Notes on Luke 2:12-26

Luke 2:12

sign. Something to confirm the truthfulness of God's message. manger. The sight provided an enigma: How could so glorious and powerful a person be found lying in such humble circumstances? The unusual circumstances of Jesus's birth made it easy for the shepherds to find him, and thus confirm the angel's message.

Luke 2:13

heavenly army. A multitude of angels, numbering in the thousands.

Luke 2:14

Praise is given to God because of the salvation he brings in Jesus, his Son. peace. Unlike the political peace given by mere men like Caesar, Jesus will give peace with God (Ps. 29:11; Isa. 26:3; Jer. 16:5; Rom. 5:1). people . . . pleased. The objects of God's grace. Namely, his elect who respond to his coming with faith (see 1:50-53).

Luke 2:18-19

Luke contrasted the public response of the shepherds and town against Mary's private response. Though many immediately were amazed, Mary continued to consider the full meaning of what happened.

Luke 2:21-24

Obedience to the Law of Moses is mentioned several times in these verses. This emphasizes the piety of Joseph and Mary. It also shows Jesus's obedience to and fulfillment of the Law (Matt. 3:15; 5:17-18). Though Jesus was sinless, he was willingly born under the Law (Gal. 4:4-5). This allowed him to experience the fullness of human life and be a perfect substitute for humanity before God (Rom. 8:3; Heb. 2:17).

Luke 2:21

Joseph and Mary obeyed God and named their baby Jesus (1:31). They also obeyed by keeping his Law and having their son circumcised (see note on 1:59).

Luke 2:22

purification. After giving birth, a mother was ritually unclean for seven days. She had to remain at home for a further thirty-three days before going to the temple in Jerusalem to offer her sacrifice and be ritually cleansed (v. 24; Lev 12:2-8). their. Joseph was included although the Law only required the mother's purification. Apparently, he needed purification because he assisted in the birth process, or he was involved in Jesus's dedication alongside Mary. present. The Law did not require a child to be brought to the temple along with the offering (v. 24). Beyond the required redemption of their son, they also dedicated him to the Lord's service (see 1 Sam. 1:11, 22, 28). This was another example of their sincere love for God. It also anticipated the kind of life Jesus himself would live.

Luke 2:23

written in the law. Luke summarized the relevant Old Testament texts (Exod. 13:2, 12, 15) to explain the rituals of v. 22. Every … male. Under God's covenant with Israel, God claimed the right to the life of every firstborn son in Israel. This was a reminder of Israel's redemption from Egypt (Exod. 13:14). God did not require the firstborn to be sacrificed as in some pagan religions. Instead, the parents acknowledged his gracious rule over their lives by redeeming the child through an animal offering.

Luke 2:24

Normally, a lamb was offered in sacrifice for the mother's purification (v. 22). However, God made provision for those in poverty and allowed them to offer two doves or pigeons (Lev 5:11; 12:8). By noting this was Joseph and Mary's offering, Luke acknowledged their poverty. Moreover, he pointed to the humility of Christ's incarnation (1:48, 52-53).

Luke 2:25-26

Simeon. Seems to have been a lay person, unconnected to the priesthood. Because of his godliness, God chose to bless him by allowing him to see the promised Christ before he died. consolation. The comfort Israel would have through the Christ. Through him, God would bring deliverance for his people (see Isa. 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 66:11). Holy Spirit. Simeon enjoyed an unusual manifestation of God's Spirit. He revealed the promise to Simeon and guided him to Jesus (v. 27). The outpouring of the Spirit in relation to Jesus's birth (1:15, 35, 41, 67) fulfilled messianic expectations and marked a new work of God (Isa. 61:1).

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