannot be true. You cannot harmonize these birth naratives without creating your own Gospel. No Gospel writer was a witness to this event.
See my Matthew 2 comments.
The problem here is the same problem that has existed since the time of Christ.
The Bible tells us that it is the actual Word of God, yes written by human writers, but inspired and breathed out by God Himself. How do we know this to be true? For those of us who are truly christians, we have a personal relationship with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
No-one can tell me that this is a figment of my imagination, because it is a daily living experience and reality for me. Furthermore, no-one can tell me that the Bible is false, because I know the one who authored it and have proved it to be true in my daily life.
Of course, those who do not have this relationship with God will always mock and doubt, because they do not have the same personal experience. Sadly, the Bible says unless such individuals repent and turn to God now, they will have chosen to spend eternity away from God, in a place of hell.
Some will read this and laugh - doesn't matter to me, some will agree - it all depends of course where you stand before God. See John chapter 3 verse 16.
But God sent His only begotten son to save us from our sin. To redeem man from his sin state so he can have access to the Almighty. v10 v11
Luke reminds me of where I came from and what I have been delivered from that I am re=born, Christ's birth is a picture of my holy rebirth from sinner to saint ,that I desire the holy things of God now. That I have been reborn by a holy God and am being purified by Him through living for Him and giving my life to Him.