Luke 2

Luke 2:1-7

1. Can we determine the exact year in which Jesus was born?
Since the Christian Scriptures, unlike most sacred texts, use real people and places it is possible to determine dates based on the references to other historical events. But we must be satisfied with good theories and not demand concrete/specific days. Based on the evidence we have, it is quite likely that Jesus was born around 5BC. Obviously, this is startling at first glance since BC means before Christ. But the BC/AD dating system wasn't created until after what we call the 500's. Small mistakes created a 5-8 year error.

2. Why did Joseph remain engaged to Mary?
He had planned to divorce her quitly, but was influenced by an angel not to do so. This event is recorded in Matthew 1:18-25. Luke tells the birth-story of Christ more from Mary's perspective whereas Matthew tells it more from Joseph's point of view.

3. Why do you think God allowed His Son to be born in a manger?
The irony of the King of the world being born in a humble manger is no mistake. God chooses to use the foolish things of this world.

Luke 2:8-20

1. Why were these shepherds selected to receive this good news?
These were probably faithful believers and God rewarded them with this great news. Once again, it shows that the Lord uses the foolish things of this world. It is also true, however, that shepherds had a rich history in Jewish culture.

2. Who in the world was this birth going to most impact?
It would impact all people, especially those who found God's favor.

3. What does Mary’s response tell us about her character?
Many young Jewish girls living at that time would have been pre-occupied with thoughts of carrying the Messiah to birth. It was a hope for each of them to be selected for this great role in history. Mary was selected, yet she didn't brag or boast. This shows her humility.

Luke 2:21-24

1. Why did God want His Son to be given the name Jesus?
Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua/Yeshua. It means 'the Lord saves'

2. Why was Jesus circumcised?
This was part of Jewish culture. Also, Jesus came to fulfill the law.

3. How old was Jesus when they went to Jerusalem?
According to Leviticus 12, He would have been about 40 days old.

Luke 2:25-35

1. Why did God promise Simeon that he would see Christ?
As a reward for his devout faith

2. How well did Simeon understand the purpose of Christ’s coming?
He seems to have understood it quite well. He knew this baby was the Savior that would impact both the Jewish and Gentile worlds.

3. What did Simeon mean by verses 34-35?
Jesus is the great dividing force in history. You are either following Him or turning your back on Him. You are either with Him or against Him. We all must decide what we will do with Jesus.

Luke 2:36-40

1. What does Anna’s life teach us about women in ministry?
That in Jesus day, there were women in ministry.

2. How did Anna know the role the child would play in Israel?
It appears she knew this through prayer and study of Old Testament Scriptures.

3. What kind of childhood do you think Jesus had?
I think He had a fairly normal childhood with the exception of the particulars that are mentioned in the narratives.

Luke 2:41-52

1. How could they have been unaware that Jesus wasn’t with them?
The family had travelled in a large group. It seems they just assumed Jesus was with cousins or other relatives.

2. How aware was Jesus of His identity during His childhood?
This account of Him in the temple seems to speak to a high level of awareness.

3. How can we emulate the way that Jesus grew?
We must also grow in 4 areas: mental, physical, spiritual & social