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Luke Chapter
Two
Luke 2
In the next chapter (2) the scene changes. Instead of the
relations of God with Israel according to grace, we see first the pagan emperor
of the world-the head of Daniel's last empire-exercising his power in
Emmanuel's land, and over the people of God, as though God did not know them.
Nevertheless we are still in presence of the birth of the Son of David, of
Emmanuel Himself; but He is outwardly under the power of the head of the beast,
of a pagan empire. What a strange state of things is brought in by sin! Take
special notice however that we have grace here: it is the intervention of God
which makes all this manifest. Connected with it are some other circumstances
which it is well to observe. When the interests and the glory of Jesus are in
question, all this power-which governs without the fear of God, which reigns,
seeking its own glory, in the place where Christ should reign-all the imperial
glory is but an instrument in the hands of God for the fulfilment of His
counsels. As to the public fact, we find the Roman emperor exercising despotic
and pagan authority in the place where the throne of God should have been, if
the sin of the people had not made it impossible.
The emperor will have all the world registered, and every one goes to
his own city. The power of the world is set in motion, and that by an act which
proves its supremacy over those who, as the people of God, should have been
free from all but the immediate government of their God, which was their
glory-an act which proves the complete degradation and servitude of the people.
They are slaves, in their bodies and in their possessions, to the heathen,
because of their sins (see Nehemiah 9:36, 37). But this act only accomplishes
the marvellous purpose of God, causing the Saviour-king to be born in the
village where, according to the testimony of God, that event was to take place.
And, more than that, the divine Person, who was to excite the joy and the
praises of heaven, is born among men, Himself a child in this world.
The state of things in Israel and in the world, is the
supremacy of the Gentiles and the absence of the throne of God. The Son of man,
the Saviour, God manifested in the flesh, comes to take His place-a place which
grace alone could find or take in a world that knew Him not.
This registration is so much the more remarkable, in
that, as soon as the purpose of God was accomplished, it was carried no
farther; that is to say, not till afterwards, under the government of Cyrenius.
[1] The Son of God is born in this world, but He
finds no place there. The world is at home, or at least by its resources it
finds a place, in the inn; it becomes a kind of measure of man's place in, and
reception by, the world; the Son of God finds none, save in the manger. Is it
for nothing that the Holy Ghost records this circumstance? No. There is no room
for God, and that which is of God, in this world. So much the more perfect
therefore is the love that brought Him down to earth. But He began in a manger
and ended on the cross, and along the way had not where to lay His head. The
Son of God-a child, partaking in all the weakness and all the circumstances of
human life, thus manifested-appears in the world. [2] But if God comes into this world, and if a
manger receives Him, in the nature He had taken in grace, the angels are
occupied with the event on which depends the fate of the whole universe, and
the accomplishment of all the counsels of God; for He has chosen weak things to
confound things that are mighty. This poor infant is the object of all the
counsels of God, the upholder and heir of the whole creation, the Saviour of
all who shall inherit glory and eternal life.
Some poor men who were faithfully performing their
toilsome labours, afar from the restless activity of an ambitious and sinful
world, receive the first tidings of the Lord's presence on earth. The God of
Israel did not seek for the great among His people, but had respect to the poor
of the flock. Two things here present themselves. The angel who comes to the
shepherds of Judea announces to them the fulfilment of the promises of God to
Israel. The choir of angels celebrate in their heavenly chorus of praise all
the real import of this wondrous event.
"Unto you," says the heavenly messenger who visits the poor
shepherds, "is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord." This was proclaiming good tidings to them and to all the
people. [3] But in the birth of the Son of man, God
manifest in the flesh, the accomplishment of the incarnation had far deeper
importance than this. The fact that this poor infant was there, disallowed and
left (humanly speaking) to its fate by the world, was (as understood by the
heavenly intelligences, the multitude of the heavenly host, whose praises
resounded at the angel's message to the shepherds) "Glory to God in the
highest, peace on earth, good pleasure [of God] in men." These few words
embrace such widely extended thoughts, that it is difficult to speak suitably
of them in a work like this; but some remarks are necessary. First, it is
deeply blessed to see that the thought of Jesus excludes all that could oppress
the heart in the scene which surrounded His presence on earth. Sin, alas! was
there. It was manifested by the position in which this wondrous infant was found.
But if sin had placed Him there, grace had placed Him there. Grace
superabounds; and in thinking of Him, blessing, grace, the mind of God
respecting sin, that which God is, as manifested by the presence of Christ,
absorb the mind and possess the heart, and are the heart's true relief in a
world like this. We see grace alone; and sin does but magnify the fulness, the
sovereignty, the perfection of that grace. God, in His glorious dealings, blots
out the sin with respect to which He acts, and which He thus exhibits in all
its deformity; but there is that which "much more aboundeth." Jesus,
come in grace, fills the heart. It is the same thing in all the details of
christian life. It is the true source of moral power, of sanctification, and of
joy.
We see next, that there are three things brought out by
the presence of Jesus born as a child on the earth. First, glory to God in the
highest. The love of God-His wisdom-His power (not in creating a universe out
of nothing, but in rising above the evil, and turning the effect of all the
enemy's power into an occasion of shewing that this power was only impotence
and folly in presence of that which may be called "the weakness of
God")-the fulfilment of His eternal counsels-the perfection of His ways
where evil had come in-the manifestation of Himself amidst the evil in such a
manner as to glorify Himself before the angels: in a word, God had so
manifested Himself by the birth of Jesus, that the hosts of heaven, long
familiar with His power, could raise their chorus, "Glory to God in the
highest!" and every voice unites in sounding forth these praises. What
love like this love? and God is love. What a purely divine thought, that God
has become man! What supremacy of good over evil! What wisdom in drawing nigh
to the heart of man and the heart of man back to Him! What fitness in
addressing man! What maintenance of the holiness of God! What nearness to the
heart of man, what participation in his wants, what experience of his
condition! But beyond all, God above the evil in grace, and in that grace
visiting this defiled world to make Himself known as He had never yet been
known!
The second effect of the presence of Him who manifested
God on the earth is, that peace should be there. Rejected-His name should be an
occasion of strife; but the heavenly choir are occupied with the fact of His
presence, and with the result, when fully produced of the consequences, wrapped
up in the Person of Him who was there (looked at in their proper fruits), and
they celebrate these consequences. Manifested evil should disappear; His holy
rule should banish all enmity and violence. Jesus, mighty in love, should
reign, and impart the character in which He had come to the whole scene that
should surround Him in the world He came into, that it might be according to
His heart who took delight therein (Prov. 8:31). [4] See,
as regards a smaller scale, Psalm 85:10, 11. The means of this-redemption, the
destruction of Satan's power, the reconciliation of man by faith, and of all
things in heaven and earth with God-are not here pointed out. Everything
depended on the Person and presence of Him who was born. All was wrapped up in
Him. The state of blessing was born in the birth of that child.
Presented to the responsibility of man, man is unable to
profit by it, and all fails. His position thereby becomes only so much the
worse.
But, grace and blessing being attached to the Person of
Him just born, all their consequences necessarily flow forth After all it was
the intervention of God accomplishing the counsel of His love, the settled
purpose of His good pleasure. And, Jesus once there, the consequences could not
fail: whatever interruption there might be to their fulfilment, Jesus was their
surety. He was come into the world. He contained in His Person, He was the
expression of, all these consequences The presence of the Son of God in the
midst of sinners said to all spiritual intelligence, "Peace on the
earth."
The third thing was the good pleasure [5] --the
affection of God-in men. Nothing more simple, since Jesus was a man He had not
taken hold of angels. It was a glorious testimony that the affection, the good
pleasure, of God was centred in this poor race, now far from Him, but in which
He was pleased to accomplish all His glorious counsels. So in John 1 the life
was the light of men.
In a word, it was the power of God present in grace in
the Person of the Son of God taking part in the nature, and interesting Himself
in the lot, of a being who had departed from Him, and making him the sphere of
the accomplishment of all His counsels, and of the manifestation of His grace
and His nature to all His creatures. What a position for man! for it is indeed
in man that all this is accomplished. The whole universe was to learn in man,
and in what God therein was for man, that which God was in Himself, and the
fruit of all His glorious counsels, as well as its complete rest in His
presence, according to His nature of love. All this was implied in the birth of
that child of whom the world took no notice. Natural and marvellous subject of
praise to the holy inhabitants of heaven, unto whom God had made it known! It
was glory to God in the highest.
Faith was in exercise in those simple Israelites to whom
the angel of the Lord was sent; and they rejoiced in the blessing fulfilled
before their eyes, and which verified the grace that God had shewn in
announcing it to them. The word, "as it was told unto them," adds its
testimony of grace to all that we enjoy by the lovingkindness of God.
The child receives the name of Jesus on the day of His
circumcision, according to Jewish custom (see chap. 1:59), but according to the
counsels and revelations of God, communicated by the angels of His power.
Moreover everything was performed according to the law; for historically we
find ourselves still in connection with Israel. He who was born of a woman was
born under the law.
The condition of poverty in which Jesus was born is also
shewn by the sacrifice offered for the purification of His mother.
But another point is here made prominent by the Holy
Ghost, insignificant as He may apparently be who gave occasion to it.
Jesus is recognised by the godly remnant of Israel, so
far as the Holy Ghost acts in them. He becomes a touchstone for every soul in
Israel. The condition of the remnant taught by the Holy Ghost (that is, of
those who had taken the position of the remnant) was this: They were sensible
of the misery and ruin of Israel, but waited upon the God of Israel, trusting
to His unchangeable faithfulness for the consolation of His people. They still
said: How long? And God was with this remnant. He had made known to those who thus
trusted in His mercy the coming of the promised One, who was to be the
fulfilment of this mercy to Israel.
Thus, in presence of the oppression of the Gentiles, and
of the iniquity of a people who were ripening or rather ripened in evil, the
remnant who trust in God do not lose that which, as we saw in the preceding
chapter, belonged to Israel. In the midst of Israel's misery they had for their
consolation that which promise and prophecy had declared for Israel's glory.
The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he should not
die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. That was the consolation, and it was
great. It was contained in the Person of Jesus the Saviour, without going
farther into the details of the manner or the time of the accomplishment of Israel's
deliverance.
Simeon loved Israel; he could depart in peace, since God
had blessed Him according to the desires of faith. The joy of faith ever dwells
on the Lord and on His people, but sees, in the relationship that exists
between them, all the extent of that which gives rise to this joy. Salvation,
the deliverance of God, was come in Christ. It was for the revelation of the
Gentiles, till then hidden in the darkness of ignorance without a revelation;
and for the glory of Israel, the people of God. This indeed is the fruit of the
government of God in Christ, that is to say, the millennium. But if the Spirit
revealed to this pious and faithful servant of the God of Israel the future
which depended on the presence of the Son of God, He revealed to him that he
held the Saviour Himself in his arms; thus giving him present peace, and such a
sense of the favour of God that death lost its terrors. It was not a knowledge
of the work of Jesus acting on an enlightened and convicted conscience; but it
was the fulfilment of the promises to Israel, the possession of the Saviour,
and the proof of the favour of God, so that the peace which flowed from thence
filled his soul. There were the three things: the prophecy that announced the
coming of Christ, the possession of Christ, and the effect of His presence in
the whole world. We are here in connection with the remnant of Israel, and
consequently find nothing of the church and of purely heavenly things. The
rejection comes afterwards. Here it is all that belongs to the remnant, in the
way of blessing, through the presence of Jesus. His work is not the present
subject.
What a beautiful picture, and what a testimony rendered
to this child, by the manner in which through the power of the Holy Ghost He
filled the heart of this holy man at the close of his earthly life! Observe
also what communications are made to this feeble remnant, unknown amid the
darkness that covered the people. But the testimony of this holy man of God
(and how sweet it is to think how many of these souls, full of grace and of
communion with the Lord, have flourished in the shade, unknown to men, but well
known to and beloved of God; souls who, when they appear, coming out of their
retreat according to His will in testimony to Christ, bear so blessed a witness
to a work of God which is carried on in spite of all that man is doing, and
behind the painful and embittered scene that is unfolding on the earth!),
Simeon's testimony here, was more than the expression of the deeply interesting
thoughts which had filled his heart in communion between himself and God. This
knowledge of Christ and of the thoughts of God respecting Him, which is
developed in secret between God and the soul, gives understanding of the effect
produced by the manifestation to the world of Him who is its object. The Spirit
speaks of it by the mouth of Simeon. In his previous words we received the
declaration of the sure fulfilment of God's counsels in the Messiah, the joy of
his own heart. Now it is the effect of the presentation of Jesus, as the
Messiah to Israel on the earth, which is described. Whatever may have been the
power of God in Christ for blessing, He put the heart of man to the test. He
should thus be, by revealing the thoughts of many hearts (for He was light),
and so much the more that He was humbled in a world of pride, an occasion of
falling to many, and the means of rising to many from their low and degraded
condition. Mary herself, although the mother of the Messiah, should have her
own soul pierced through by a sword; for her child should be rejected, the
natural relationship of the Messiah to the people broken and disallowed. This
contradiction of sinners against the Lord laid all hearts bare as to their
desires, their hopes, and their ambition, whatever forms of piety might be
assumed.
Such was the testimony rendered in Israel to the Messiah,
according to the action of the Spirit of God upon the remnant, amid the bondage
and misery of that people: the full accomplishment of the counsels of God
towards Israel, and towards the world through Israel, for joy of heart to the
faithful who had trusted in these promises, but for a test at that moment to
every heart by means of a Messiah who was a sign spoken against. The counsels
of God and the heart of man were revealed in Him.
Malachi had said that those who feared the Lord in the
evil days, when the proud were called happy, should often speak together. This
time had arrived in Israel. From Malachi to the birth of Jesus, there was but
the passage of Israel from misery to pride-a pride moreover that was dawning
even in the days of the prophet. That which he said of the remnant was also
being accomplished; they "spake together." We see that they knew each
other, in this lovely picture of God's hidden people: "She spake of him to
all them that looked for redemption in Israel." Anna, a holy widow, who
departed not from the temple, and who deeply felt the misery of Israel, had
besieged the throne of God with a widowed heart, for a people to whom God was
no longer a husband, who were really widowed like herself, and she now makes
known to all who pondered on these things together, that the Lord had visited
His temple. They had looked for redemption in Jerusalem; and now the
Redeemer-unknown of men-was there. What a subject of joy to this poor remnant!
What an answer to their faith!
But Jerusalem was not after all the place in which God
visited the remnant of His people, but the seat of pride of those who said
"the temple of the Lord." And Joseph and Mary, having performed all
that which the law required, return with the child Jesus to take their place
together with Him in the despised spot which should give Him its name, and in
those regions where the despised remnant, the poor of the flock, had more their
place, and where the testimony of God had announced that the light should
appear.
There His early days were spent in the physical and
mental growth of the true humanity which He had assumed. Simple and precious
testimony! But He was not less conscious, when the time was come for speaking to
men, of His real relationship to His Father. The two things are united in that
which is said at the end of the chapter. In the development of His humanity is
manifested the Son of God on earth. Joseph and Mary, who (while marvelling at
all that happened to Him) did not thoroughly know by faith His glory, blame the
child according to the position in which He formally stood towards them. But
this gives occasion to the manifestation of another character of perfection in
Jesus. If He was the Son of God and had the full consciousness of it, He was
also the obedient man, essentially and ever perfect and sinless-an obedient
child, whatever sense He also had of another relationship unconnected in itself
with subjection to human parents. Consciousness of the one did not injure His
perfection in the other. His being the Son of God secured His perfection as a
man and a child on the earth.
But there is another important thing to remark here; it
is, that this position had nothing to do with His being anointed with the Holy
Ghost. He fulfilled, no doubt, the public ministry which He afterwards entered
on according to the power and the perfection of that anointing; but His
relationship to His Father belonged to His Person itself. The bond existed
between Him and His Father. He was fully conscious of it, whatever might be the
means or the form of its public manifestation, and of the power of His
ministry. He was all that a child ought to be; but it was the Son of God who
was so. His relationship to His Father was as well known to Him, as His
obedience to Joseph and to His mother was beautiful, becoming, and perfect.
Here we close this touching and divine history of the
birth and early days of the divine Saviour, the Son of man. It is impossible to
have anything more profoundly interesting. Henceforward it is in His ministry,
in His public life, that we shall find Him, rejected of men, but accomplishing
the counsels and the work of God; separate from all, in order to do this in the
power of the Holy Ghost, given to Him without measure, to fulfil that course
with which nothing can be compared, with respect to which it would be lowering
the truth to call it interesting. It is the centre and the means, including His
death, His offering Himself without spot to God-and the only possible means-of
all relationship between our souls and God; the perfection of the manifestation
of His grace, and the foundation of all relationship between any creature and
Himself.
[1] I
have no doubt that the only right translation of this passage is, "The
census itself was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria." The
Holy Ghost notes this circumstance to shew that, when once the purpose of God
was accomplished, the decree was not historically carried out till afterwards.
A great deal of learning has been spent on what I believe to be simple and
clear in the text.
[2] That
is to say, as an infant. He did not appear, like the first Adam, coming out, in
His perfection, from the hand of God. He is born of a woman, the Son of man,
which Adam was not.
[3]
"All the people" (not, as in the Authorised Version, "all
people").
[4] This
quotation leads to a glorious apprehension, both of what was then doing, and of
our blessing. The special interest of God is in the sons of men; wisdom (Christ
is the wisdom of God) daily Jehovah's delight, rejoicing in the habitable part
of His earth, before creation,so that it was counsel, and His delight in the
sons of men. His incarnation is the full proof of this. In Matthew we have our
Lord, when He takes His place with the remnant as this is, fully revealed, and
it is in the Son's taking this place as man and being anointed of the Holy
Ghost, that the whole Trinity is fully revealed. This is a wonderful unfolding
of God's ways.
[5] This
is the same word as when it is said of Christ, "In whom I am well
pleased." It is beautiful to see the unjealous celebration, by these holy
beings, of the advancement of another race to this exalted place by the
incarnation of the Word. It was God's glory, and that sufficed them. This is
very beautiful.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Luke》
Luke 2
Chapter Contents
The birth of Christ. (1-7) It is made known to the
shepherds. (8-20) Christ presented in the temple. (21-24) Simeon prophesies
concerning Jesus. (25-35) Anna prophesies concerning him. (36-40) Christ with
the learned men in the temple. (41-52)
Commentary on Luke 2:1-7
(Read Luke 2:1-7)
The fulness of time was now come, when God would send
forth his Son, made of a woman, and made under the law. The circumstances of
his birth were very mean. Christ was born at an inn; he came into the world to
sojourn here for awhile, as at an inn, and to teach us to do likewise. We are
become by sin like an outcast infant, helpless and forlorn; and such a one was
Christ. He well knew how unwilling we are to be meanly lodged, clothed, or fed;
how we desire to have our children decorated and indulged; how apt the poor are
to envy the rich, and how prone the rich to disdain the poor. But when we by faith
view the Son of God being made man and lying in a manger, our vanity, ambition,
and envy are checked. We cannot, with this object rightly before us, seek great
things for ourselves or our children.
Commentary on Luke 2:8-20
(Read Luke 2:8-20)
Angels were heralds of the new-born Saviour, but they
were only sent to some poor, humble, pious, industrious shepherds, who were in
the business of their calling, keeping watch over their flock. We are not out
of the way of Divine visits, when we are employed in an honest calling, and
abide with God in it. Let God have the honour of this work; Glory to God in the
highest. God's good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds to
his praise. Other works of God are for his glory, but the redemption of the
world is for his glory in the highest. God's goodwill in sending the Messiah,
brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which
flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful
saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all
acceptation, That the good-will of God toward men, is glory to God in the
highest, and peace on the earth. The shepherds lost no time, but came with
haste to the place. They were satisfied, and made known abroad concerning this
child, that he was the Saviour, even Christ the Lord. Mary carefully observed
and thought upon all these things, which were so suited to enliven her holy
affections. We should be more delivered from errors in judgment and practice,
did we more fully ponder these things in our hearts. It is still proclaimed in
our ears that to us is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord. These should be glad
tidings to all.
Commentary on Luke 2:21-24
(Read Luke 2:21-24)
Our Lord Jesus was not born in sin, and did not need that
mortification of a corrupt nature, or that renewal unto holiness, which were
signified by circumcision. This ordinance was, in his case, a pledge of his
future perfect obedience to the whole law, in the midst of sufferings and
temptations, even unto death for us. At the end of forty days, Mary went up to
the temple to offer the appointed sacrifices for her purification. Joseph also
presented the holy child Jesus, because, as a first-born son, he was to be
presented to the Lord, and redeemed according to the law. Let us present our
children to the Lord who gave them to us, beseeching him to redeem them from
sin and death, and make them holy to himself.
Commentary on Luke 2:25-35
(Read Luke 2:25-35)
The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's
hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple.
Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Saviour,
the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to
this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms,
and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good
man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with
death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary
marvelled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them
likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his
doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are
still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's
characters. The secret good affections in the minds of some, will be revealed
by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by
their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts
concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with
him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection.
Commentary on Luke 2:36-40
(Read Luke 2:36-40)
There was much evil then in the church, yet God left not
himself without witness. Anna always dwelt in, or at least attended at, the
temple. She was always in a praying spirit; gave herself to prayer, and in all
things she served God. Those to whom Christ is made known, have great reason to
thank the Lord. She taught others concerning him. Let the example of the
venerable saints, Simeon and Anna, give courage to those whose hoary heads are,
like theirs, a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. The
lips soon to be silent in the grave, should be showing forth the praises of the
Redeemer. In all things it became Christ to be made like unto his brethren,
therefore he passed through infancy and childhood as other children, yet
without sin, and with manifest proofs of the Divine nature in him. By the
Spirit of God all his faculties performed their offices in a manner not seen in
any one else. Other children have foolishness bound in their hearts, which
appears in what they say or do, but he was filled with wisdom, by the influence
of the Holy Ghost; every thing he said and did, was wisely said and wisely
done, above his years. Other children show the corruption of their nature;
nothing but the grace of God was upon him.
Commentary on Luke 2:41-52
(Read Luke 2:41-52)
It is for the honour of Christ that children should
attend on public worship. His parents did not return till they had stayed all
the seven days of the feast. It is well to stay to the end of an ordinance, as
becomes those who say, It is good to be here. Those that have lost their
comforts in Christ, and the evidences of their having a part in him, must
bethink themselves where, and when, and how they lost them, and must turn back
again. Those that would recover their lost acquaintance with Christ, must go to
the place in which he has put his name; there they may hope to meet him. They
found him in some part of the temple, where the doctors of the law kept their
schools; he was sitting there, hearkening to their instructions, proposing
questions, and answering inquiries, with such wisdom, that those who heard were
delighted with him. Young persons should seek the knowledge of Divine truth,
attend the ministry of the gospel, and ask such questions of their elders and
teachers as may tend to increase their knowledge. Those who seek Christ in
sorrow, shall find him with the greater joy. Know ye not that I ought to be in
my Father's house; at my Father's work; I must be about my Father's business.
Herein is an example; for it becomes the children of God, in conformity to
Christ, to attend their heavenly Father's business, and make all other concerns
give way to it. Though he was the Son of God, yet he was subject to his earthly
parents; how then will the foolish and weak sons of men answer it, who are
disobedient to their parents? However we may neglect men's sayings, because
they are obscure, yet we must not think so of God's sayings. That which at
first is dark, may afterwards become plain and easy. The greatest and wisest,
those most eminent, may learn of this admirable and Divine Child, that it is
the truest greatness of soul to know our own place and office; to deny
ourselves amusements and pleasures not consistent with our state and calling.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Luke》
Luke 2
Verse 2
[2] (And
this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
When Cyrenius was governor of Syria — When Publius Sulpicius Quirinus governed the province of Syria, in which
Judea was then included.
Verse 6
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
And while they were there, the days were
fulfilled that she should be delivered —
Mary seems not to have known that the child must have been born in Bethlehem,
agreeably to the prophecy. But the providence of God took care for it.
Verse 7
[7] And
she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and
laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
She laid him in the manger — Perhaps it might rather be translated in the stall. They were lodged in
the ox stall, fitted up on occasion of the great concourse, for poor guests.
There was no room for them in the inn — Now also, there is seldom room for Christ in an inn. Matthew 1:25
Verse 11
[11] For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord.
To you —
Shepherds; Israel; mankind.
Verse 14
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Glory be to God in the highest; on earth
peace; good will toward men — The shouts of the multitude are generally
broken into short sentences. This rejoicing acclamation strongly represents the
piety and benevolence of these heavenly spirits: as if they had said, Glory be
to God in the highest heavens: let all the angelic legions resound his praises.
For with the Redeemer's birth, peace, and all kind of happiness, come down to
dwell on earth: yea, the overflowings of Divine good will and favour are now
exercised toward men.
Verse 20
[20] And
the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
For all the things that they had heard — From Mary; as it was told them - By the angels.
Verse 21
[21] And
when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name
was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in
the womb.
To circumcise the child — That he might visibly be made under the law by a sacred rite, which
obliged him to keep the whole law; as also that he might be owned to be the
seed of Abraham, and might put an honour on the solemn dedication of children
to God.
Verse 22
[22] And
when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were
accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
The days —
The forty days prescribed, Leviticus 12:2,4.
Verse 23
[23] (As
it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be
called holy to the Lord;)
Verse 24
[24] And
to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A
pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons — This offering sufficed for the poor. Leviticus 12:8.
Verse 25
[25] And,
behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man
was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost
was upon him.
The consolation of Israel — A common phrase for the Messiah, who was to be the everlasting
consolation of the Israel of God.
The Holy Ghost was upon him — That is, he was a prophet.
Verse 27
[27] And
he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the
child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
By the Spirit — By
a particular revelation or impulse from him.
Verse 30
[30] For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Thy salvation —
Thy Christ, thy Saviour.
Verse 32
[32] A
light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And the glory of thy people Israel — For after the Gentiles are enlightened, all Israel shall be saved.
Verse 33
[33] And
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those
things which were spoken — For they did not thoroughly understand
them.
Verse 34
[34] And
Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set
for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be
spoken against;
Simeon blessed them —
Joseph and Mary.
This child is set for the fall and rising
again of many — That is, he will be a savour of death to
some, to unbelievers: a savour of life to others, to believers: and for a sign
which shall be spoken against - A sign from God, yet rejected of men: but the
time for declaring this at large was not yet come: that the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed - The event will be, that by means of that
contradiction, the inmost thoughts of many, whether good or bad, will be made
manifest.
Verse 35
[35]
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of
many hearts may be revealed.
A sword shall pierce through thy own soul — So it did, when he suffered: particularly at his crucifixion.
Verse 37
[37] And
she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the
temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Fourscore and four years — These were the years of her life, not her widowhood only.
Who departed not from the temple — Who attended there at all the stated hours of prayer.
But served God with fastings and prayers — Even at that age.
Night and day —
That is, spending therein a considerable part of the night, as well as of the
day.
Verse 38
[38] And
she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him
to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
To all that were waiting for redemption — The sceptre flow appeared to he departing from Judah, though it was not
actually gone: Daniel's weeks were plainly near their period. And the revival
of the spirit of prophecy, together with the memorable occurrences relating to
the birth of John the Baptist, and of Jesus, could not but encourage and
quicken the expectation of pious persons at this time. Let the example of these
aged saints animate those, whose hoary heads, like theirs, are a crown of
glory, being found in the way of righteousness. Let those venerable lips, so
soon to be silent in the grave, be now employed in the praises of their
Redeemer. Let them labour to leave those behind, to whom Christ will be as
precious as he has been to them; and who will be waiting for God's salvation,
when they are gone to enjoy it.
Verse 40
[40] And
the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace
of God was upon him.
And the child grew — In
bodily strength and stature; and waxed strong in spirit - The powers of his
human mind daily improved; filled with wisdom - By the light of the indwelling
Spirit, which gradually opened itself in his soul; and the grace of God was
upon him - That is, the peculiar favour of God rested upon him, even as man.
Verse 43
[43] And
when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried
behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
The child Jesus —
St. Luke describes in order Jesus the fruit of the womb, Luke 1:42; an infant, Luke 2:12; a little child, Luke 2:40; a child here, and afterward a man. So
our Lord passed through and sanctified every stage of human life. Old age only
did not become him.
Verse 44
[44] But
they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they
sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
Supposing him to have been in the company — As the men and women usually travelled in distinct companies.
Verse 46
[46] And
it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in
the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
After three days —
The first day was spent in their journey, the second, in their return to
Jerusalem: and the third, in searching for him there: they found him in the
temple - In an apartment of it: sitting in the midst of the doctors - Not one
word is said of his disputing with them, but only of his asking and answering
questions, which was a very usual thing in these assemblies, and indeed the
very end of them. And if he was, with others, at the feet of these teachers
(where learners generally sat) he might be said to be in the midst of them, as
they sat on benches of a semicircular form, raised above their hearers and
disciples.
Verse 49
[49] And
he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be
about my Father's business?
Why sought ye me? — He
does not blame them for losing, but for thinking it needful to seek him: and
intimates, that he could not be lost, nor found any where, but doing the will
of a higher parent.
Verse 50
[50] And
they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
It is observable that Joseph is not mentioned
after this time; whence it is probable, he did not live long after.
Verse 52
[52] And
Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Jesus increased in wisdom — As to his human nature, and in favour with God - In proportion to that
increase. It plainly follows, that though a man were pure, even as Christ was
pure, still he would have room to increase in holiness, and in consequence
thereof to increase in the favour, as well as in the love of God.
── John ‘Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Luke》
Chapter 2. Birth and Growth
Good News of
Great Joy
For All the People
I. The Birth of
Jesus the Savior
II. Jesus
Presented to God
III. Something
about Boy Jesus
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
ANNA.
“ Some times
the sun seems to hang for half an hour in the horizon, only just to show how
glorious it can be. The day is gone, the fervour of the shining is over, and
the sun hangs golden—nay, redder than gold—in the west, making everything look
unspeakably beautiful with the rich effulgence which it sheds on every side. So
God seems to let some people, when their duty in this world is done, hang in
the west, that may look on them, and see how beautiful they are.” Such was the
aged Anna.
Ⅰ. Anna was a prophetess ( Luke 2:36). As a prophet was one who received messages from God,
through being in immediate communication with Him, so a prophetess was the
same. Dr. Bullinger says, “ The usage of the word is clear, it signifies one on
whom the Spirit of God rested ( Nun. 11:17,25,26,29); one to whom
God makes known His mysteries ( Amos 3:7,8). Hence it means one to
whom God reveals His truth, and through whom He speaks” ( Gen.20:7,17,18).
Ⅱ. Anna was a servant of God ( verse 37). It It said of
her that she “ served God.” What better epitaph could one have, than a
testimony of having served the Lord?
“Ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col.3:24)was
the apostle’s word to the Christian slaves at Colosse as he urged them to do
their menial tasks as unto the Lord Himself. A carpenter was once asked why he
troubled to finish off a magistrate’s bench so carefully. His reply was, “ I
can’t do otherwise; besides, I may have to sit on it one of these days.” A
better reply was given by the little servant girl when she was asked why she
took such pains in washing the doorstep, “ I am doing it for the Lord Jesus.”
Ah! Of anything be done for, and as to Him it will be done well.
Ⅲ. Anna was self-denying. It is said she fasted
(verse 37). Anna did not fast, as some do, to obtain favour with God. But,
knowing the grace of the Lord, she was willing to deny herself food that she
might serve the Lord better.
Ⅳ. Anna was prayerful (verse 37). Her prayers
ascended to God “ night and day.” She was incessant in her pleading, and
attentive in her attendance at the means of grace. An old writer says. “Pray
each morhing before we go out on life’s pathway, we shall unlock the mercies
God has for us; and if we look to Him at the close of the day, we shall know
that we are locked in with God from all harm and evil, as Noah was when the
Lord shut him in the ark.
Ⅴ. Anna was thankful. Simeon was not alone in
his thanks giving, for Anna “gave thanks likewise unto the Lord” ( verse 38). Praise is comely to the Lord. Those who bless God
with their praises are sure to be blessed by God with His mercies. A thankful
man is full of blessing. To be thankless is to be graceless, but to be thankful
is to be graceful.
Ⅵ. Anna was a true witness. “ She spake of Him” (verse
38). Her testimony of Christ as the Redeemer, is implied in that she “ spake of
Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” A true witness always
tells out what Christ is, what He has done, and what He is able to do, as known
from personal experience.
──
F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》