BIBLE STUDY NOTES

Wednesday, October 11, 2000

LUKE 2

· Mary and Joseph travel from Galilee to Bethlehem, Judea for the census and to pay taxes

· He is from the household of David. Remember the promise made to David – there will always be one from your lineage on the throne.

· Jesus was born in a stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. Jesus Christ had a humble beginning. God doing something new, but old – God has always used the unlikely.

· Angels: Messengers appear to shepherds with message of Jesus’ birth. God gives message to everyday, humble people. They go looking for the baby. Shepherds tell Mary and Joseph what the angels said.

· Mary is 14 or 15 years old. She had to be amazed and awed by all of these events. God had chosen her – a simple maiden – to be the mother of Jesus Christ who was God in the flesh. Thus, Catholics refer to Mary as the Mother of God.

· They follow their traditions: he is circumcised on the 8^th day. This practice dates back to Abraham. It is the sign of the covenant God made with him – he would be the father of many nations and his seed as numerous as the stars.

· Simeon was waiting for the salvation that the Messiah would bring.

· Verses 29-32 are also called the “Nunc Dimittis” – now let your servant go in peace. (Peace with God)

· Simeon proclaims Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord who will fight for revelation to the Gentiles. Remember, he came only for the lost sheep of Israel. This astonishes his parents. He predicts Mary’s grief at the tragic fate of her son. He blesses both but gives Mary additional words.

· It is understood that Joseph dies before Jesus Christ’s public ministry. Only his mother will witness the fulfillment of Simeon’s words.

· Anna, a prophetess, devoted and committed to God, also claims the advent of the Messiah.

· Redemption of Jerusalem = Consolation of Israel.

· Verses 41-52: Jesus Christ is a normal pre-teenager. The priests and the works of the Temple fascinate him. He is so caught up in discussion and debate he loses track of time and forgets about his parents. They’ve traveled for one day, traveled back for a day and it took one day to find him (in total, 3 days).

· As parents or caregivers, how would you have reacted? Who look after Jesus Christ while in the Temple? (The priests)

· While Jesus Christ is the some of God, he has earthly parents. Mary rebuked him for staying behind. Jesus Christ doesn’t understand why: “You should have known where to find me.”

LUKE 3

Introduction to Jesus Christ’s public ministry

• Luke 3:1-20: John the Baptist
• Pontius Pilate – Judea
• Herod – Galilee
• Phillip – Ituræa and Trachonitis
• Lysanias – Abilene
• Annas – Retired, but retains honor and privilege
• Caiphas – High priest; son-in-law to Annas; ruled/controlled Jewish temple and priests
• Contrast: Powers, men recognized with authority of God’s Words.
• John the Baptist called to preach – Baptism of repentance. Baptism is a ritual for purification. Moral and spiritual renewal, but also judgment.
• Vipers: poisonous
• John the Baptist demands right living based on a sincere search for God’s will. All must repent.
• Abraham as our father: privileged standing with God, based on natural birth.
• Fire: symbol of judgment and purification
• He preached the gospel = forgiveness and the advent/beginning of a new relationship between God and man. Before, going only to priests.
• Prayer was recorded as a major part of Jesus Christ’s life.
• Luke shows Jesus Christ’s common humanity.
• Matthew shows Jewish heritage.