Luke 2

The census under Quirinius is one of the most debated issues in the Gospels. The Jewish historian Josephus records a census under Quirinius in AD 6, after the death of Herod the Great. But Luke places the birth of Jesus during the reign of Herod, who died in 4 BC. Several explanations have been offered. Some scholars argue that Quirinius held a earlier administrative role in Syria and conducted a census during Herod's reign. Others suggest that the census was conducted in stages, with Quirinius overseeing the later stages. The most plausible explanation is that Luke refers to an earlier census under Quirinius' authority. The historical details are not contradictory; they are complementary.

The manger was a feeding trough for animals. Jesus was laid in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn. The Greek word katalyma can mean "inn," "guest room," or "lodging." It may have been a guest room in a relative's house that was already full. The point is that Jesus was born in humble circumstances. The King of the universe entered the world not in a palace but in a stable. The manger is a sign of the incarnation. God became a helpless infant, dependent on a young mother and a carpenter.

Shepherds were ordinary, working-class people. In some Jewish traditions, they were considered unreliable and were excluded from certain religious privileges. But the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The gospel is for the poor, the overlooked, and the marginalized. The first announcement of the Messiah's birth was not made to kings or priests but to shepherds. This is a picture of the kingdom's values.

Simeon's prophecy declares that Jesus is the salvation of God, prepared in the presence of all peoples. He is a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. But He is also a sign that is opposed. He will cause the rise and fall of many. Some will accept Him and rise; others will reject Him and fall. Mary will experience the piercing pain of seeing her Son rejected and crucified. The prophecy is both a promise and a warning.

Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was a widow who had lived with her husband seven years and then remained a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. She recognized Jesus as the redemption of Jerusalem. Her testimony confirms Simeon's prophecy. She is an example of faithful, persistent devotion.

Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. He was fully human, and He developed as a human child. He learned, He grew, He matured. This is the mystery of the incarnation. Jesus is not a miniature adult. He is the eternal Son of God, but He is also a real human being who grew and developed. His growth is a model for human development. He grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

Jesus stayed behind in the temple because He was drawn to the things of His Father. His priority was the things of God. He was not being rebellious; He was being obedient to His heavenly Father. When Mary and Joseph found Him, He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. Jesus is the Son of God, and His wisdom is divine.