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| 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. |
It came to pass – In a seemingly accidental manner the prophecy was fulfilled which foretold that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (Mic. 5:2) R3700:5
In those days – Especially auspicious because: (1) the spirit of world-conquering had brought the nations into close contact, broadening their ideas; (2) the transplanting of peoples to other lands made them more cosmopolitan; (3) Israel had been largely scattered, bearing influence and witness amongst other nations; (4) the Greek language had reached its zenith and was the literary language of the civilized world; (5) Roman conquest assured universal peace and hence a more favorable time for the announcement of the Gospel and the safety of its representatives; and (6) Israel was at its highest development, intellectually, morally and religiously. R2555:6, 1673:6
Also, the Old Testament had been translated into the Greek language three centuries before Christ. This version is called the Septuagint. R1674:1
Went out a decree – Thus, in a providential manner over which they had no control whatever, Joseph and Mary were brought to the very city in which most appropriately the great heir of David should be born, as foretold by Micah (Mic. 5:2). R2556:2
Caesar Augustus – The Roman Emperor. R2556:1, 3700:5
Representing Rome, the fourth universal empire. A253
Noted for his systematic collection of large taxes from all tributary nations. C29
That all the world – The Roman empire at that time bore rule over the whole world, the civilized world of that day. R3700:5, 3702:4; A253
Should be taxed – A poll or census of the whole world for the purpose of taxation. R3700:5, 2556:1
Corresponding faithfully to the prophetic description of Caesar Augustus in Dan. 11:20. C29
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| 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) |
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| 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. |
Went to be taxed – Every male citizen had to report to his native city. R2556:1
For tax registration. R4941:3
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| 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) |
The city of Nazareth – In olden times there were honorable cities and mean cities. Nazareth was generally recognized as one of the latter, while Bethlehem was distinctly one of the former--the City of David, Israel's beloved king. R3700:3
Bethlehem – The chief city of their province. R1401:3
Lineage of David – Both Joseph and Mary, though through different lines. R3700:5, 3702:4, 2556:2
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| 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. |
Mary – Luke shows the genealogy of Mary, by which our Lord was related to the family of David through the line of Nathan. R2555:6
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| 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. |
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| 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 brought forth – It matters not that December 25 is not the anniversary of our Lord's birth, that really he was born about September 25. One day, as well as another, will serve us to commemorate our Savior's birth in the flesh. R4298:3, 3700:2, 3114:3, 2558:4, 2407:2; NS750:2
Though we reverence his flesh, and are deeply interested in all that pertains thereto, nevertheless, our still greater interest is in our risen Lord. R2556:4
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| 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. |
Shepherds – The vicinity of Bethlehem is a pastoral country and is today covered with flocks. R2556:5
The grand truth of the Savior's birth was sent through humble, trustworthy, human agents. R1674:1
The announcement was not made to an assembled world, nor even an assembled Israel, nor yet to all who, like Simeon and Anna, had long been looking for the hope of Israel, but to only a few devout shepherds. R1674:1
We may take for granted that the humble shepherds to whom the message of the Lord's advent first came were men who thus hoped in the promise of God; for to such, and such only, the Lord discloses his purposes. R1478:2
As a class, not particularly well educated as respects schools; yet many of them were thoughtful, and secured by reflection and conversation considerable knowledge. They might be termed an intellectual and thinking class of people. R2556:5
Keeping watch – As a guard against thieves, as well as against wild beasts. R2556:5
This account does not comport with a mid-winter birth for Christ. R562:4
Would that the shepherds of the Lord's flock were now watching: they would now be advised of the second coming of the Lord's Anointed. R1401:5
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| 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. |
Were sore afraid – Fear is one of the dominating impulses of the human mind, especially in connection with any revelation from the Lord. Men realize they are imperfect and instinctively fear further curse and condemnation. R3700:6, 3115:2, 2556:6; NS750:3
All mankind more or less feels instinctively a fear of the supernatural, a trepidation at the very thought of being in the presence of the holy angels. R2556:6
Man's acquaintance with those in influence and power lead him to dread the still greater authority and power of the Almighty, lest it should be injurious to him. R3115:3
All humanity realize that they are sinners and naturally have forebodings. They find it difficult to believe that God is really gracious and loving. R4941:5
Satan has used this tendency of fear as a lash, wherewith to drive man away from God, and from the Bible, his revelation. NS750:4
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| 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. |
The angel said – If we could only get all true Christians to study this verse and to see the depths of its significance, it would quickly revolutionize the teachings of Christendom. R2557:2
Fear not – The angel understood that through sin man becomes fearful in the presence of spirit beings. R3115:2, 3700:6, 2556:6
Only the true Christian has that perfect love which casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) R3115:3
It is for the true children of God today, as it was for the angels at that time, to assure the world that God is better than all their fears. R3700:6
So in approaching mankind with God's message, it is appropriate that we begin by saying, Fear not! The God we preach is not a demon, but a God of wisdom, justice and love, with all power to carry his program to a successful conclusion. NS750:3
As God's children realize that his work is surely going forward to success, doubts and fears give way, rejoicing takes the place of despondency. R632:5*
"Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." (Isa. 29:13) The Lord would have his people free from this fear, though not free from a proper reverence toward him. R3115:3
I bring you – Reiterating the Abrahamic promise, "In thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 12:3) NS554:6, 800:1
Glad would we be if we had a thousand tongues to sing our great Redeemer's praise, and a thousand hands and feet to use in the promulgation of this blessed message. R4103:5
Good tidings – The Gospel. R5126:1, 3701:1, 2596:1, 2557:1; 655:3
A good message, a glorious message, assuring the deliverance and blessing of all the world. R5717:1
A prophecy of good things to be accomplished for the Church and the world during the Millennium. R3701:4
When Messiah's Kingdom shall be established. R4848:2, 5370:3
When all the deaf ears shall be unstopped, and blind eyes shall be opened. (Isa. 35:5) R5370:3, 4523:1
Transcending anything and everything else in the world; all other philosophies are foolishness. R5126:1
The Gospel contains no reference to the damnation and eternal misery of any. R2596:1
That good message of God's love began to be lost sight of in the second century. R5970:6
Thus far it has been good tidings only to the Church. R5370:3
The meat in due season--the harvest message. R4105:3
We are to tell out these tidings by personal contact, by handing out literature, by preaching. R5893:4
The blessedness of these tidings is cumulative: first, "good tidings"; then "great joy"; and then the crowning feature of it is that it is "to all people." The sacrificial feature of the Lord's ministry was made less prominent than his power and majesty and glory, because the sacrifice related specially to God. R4098:2
Of great joy – Not great misery. R3701:1, 4523:1, 5893:4
Should be to all Christians a gladsome message; but rejected by nominal Christendom. R2708:6
As there was joy at the return of the prodigal. ( Luke 15:11-24) R3361:5
Of privilege, love, hope. R3115:4
Of remission of sins through Christ's blood, of reconciliation with the Father. R2564:5
"Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound." (Psa. 89:15) R2568:3
Man's joys will increase with every step taken on the return journey back from sin and death to perfection of life. NS614:6
Prefigured in the name Isaac, which signifies "laugther." R3952:6
To all people – In due time. (1 Tim. 2:4-6) R1908:2
God, who had a "due time" for calling natural Israel and who had a "due time" for calling spiritual Israel, has a "due time" for making known the riches of his grace to the non-elect world of mankind. NS767:4
As every member of Adam's race shared in his fall and the curse of death, as a result, so every member of the race was included in the great redemptive sacrifice which our Lord Jesus offered. R3701:1
"All the deaf ears shall be unstopped." (Isa. 35:5) SM174:2
Including those now in death. R1478:3, 659:1*, 9:6*
Not only to those who, since his birth, have died in ignorance of the only name whereby we must be saved, but also to the billions who had died before God's salvation was brought to light in the Gospel. HG306:5
If only a few have yet heard the "good tidings" in any sense, must there not be a restitution to life as well as a future proclamation of the only name given? R412:6, 447:1*
How prone the Lord's people seem to be to suppose, first of all, that he was to be a Savior merely for the Jews; or secondly, merely for a special elect class; or thirdly, for those who under present darkness manifest a special life for righteousness. R3115:3
The angels did not declare that our Lord came to bring universal and everlasting salvation to all people. R3115:4
Through natural Israel, to all the families of the earth. R4848:2, 447:4
Not merely to the Little Flock. A104
In great mercy, God has provided our ransom price. R1127:5
Redemption, restitution and everlasting life will be offered to all. R1674:4
Every member of our fallen race shall be blessed with a clear understanding of his imperfections and of the redemption provided. R3115:3
All who have lived and died, both before and after Jesus' birth. OV170:T; CR228:1
Only a small portion of the race has heard the "tidings" in this life. R556:4*
All those who come unto the Father through him, by faith and obedience. R2407:3
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| 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. |
For – Taking cognizance of the fact that it was to reasonable people, who would want to know why an unchangeable God, who had once pronounced a curse, should so alter matters to supplant the curse with a blessing, the messenger states the philosophy of the divine plan. R3701:2, 2557:3
Note the order of presentation: first a pronouncement of divine favor and blessing, that it is a cause for joy and shall extend to all people; second, the specific explanation of how it is to be accomplished--through a Savior. R2557:3
Unto you – Mankind. PD55/67
Is born – About October 1st, although generally celebrated on December 25th. R2407:2, 4298:3
He was transformed from the spiritual to the human nature, in order to give the exact equivalent for that which was lost. R1673:3
"For unto us a child is born." (Isa. 9:6) R2550:1
The promised seed of Abraham. R4963:2, 5300:5
A Saviour – Our Lord's name, Jesus, signifies Saviour. R2557:4
It was prophetically that the babe of Bethlehem was called a Savior. He was to be a Savior, The Christ, the Lord. But as the babe he was none of these. R4715:2, 4298:4, 3701:2
Signifying life-giver. The Syriac version is the one in which Savior is translated life-giver; and Syriac was, likely, the language spoken by Jesus and others of Palestine at that time. R4941:6, 4715:5, 3702:2, 2407:3; HG244:2; 306:4; NS800:1
The antitypical Moses, the antitypical Aaron, the antitypical Melchizedek, the antitypical David. He was also the Son of the Highest. He was to be the Savior--the Deliverer--the Mediator of the New Covenant. R4941:6
If the Redeemer was not perfect, then he could not be the Saviour of the world. R4964:1
A life-giver is a father. Jesus is to be the "Everlasting Father" (Isa. 9:6) to the world. R2407:3
The Bride and the Bridegroom, unitedly, will be the world's Savior. R4715:5
Christ – The Messiah, the long-promised seed of Abraham. R5300:5
The Greek word Christ signifies Anointed. R4715:2
He became the Christ before becoming the Savior and Lord. R4715:2
The angel first declared the divine favor and blessing, then how it should be accomplished; setting an example for us. R2557:3
Called Anointed Messiah because it was foreseen of God that he would be. R5891:1
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| 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. |
A sign unto you – To assure them that this was he. R1478:6
Lying in a manger – As one of the humblest of earth. R1063:2
Necessary, not only to their identification of Jesus, but also to bring down their thoughts from the great and grand results to its humble beginnings, lest they should be misled in their expectations. R2557:4
Similarly we are not only to tell of the future glory, greatness and grandeur, but we are to tell also of the present humiliation. R2557:4
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| 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, |
The heavenly host – As the angels could sing and rejoice at the first budding of the divine plan of salvation, so also can all who have faith in the ultimate outcome rejoice with joy unspeakable and give praise to God in the highest and to his Son our Lord. R3701:3
Capable of appreciating what fallen man could not appreciate. R1674:4
This shows how the angels of God are interested in the affairs of men, and how they sympathize with us and rejoice over our prosperity. "There is joy in heaven among the angels over one sinner that repenteth." ( Luke 15:7) R1478:6
Praising God – A kind of Hallelujah chorus, or angelic response to the message of the angel already given. R4942:4
It is not surprising that they did not weep for the sufferings and humiliation, but sang, grasping merely the culmination of the great divine plan which had its beginning in the birth of Jesus. R4098:2
Thankful for his mercy to the children of men. R3701:2
And saying – The anointing which we receive of the Lord is that which leads us to declare the good tidings of this great salvation in all its lengths and breadths and heights and depths. NS207:2
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| 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. |
Glory to God – This was but a reiteration of the Gospel message already delivered. R2557:5
Properly the anthem begins with praise to him that sitteth upon the throne, to him who devised the great and wonderful plan of redemption and who sent his Son, our willing Redeemer. R3115:5
God will be glorified by all the angels, by his exalted Church, by restored humanity, by all the intelligent creatures on every plane, in every age! R5577:1
The proper glory to God is not yet rendered on earth as it is in heaven. R4942:4
If the jubilant songs of the angels hallowed the advent of the Lord into the world, can we imagine them to be silent when the Anointed Body is received into glory? R1821:3
As God's children come to a knowledge of God's glorious plan, rejoicing takes the place of despondency. R632:5*
In the highest – In the highest strain of heart and voice, with the fullest appreciation. R3115:5
It declared that the work which should be accomplished by the babe just born should redound to the highest glory and honor of Jehovah God, his Father. R2557:5
After the Millennial reign of Christ has accomplished its work. Not yet does God receive glory in the highest. R3702:1, 3701:6
Peace – After praising God, come the consequences on earth; namely, peace, peace with God, a peace which comes from a restoration to the race of the divine good will. R3115:5
A prophecy of God's purpose to bring about through the newly born child the abrogation of the curse and the establishment of peace and sinlessness among mankind. R5576:2
It will be during the Millennial age that this prophecy of the angel will have its fulfillment. R3701:5; Q752:T
Not yet fulfilled. The birth of the babe was one step toward it; the death on the cross another; the resurrection and ascension were other steps; the selection of the Church is another, nearly completed; the Messianic Kingdom will complete the prophecy. PD67/55
The Millennium will be introduced by force--"The Lord shall fight in that day." (Zech. 14:3) NS131:2
Peace established upon a firm foundation--the lifting of the curse. R3115:6
In a world-wide Eden. R5715:2
Not such a peace as men might patch up between themselves, but a peace with God. R3115:5
Good will toward men – And not, "On earth peace amongst men, in whom he is well pleased." Even the Lord's people have no peace on earth. R3702:1
The expression "good will toward men" as rendered by a majority of translators is confirmed by the latest found manuscript, the Lewis manuscript of the Gospels, discovered in 1892 in the convent at Mt. Sinai. R1674:4
A declaration of what God purposes to do. He has not good will toward the present sinful, rebellious attitude of the race. He has never good will toward sin, God's curse indicated his ill-will toward man--in other words, his displeasure because of man's sin. R5576:2, 3701:6
Even when our Lord had died as man's ransom-price, God's favor did not come to the world. R5576:3
A prophecy of God's purpose to bring this about through the newly born child. R5576:1; PD55/67
In a sense, the grandeur and blessing of the new dispensation began at the birth of Jesus. C346
Steps toward this are the birth of Jesus, his death on the cross, his resurrection and ascension, and the selection of the Church. The Messianic Kingdom will complete the prophecy. PD55/67
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| 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. |
Angels were gone – The shepherds recognized the angels and their message as from the Lord. R1479:1
Let us now go – So each one who has heard of the grace of God with an appreciative heart can do nothing less than seek the Lord. R2558:1
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| 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. |
Mary and Joseph – Were pious, reverent, and obedient to the Law. R3711:1, 2558:3
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| 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. |
Made known abroad – So we must reverence, and serve his cause by proclaiming his gracious message with which we have been favored. R2558:1
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| 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. |
They that heard it – The grand truth was one to be received by faith; and it was sent through humble, but trustworthy, human agents, who were the honored instruments in God's hand. Any who proudly despised the instruments were unworthy of the good tidings. R1674:1
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| 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. |
But Mary kept – Mother-like. R1479:4
She made no boasts, but waited for God's due time. R3702:5
Doubtless it was from her lips that Luke received the information contained in this chapter. R2559:5
And pondered them – Wondering what would be the consummation--little dreaming, we may be sure, how great her son ultimately must be made, according to the divine arrangement. R3291:3
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| 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. |
Shepherds returned – Fully assured that the promised seed had really come. R1479:4
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| 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. |
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| 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; |
When the days – When Jesus was forty days old. (Lev. 12:1-4) Q757:5; R4942:1
To present him – Although the first-born had been exchanged for the tribe of Levi, nevertheless the first-born of each mother was to be devoted specially to God and his service. R4942:2
To the Lord – All of the first-born are represented as belonging to the Lord, to be devoted to God and his service. Q757:5; R4942:2
Similarly the elect Church, the Church of the first-borns, are "a kind of first-fruits unto God of his creatures." (Jas. 1:18) R4942:2
It is the custom of some parents to make a formal consecration of their children to God in the presence of believers. The influence upon the children cannot be other than beneficial, though this does not take the place of the child's personal consecration when it reaches the age of discretion. R4942:2; Q758:T
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| 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) |
Called holy – The Church being gathered during this Gospel Age is styled the Church of the first-born. (Heb. 12:23) R4942:2
"A kind of first-fruits unto God of his creatures." (Jas. 1:18) R4942:2
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| 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. |
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| 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 Spirit was upon him. |
Just and devout – One of the kind of characters to whom God reveals his truth. "Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart." (Psa. 97:11) R1674:2
Waiting – The expectation of Messiah was general at that time. B21
One of a minority in heart-harmony with the Lord and his Promise; an Israelite indeed. OV71:T
The consolation – The fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise. R4942:5
Through the long-promised Messiah. R4098:3
Of Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C293; R1341:1
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| 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. |
Revealed unto him – That the accomplishment of the promises made to Abraham was nigh. R4942:3
Not see death – Until he had seen the Deliverance of Israel. R4942:3
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| 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, |
Came by the Spirit – This aged prophet recognized Jesus. R4942:3
Parents – Considering the foster-father Joseph as father. R3291:2
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| 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, |
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| 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: |
Lord – Greek, despotes, better translated Sovereign or Autocrat. E70
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| 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, |
Thy salvation – The way in which salvation shall come to Israel and all the families of the earth. R4942:3
Jesus' birth was the dawn of hope for our race. R1631:3
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| 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; |
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| 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. |
A light – Not yet is the Sun of Righteousness enlightening all the Gentiles, not yet has Christ become the glory of his people Israel; he is, nevertheless, all through this Gospel age, a great light to all those whose eyes are opened that they may see it. R3031:6, 1674:2
"That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:9) R1674:2, 3031:6
Let us walk as children of light. (Eph. 5:8) R3031:6
To lighten the Gentiles – Salvation unto the ends of the earth. R3010:2
Nations; all mankind, regardless of faith. A107
The glory – Not yet. R3031:6
Simeon is contrasting the two salvations. A107
Then believing Israel will glory in him. R1674:3
Thy people Israel – The whole twelve tribes. C293; R1341:1
Such as shall become Israelites indeed. A107
Simeon declared this under divine inspiration. R1674:2
The good tidings will be to all people, but the special salvation will come only to his people. A107
Christ is the glory of the Church, the true Israel of God (Rom. 11:7); and he will be the glory of fleshly, or natural, Israel when their eyes are opened and they are received by him under the New Covenant. R2126:1
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| 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. |
And Joseph – Not called the father of Jesus. R4957:3, 2559:4
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| 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 – It is not probable, however, that Simeon, who spoke under divine inspiration, understood fully the import of his words. R1674:5
Set for the fall – During the period of Israel's disfavor. B228
Israel stumbled over Jesus, except the few who became his disciples, probably ten or fifteen thousand. R4942:6
The world has witnessed the fall of Israel from divine favor and their sad conditions as outcasts for nearly two thousand years, because of their rejection of Christ. R1674:3
Reminding us of the words of Paul, that our Lord is a "stone of stumbling and rock of offence" to many in Israel. (Rom. 9:33) R4942:5; B228
"They shall fall backward and be snared and taken" (Isa. 8:15) R4942:6
And rising again – Greek, anastasis, without the Greek article, hence showing no emphasis, indicating no special peculiarity. R1512:1
Paul, quoting Isa. 8:15, proceeds to show the recovery of Israel as soon as the elect class of this Gospel age has been completed. (Rom. 11:9-11) R4942:6
St. Paul also told of the rising again of many who stumbled. He declares: "They shall obtain mercy through your mercy." (Rom. 11:31) R4942:5
Now the time for their rising again has come (beginning AD 1878). R1674:5
Restoring all things after their "appointed time," their double is complete. B228
Raised up nationally. R1674:5
To divine favor. R4942:6
For a sign – True all through the age, and the reproach of the cross has not yet ceased. R1674:5
A mark, or standard. R4942:3
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| 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. |
A sword shall pierce – Referring to Christ's tragic death, and the trial of faith thereby instituted. R1674:5
May be revealed – Proving which are loyal and faithful to God as true soldiers of the cross, and which are not. R1674:5
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| 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
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Anna, a prophetess – Devout, faithful; a saintly woman. R1674:5, 4942:5
God requires faithfulness on the part of female as well as male stewards in the use of all their talents. R1549:4
The Scriptures utter no voice and establish no precedent contrary to female activity in the various legitimate pursuits of life for which nature and education have fitted her. R1549:3
The tribe of Aser – Another evidence that the entire house of Israel (twelve tribes) was represented at Jerusalem in our Lord's day, and not the tribes of Judah and Benjamin only. R1674:6; C295
Of great age – Over a century old. R4942:5
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
Spake of him – To the saintly ones, waiting for the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise. R4942:5
For redemption – Greek, lutrosis, deliverance. E433
Anna spoke to those who were looking for deliverance in Jerusalem, expecting freedom from the Roman yoke, but not necessarily understanding that the greater deliverance was to come by payment of a ransom price. E433
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| 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. |
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| 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. |
The child grew – Prior to reaching his twelfth year. R3710:6
He was permitted to grow after the ordinary manner, gradually, getting stronger physically and mentally, being filled more and more with wisdom, and giving evidence that God's favor was upon him. R3291:1, 2558:3
He did not miraculously know all that was in the Law and the prophets. He acquired knowledge, but with that ease, rapidity and retentiveness with which only a perfect mind can grasp and hold it. R1916:3
His earlier years were evidently spent in studying prophetic utterances concerning God's Plan and his own share therein. SM643:2
Let us not forget the necessity for growth--adding to faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. (2 Pet. 1:5-8) R2560:1
There is heavenly wisdom in the limited description given us of the childhood and youth of our Savior. Let us not, then, attempt to imagine with particularity what the Lord has seen fit to cover and not reveal R3710:6, 2558:1
Our minds are more drawn to the important features of the Lord's work by reason of the brevity of the sketch given us of his earthly life and interests. R3290:6, 3291:6, 2558:1
From what we know of childhood, we recognize it as the period of development. R5064:3
In spirit – In mind. E52
Siniatic and Vatican MSS omit these words. R1682:2
Filled with wisdom – This wisdom was intimately interwoven with the Law and the prophets. R3711:2
Our Lord was not only born under favorable religious influences, but trained in that way. His mother and her husband were pious, reverent, and evidently disposed to be obedient to every feature of the Law to the extent of their ability. R3711:1
Few were able to read, but Jesus was amongst those few--not because of schooling privileges, but because of his brilliant mind which retained everything that came to it and to which, therefore, the Bible was continually an open book. R4957:2, 2558:3
Jewish boys had an advantage over those of other nations because the services in the synagogues consisted of readings from the Law and prophets by course. Thus all Jewish children had excellent facilities for hearing the Word of the Lord. R4957:2, 2559:1
The grace of God – The blessing. C52
The word "grace" signifies that which gives pleasure, as loveliness of form or character, or the most admirable virtues. R3711:1
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| 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. |
His parents – Not implying that Saint Luke supposed Joseph to be the father of Jesus. He was the foster father, his foster parent, or step-father. R4957:3, 3291:2
Every year – His "parents" were strict religionists and obeyed the Mosaic Law by attending regularly the feast of Passover at Jerusalem every year. R4957:3
This requirement of the Law was observed by the most devout Jews only. R2558:3
Feast of the passover – A great religious gathering; continued seven days. SM563:1; R3711:1, 3291:2, 2558:5
Represented the blessings and favors of relationship to God, based upon the merit of the Passover Lamb. SM563:1
He could not grasp the full import of the prophecies and his share in them until after he had been anointed with the holy Spirit. R1688:2
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| 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. |
Twelve years old – It was a custom that Jewish boys should make a consecration at the age which Jesus did. R5064:4
A child, reasonably well born, raised under the influences of a Christian home, would, we believe, very generally be ready at the age of twelve years to make a consecration of himself to the Lord. R3711:5
It is a serious mistake to conclude that a child of 12 has sufficient mind to grasp elementary principles of secular education, and be prepared for higher studies of a secular character, but unfit for higher religious studies. R2558:5
It was a Jewish custom that a Jewish boy should be considered "a son of the Law" when he attained his twelfth year. He thus became responsible under the Law and thenceforth was required to keep its festivals, etc. R4957:3, 3711:2, 2559:4
In his thirteenth year. R2558:4
To Jerusalem – His first visit to the great city. R2559:1
Of the feast – The Jewish children were accustomed to attending religious services. R5064:4
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| 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. |
Fulfilled the days – The Feast of Passover continued seven days, but it was the custom for many of the pilgrims from distant parts to remain over only two days, until after the principle ceremonies. R2558:5
The child Jesus – He could not begin his ministry because he was bound by the restrictions of the Law. R3291:5
Neither Mary nor Joseph seemed to have appreciated the greatness of Jesus. R3291:3
Tarried behind – So absorbed with the opportunities and studies. R3291:5
Not yet finished with his investigations as to when to begin his ministry. R4957:6
During the Passover Feast the great men were engaged in public functions. Hence his best opportunity for conference with them was at the close of the feast. R4957:5
He was apparently, for a child of his age, especially well able to take care of himself. R3711:3
Joseph – Not called the father of Jesus. R4957:3, 2559:4
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| 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. |
In the company – The gathering of Jews from all parts of Palestine, yea, from the entire world, meant great crowds of people; on some occasions more than a million. R4957:3
They sought him – It was customary for the women of a caravan to move on ahead, the men coming after, and a boy of Jesus' age might be with either of the parents and not be missed until nightfall. R2558:5
Their kinsfolk – Naturally enough, close relatives traveled in each other's company. R3291:2
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| 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. |
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| 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 – One day homeward, one day returning, and on the third day they found him. R2558:5, 4957:6
During these feasts great hospitality was exercised, especially toward strangers from a distance. Jesus was probably entertained by one and another of these new-found friends. R2559:2
Midst of the doctors – Not unusual. At that time information was gained less from books and more from oral teaching and the Doctors of the Law were supposed to be ready to instruct all who desired information, especially during the holy Passover week. R2558:6
The custom seems to have been for the Doctors to sit on a special semi-circle of seats, while before them were low benches for the older students: the younger boys sat on the ground, literally "at their feet." R2558:6
Similarly Paul, as a youth, "sat at the feet of Gamaliel," one of the chief Doctors of the Law in his day. (Acts 22:3) R2558:6
Both hearing them – And not instructing the doctors. R2559:2
Asking them questions – Not that the boy Jesus was bold, but recognized many questions upon which he would like to have further information, asking his questions honestly with a desire and hope of obtaining satisfactory answers. R2558:3
His superior ability did not puff him up nor cause him to forget the respect and deference due to the advanced years and position of the Doctors and teachers. R1916:2, 1682:2
Meekness is especially desirable as a sling for the truth. Let the truth be shot forth with all the force it can carry, but always with meekness; and the question form of suggesting truth will often be found the most forceful. R2559:3
Wondering if becoming a "son of the Law" implied that he, at that age, should become in some measure identified with the Law as a student, or in some other capacity. R3711:2
Inquiring of the Doctors of the Law what time would be appropriate for him to enter upon his ministry. R5128:2, 4957:6, 3711:3, 2559:1
Doubtless a part of his inquiry was whether or not the custom of considering a boy the "son of the Law" at twelve years of age was founded upon anything in the Law or was merely a human tradition. R3711:3
Fresh inquiries about other types and symbols and their proper meaning. R4957:6, 3291:3
Not satisfied with simply their opinion, he desired references to the Law and the prophets that he himself might judge, and not rely too implicitly upon the conclusions of others. R4957:5
The one who was asking the questions was the one who ultimately would give correct answers to those questions in his own experiences. R3291:3
Even a child can ask questions, and in asking the questions, may suggest wonderful and powerful answers. R3291:3
Manifesting his depth of mind, clearness of understanding and logical reasoning. R2559:3, 2558:6
A good method for those who, by reason of sex or insufficient years, are not permitted to teach. R3291:3
Some of the Lord's people greatly injure their influence in the Truth by the display of too large a degree of self-assurance in speaking of the Truth to others, especially to the learned. R2559:3
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| 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. |
Were astonished – Doubtless remarking that they had never had such pointed questions asked them respecting the Law and the prophets, even by wise men of their day and by each other. R3291:4
This little item gives us a suggestion respecting the ability of mind that would belong to a perfect boy, and what we may expect of the ancient worthies when they shall be resurrected to human perfection. R3291:4
His understanding – Nevertheless we are to remember that our Lord Jesus himself could not have understood the full meaning of the Law, shadows, and the prophecies at that time--not until after his anointing with the holy spirit. (1Cor. 2:14) R3291:4
His memory extended back to his previous existence with the Father. We have no reason to doubt that he then knew what in after years he affirmed, saying: "Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58) R1916:5
And answers – They, in turn, considered it not beneath themselves to ply the boy with questions. R3291:4
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| 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. |
His mother said – Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, said nothing. R4957:6
Probably nothing was said to Jesus publicly respecting their disappointment and their subsequent search for him. It seems to indicate an unusual occurrence, which in turn speaks of parental obedience on the part of Jesus. R2559:3
Son – They did not know of his previous spiritual existence. R1682:5
Why hast thou – We must suppose that he had been so absorbed with the opportunities and studies that the time had passed without his appreciating the trouble and inconvenience he was causing to others. R3291:5
Thy father – Joseph, having accepted Mary, accepted also her son, Jesus, and became his foster-father. R2559:4
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| 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?
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He said unto them – In his childlike simplicity seeming to think his mother and Joseph would fully realize and approve his course. R1916:3
Wist ye not – Having been told he was specially holy and miraculously born, he asked Mary, Did not you tell me of this thing? He was surprised that Mary and Joseph should not understand that this was the very thing for him to do. R5065:4
Must be about – On the alert to fulfil his mission. He surmised that, since at 12, Jewish boys came under the requirements of the Law Covenant, that that was the time at which he should begin his ministry. R4957:5
My Father's business – Evidence of zeal; the mind of Christ is the will to do the Father's will. R1916:3, 5228:4
Somewhere about his house, his courts. R3711:4, 1916:5
"Did you not know that I would be somewhere about my Father's house?" We prefer this free translation, in accord with the Revised Version, to the one given in our Common Version. R3711:4
"Did you not know that I had reached the age when I am a "son of the Law," and that therefore certain responsibilities have come upon me in respect to the Heavenly Father and his Word and his plan?" R2559:4
He would have in mind the Heavenly Father, just as any consecrated child of God might think of him. From the information which he had received from his mother, Mary, he would know of his miraculous birth and special mission in the world. R5065:4
Though he had not yet been impressed with his previous experiences with the Father and of the remote past. R5065:1
Jesus never acknowledged Joseph to be his father; nor did he ever acknowledge his earthly life to be the beginning of his existence. E89
Having learned that he could not yet attend to the Father's business, he remained quietly at home until thirty. R5847:1[R5847]
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| 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. |
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| 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. |
Subject unto them – As a youth he was loyal and faithful to his earthly parents. R1114:4, 4958:1, 4809:2
Having learned that he could not assume the priestly function as a boy. R5064:4, 5128:2
He did not humble himself before he became a man, but afterwards. R5128:2
Unto them – All of this earthly authority was exercised by his personal inferiors, even though they were his legal superiors. R4809:2, 1114:4
In her heart – It was doubtless from her own lips that Luke received his knowledge of these events. R2559:5
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| 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. |
And Jesus – This verse relates to his life from twelve years of age upward to the time of his presentation to Israel in his thirtieth year as the Lamb of God. R3711:6
Increased – It was not a boy who was to be the Redeemer, even as it was not a boy who had sinned. R4958:4
He kept on growing and he kept on coming up to full manhood and he did not reach full manhood until thirty years of age. Q378:2; R5748:2
Happily for us, we are not born under the Law nor under the limitations which hinders us from receiving the call and responding to it before 30 years of age. R2559:6
It is quite probable that the 18 years from this time to the time of his baptism were spent in the performance of the ordinary duties of life. What a thought this gives us with respect to our Lord's development of patience. R2559:5
Similarly all who hear the good tidings now would best not begin to minister the truth to others by explaining it until first they have received of God the unction from on high. R3711:6
The perfect babe became the perfect boy; the perfect boy became the perfect youth; the perfect youth became the perfect man. R4958:4; Q377:2
In wisdom – He did not miraculously know all that was in the Law and the prophets. He acquired knowledge, but with that ease, rapidity and retentiveness with which only a perfect mind can grasp and hold it. R1916:3
From the twelfth to the thirtieth year he kept growing in wisdom and grace of character. R4958:4, 3711:6
And stature – Though the wisdom of twelve years surpassed that of the sages among men, neither his mind nor his body had yet reached full development. R1618:3
With God – Not in the sense of becoming less sinful and more righteous, but in the sense of becoming more developed, reaching human perfection. R4958:4
The whole matter was pleasing to God, to whom Jesus became more and more pleasing as he neared maturity. R5157:2
And man – Humanity perceived that he was different from others. R5157:2
He was of winsome manner. R3711:2
In his early life of preparation for his public ministry and great sacrifice, his virtues commanded the admiration of all who knew him. R1916:6
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