People You Should Know: Jesus (March 22)

The Text: Luke 2:1-20 NLT

The Clues:

Vs. 1-5

The census was the idea of the Roman government. They were making sure everyone was registered in order to make sure everyone was paying taxes. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 70-95 miles through mountainous terrain and would require at least 3 days of travel. Mary was 9 months pregnant. Six to seven hundred years prior to this time, the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2) predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Even though Joseph and Mary were married earlier, she is referred to as his fiancée because they had not yet consummated the marriage.

Vs. 6-7

Because no suitable lodging was available, Joseph and Mary spent the night in an area where animals were kept. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, Jesus. Mary was young, probably only a teenager. She was far from the familiarity of home, and far from the care of her family. This was a brand new experience for her. For just a few moments, put yourself in her place. What do you think she was feeling that night?  In a stable, in a small village with only two people present, the long awaited King of the Jews finally arrived. Why wasn’t there any pomp, pageantry, or fanfare?

Vs. 8-12

God sent an angel to announce Jesus’s birth. The angel was sent to shepherds. Why not kings, politicians, celebrities, or religious leaders? The angel said, “I bring you good news…” This could have been interpreted, “I come to evangelize...” According to the angel this good news wasn’t just for them. It was for all people.  The angel gave Jesus three titles. He called him Savior, Messiah, and Lord. To say that Jesus was Lord was the same as saying that Jesus was God. Why do you think God wanted the shepherds to know about Jesus?

Vs. 13-14

Jesus was going to bring honor to God and peace to people. The peace mentioned in verse 14 is peace with God. Jesus had come to come to make peace between God and man.

Vs. 15-20

The shepherds did for others what the angel had done for them. They were telling others about Jesus. Why do you suppose they were sharing this good news with others?

Now that you have read the story and examined the clues, do your best to answer the following questions:

 1.      What have you learned about Jesus in these verses?

 2.   What practical lessons have you learned in this story?

 3.  In light of what you’ve learned, what should you do?