Luke2

Luke chapter two recounts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy, as Joseph and Mary travel for a Roman census. Angels announce the Saviour's birth to shepherds, who then visit the infant and spread the tidings. Later, Jesus is circumcised and presented in the Temple, where Simeon and Anna prophesy concerning his divine purpose. The chapter concludes with Jesus's childhood growth and his profound discussion with religious teachers in the Temple at age twelve.

Listen to this chapter

The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

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:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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.

The Angels Announce the Savior to Shepherds

¶ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

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.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

¶ 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.

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;

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

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.

¶ 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.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

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,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

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;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

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.

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.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

¶ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

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.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

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.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

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.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

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.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Study Notes for Luke 2

Verse 1

Luke establishes the historical setting for Jesus’ birth by linking it to a major event in the Roman Empire, emphasizing that Jesus entered history at a specific, verifiable time.

Verse 2

The mention of Cyrenius (Quirinius) presents a chronological challenge, as he governed Syria later (A.D. 6). Luke may be referring to an earlier census or using the term 'first' to distinguish this event from a later, more comprehensive census.

Verse 4

Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the 'City of David,' fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, confirming Jesus' lineage and messianic identity as the promised Son of David.

Verse 7

The use of a manger (feeding trough) and the lack of room in the inn underscores the humility and poverty surrounding the Messiah's entrance into the world, contrasting his divine status with his earthly circumstances.

Verse 8

Shepherds were often considered low-status or marginalized in society. God’s choice to announce the good news first to them emphasizes the universal and humble nature of the Gospel message.

Verse 11

'Saviour, which is Christ the Lord' summarizes Jesus' identity: He is the deliverer (Saviour), the anointed one (Christ/Messiah), and divine sovereign (Lord).

Verse 14

The angelic hymn links divine glory ('Glory to God') with human reconciliation ('peace on earth'). This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but spiritual wholeness granted to those whom God favors.

Verse 19

Mary’s deliberate act of keeping and pondering these events highlights her role as the primary witness and preserver of the foundational truths concerning Jesus’ early life.

Verse 21

Circumcision on the eighth day fulfilled the covenant requirement (Gen 17:12) and formally conferred the name Jesus, meaning 'The Lord saves,' as commanded by the angel (Luke 1:31).

Verse 22

Mary and Joseph observed the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12) for purification after childbirth and the presentation of the firstborn male, demonstrating their faithfulness.

Verse 24

The offering of turtledoves or pigeons (the poor man’s sacrifice) indicates the humble financial status of Mary and Joseph (Leviticus 12:8).

Verse 25

Simeon represents the faithful remnant of Israel, devoutly awaiting the promised Messiah, often referred to as 'the consolation of Israel' (cf. Isaiah 40:1).

Verse 29

Simeon’s prayer, traditionally known as the Nunc Dimittis, acknowledges the fulfillment of God’s promise and expresses readiness for death, having seen the Lord’s salvation.

Verse 32

This prophecy emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus’ mission: He will bring revelation to the Gentiles and restore the glory of Israel.

Verse 34

Jesus is destined to divide Israel; He will be the touchstone by which people’s true allegiance is revealed, leading to either their condemnation or salvation.

Verse 35

The prophecy of the 'sword' is a poignant foreshadowing of the deep emotional suffering Mary would endure, particularly witnessing her son's rejection and crucifixion.

Verse 36

Anna, a prophetess and elderly widow dedicated to Temple service, mirrors Simeon, showing that the Holy Spirit was confirming Jesus’ identity through both male and female witnesses.

Verse 40

This verse summarizes the growth of Jesus during his early years, emphasizing his perfect development physically, spiritually, and intellectually under God’s favor.

Verse 41

The family’s yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem demonstrates their piety and adherence to the Jewish requirement for the three major festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16).

Verse 42

At twelve years old, a Jewish boy was approaching religious maturity, beginning to assume the full obligations of the Law.

Verse 46

Finding Jesus in the Temple, engaging with scholars, marks the first public demonstration of his extraordinary divine wisdom and authority, even as a child.

Verse 49

These are the first recorded words of Jesus. They reveal his profound self-awareness of his unique relationship with God (My Father) and his primary commitment to his divine mission.

Verse 51

Jesus’ submission to his earthly parents emphasizes his full humanity and obedience, providing a model for godly growth and respect for authority.

Verse 52

This final summary confirms Jesus’ balanced development in all aspects of life: physical ('stature'), intellectual ('wisdom'), spiritual ('favour with God'), and social ('favour with man').

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate

Luke2

The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

The Angels Announce the Savior to Shepherds

Jesus Presented at the Temple

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options