Born In A Stable
Luke 2:1–7
The account of the birth of Jesus Christ was contained within a historical context. Luke recorded the names of Caesar Augustus, and Cyrenias. He described the Roman tax edict which forced people to relocate temporarily to their hometown. Through this movement of the government God fulfilled his promise that the Lord Jesus would be born in the city of Bethlehem.
The King of kings and Lord of lords was born in a stable and laid in a manger. This was how God decided he would be born into the world. As a babe in a manger. This reveals something fundamental about the character and nature of God.
It also shows us that the kingdom of God is radically different from the world system we live in. The world system is based upon the names of men who make themselves famous. They exalt their own names and in this way control other men. They force men to submit to their names and the more people they bring under their name the more power (provision, protection, and portion) they create. This is the way of Satan.
The way of the Lord Jesus is completely opposite. The kingdom of God is not based on the pride of life. It is based on humility and love. Read Philippians chapter 2 to see a description of the humility of the Lord Jesus.
When we truly understand the kingdom it reveals the stark contrast between the Lord Jesus and the way churches, businesses, and our daily lives are conducted in this world. We are completely the opposite of the kingdom of God in this current world system.
This world is passing away. The Lord Jesus came into this world as a babe in a manger, and when he grew up he told others he had no place to lay his head. Those who followed him became like him. They lose more and more of this world but gain more and more of the kingdom of God.
There was no room for them in the inn. This summarizes the attitude of most people toward the Lord Jesus. They do not make any room for him in their lives. Yet he is the most important person who ever lived on this planet. He is greater than any king or president or celebrity who ever lived. Why can’t people understand this? Because they have made their agreement with Satan and the devil has blinded their eyes to the truth of the majesty and greatness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their agreement with Satan blinds their eyes and they cannot see the Lord Jesus Christ.
Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is saved. Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose again on the third day. Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and you will be saved. Saved from self, saved from sin, saved from the devil, saved from this world system, and saved from a lake of fire.
Luke 2:8–21
Angels from heaven appeared to a group of shepherds in a field at night. The shepherds were terrified but the angels told them not to be afraid because they brought good news of the birth of the Messiah. The angels told the shepherds where to find the newborn Messiah. The sign to look for was a baby lying in a manger. Notice how much was made of the fact that the King of the Universe was born in a stable and laid in a manger. God was drawing attention to his character and his nature. Who is God? Look at this lowly stable and manger and behold the God of the Universe.
The shepherds did what the angels said and found the Lord Jesus lying in the manger. They told everyone in that area about what they saw, heard, and experienced regarding the Lord Jesus Christ. This is normal for anyone who has truly come into contact with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joseph and Mary circumcised Jesus on the eighth day according to the law and gave him the name Jesus. He was given the name Jesus by the angel Gabriel before he was conceived, just like John the Baptist.
God knows our name. Many people say that they know their Lord Jesus, but does Jesus know them? Does he know their name?
Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose from the dead on the third day. Everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus is saved. He is returning again to receive us unto himself that where he is we may be also. May the Lord Jesus return quickly to this earth and establish his kingdom over all the nations of the earth.
Luke 2:22–40
In these scriptures we see angels from the Lord announcing the arrival of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. Angels appeared to Zacharias, Mary, and to shepherds. Here we see the proclamation of the Son of God was given to two prophets who were in the temple when Joseph and Mary brought the child there to present him to the Lord.
The first prophet was Simeon. He was glad to see the child because it meant his earthly journey was almost over and he was ready to be with the Lord in heaven. He also blessed Mary and Joseph and had a personal word of prophecy for Mary that a sword would pierce her heart. No doubt this word was for when the Lord Jesus died upon the cross and Mary was there and saw him executed.
The other prophet was Anna. She was a godly woman who had served God in fasting and praying for many years since her husband died. She also gave thanks to the Lord and acknowledged that this child was the promised Messiah of God.
Once Joseph and Mary completed all the requirements of the law regarding a newborn son they returned to Nazareth and the Lord Jesus grew up, strong in spirit, and the grace of God was upon him. The scripture describes Jesus as being full of wisdom.
This was a good example of how God used believers to confirm a word of God. It shows us how the church can work together to encourage one another and to build up the faith of one another. It also shows us that the Lord reveals specific truths to individuals and those individuals then have a responsibility to share with others.
Every Christian should share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose again on the third day. Let us encourage one another, share the gospel, and build up the faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Luke 2:41–52
Mary and Joseph went up every year to the feast of the Passover at Jerusalem. When Jesus was twelve years old he went with them to Jerusalem. When the feast was over they went back home but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem at the temple. They did not realize that Jesus was missing for an entire day! Finally they found him after three days!
The Lord Jesus amazed the people who were in the temple with his questions. He listened to them and asked questions. Everyone who listened to him were amazed at his understanding and answers.
Understandably Mary and Joseph were upset with Jesus when they found him. The Lord Jesus replied, “Didn’t you know I had to be about my father’s business?” Mary and Joseph did not understand his answer, which was a question.
The Lord Jesus went with them down to Nazareth and was subject to them. Mary remembered all of these events in the life of Jesus and pondered them in her heart.
The Lord Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
We see in the life of Jesus many times people, including his family, did not understand his purpose, his mission, and why he did what he did. Even his own disciples tried to stop him from going to the cross at Calvary. Jesus was not turned aside from his goal, and that was to complete his Father’s will.
How can we apply this to our life? Do we have this single minded goal and purpose? Is our goal in life to please God? Is our goal in life complete obedience to Gods’ will for our life?
Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. Everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus is saved. Cry out to God most high, unto God who performs all things for us.
Thank you for reading my comments on the gospel of Luke. For daily bible reading and a podcast subscribe on Substack.
