Gospel of Luke Study – Chapter 2

2:1-20 – The Birth of Jesus
Here we have the fulfillment of the second announcement by the angel Gabriel. In society first is always most important. Biblically first seems to be inferior to second, especially in relation to birth stories (Esau & Isaac). Here the birth of Jesus is told with a minimum of detail. We hear a placement within world history. Emperor Augustus & Quirinius are mentioned to fix a date and time for this birth to take place, also setting up who is in charge of the worldly realm at this time. The power of Rome is clear. When they say move, everyone moves, just like on a chess board. There is irony here also, that the moves of such a powerful government are actually exactly what is needed for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. Augustus was also claimed to be the good news for the world, and the divine savior of the Roman world. Here we have a dramatic contrast between worldly power, and God’s power.

Historical dating is a difficulty here though. Augustus reigned from 44/42BC – 14AD. Quirinius was governor beginning 6 AD, at which time he took a census of Judea. There is no other historical record of a worldly census, and some of the other historical records that we do have make no mention of this at this time (Josephus). Also, the Roman system of registration didn’t require returning to your homeland. Therefore, if history doesn’t help us here there must be some other reason for Luke to present this story in this way. Luke’s mention of these names does provide the contrast, and people would remember the misery that the Romans brought to Palestine.

Luke is clear in wanting to link the census with the birth of Jesus. Luke frequently wants to link the gospel story with significant historical events and rulers. It is clear that this Gospel story is going to have profound effect upon not only those who believe, but upon the worldly powers as well. Augustus was acclaimed as the “bringer of peace.” Here we begin to see Luke pitting Jesus against Augustus (this will continue), and who truly is the “bringer of peace!” Joseph and Mary are shown as those who are obeying Roman Law, they are not shirkers. The Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, and Jesus grew up in Nazareth, this helps explain how that was possible. Matthew resolves this dilemma with the fleeing into Egypt, and the later return not to Bethlehem, but Nazareth. The census is also a good way for Luke to explain Jesus’ family lineage, and how he is descended from the house and family of David (Messiah).

Mary & Joseph are engaged, and Mary is expecting a child at this point. The announcement by Gabriel has come true. Mary is still in an unusual position, being not married and pregnant. It is clear that Mary & Jospeh have not consummated the marriage yet, thus still only engaged. Mary is pregnant through the Holy Spirit, not Joseph. Two verses then tell us the birth story. The time came, she gave birth, first-born son, wrapped in bands of cloth (typical motherly care, providing comfort for the child), laid in manger (feeding trough, not unusual for the poor), no place in inn. (what is not here?). 1st century people in Palestine didn’t keep animals in barns.


Angelic Pronouncement
The shepherds in the field are the first to hear of this event taking place. The angels come to them. Shepherding was a despised job in this day. Shepherds were thought of as dishonest who grazed their flocks on other people’s lands. They were outcasts of this society, and obviously cast out of the town, “living in the fields.”

Shepherds are in the field, then an angel appears, and the glory of the Lord shines around them, terror fills their hearts. First words from the angel? “DO NOT BE AFRAID!” Contrast the humble setting of the birth, and the humble setting of these shepherds in the field, with this rather dramatic pronouncement by the angel, and then the “multitude of the Heavenly Host!!” Here we have a fulfillment of Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.” In this scene we have the shepherds, in actual darkness (nighttime), with the actual real light from the angel, glory of the Lord shone upon them. You also have Shepherds, considered those who were walking in darkness, not following faithfully, who have the Light of the World literally shown to them by the angels. Here is a foreshadowing of what Jesus is going to do, and even on the night of his birth he is already bringing people into the light both literally and figuratively.

The angels bring good news of great joy!! The response to the gospel is JOY!!! The announcement makes clear that this is the long awaited fulfillment of the Messiah; city of David, savior, Messiah/Christ/Lord. The shepherds receive a sign, go see the child, wrapped, lying in a manger. Jesus is the only child lying in a manger!! Then the heavens burst open, and the Shepherds must have been in awe. The song of the angels is the angelic song of the choirs of heaven, proclaiming glory to God always, and showing that God is the one who brings peace!! As instructed the shepherds go, thus the shepherds are actually redeemed already, no longer are they good for nothings, but actually dutiful servants who obey and do as they are told.

They go quickly and find everything as was told to them. They passed on to Mary and Joseph everything that took place to them, thus making them the first evangelists, telling their story. Mary treasures these words, and ponders them. This is what she did when the Angel Gabriel told her what was going to happen, and she continues to take in these words from God and ponders them. The shepherds then leave, but they leave in great joy, worshipping God. The shepherds are the premier example of what our response to Jesus really should be!! The shepherds pass on the story “as it had been told them.” This is exactly what Luke is doing. Luke may very well see himself in the Shepherd role here of passing on the Angelic pronouncement through his writing.

Contrasted in this birth story of the Messiah is with the Kings of the earth. Jesus is born in a small place, not in home, but in purely humble surroundings, and the only visitors for Luke are shepherds, despised people, who hear God’s calling. This certainly foreshadows Jesus as coming for the lowly and despised people of this world. This is the way true peace comes to earth, not with the power and majesty of earthly kings.