Luke 2-4

Luke 2

Birth of Jesus 

• In days of Caesar Augustus there was a decree for census
• Joseph travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary (pregnant)
• While there Mary gives birth to Jesus
• Details Luke gives:
  • wraps Him in swaddling cloths
  • lays Him in a manger
  • no room in the inn

Shepherds and the Angels 

• Shepherds in fields at night
• Angel appears:
  • “Do not be afraid”
  • announces good news of great joy
    • Savior born who is Christ the Lord
• Sign: baby in manger
• Multitude of angels:
  • “Glory to God in the highest”
  • “peace among those with whom He is pleased”
• Shepherds go quickly and find Mary, Joseph, and Jesus
  • They spread the message
• Mary treasures these things in her heart

Jesus Presented at the Temple 

• After 8 days Jesus’ circumcision and named 
• At temple in Jerusalem parents offer sacrifice (according to the Law)
• Man named Simeon waiting for consolation of Israel (Messiah). Holy Spirit reveals he will see Christ
• Simeon:
  • takes Jesus
  • praises God:
    • “my eyes have seen your salvation”
    • light for Gentiles and glory for Israel
• Prophecy:
  • Jesus a sign many will oppose
  • Mary  “a sword will pierce your own soul”
• Prophetess Anna gives thanks and speaks of redemption

Family returns to Nazareth

• Jesus:
  • grows strong
  • Is filled with wisdom
  • Has God’s favor upon Him

Boy Jesus in the Temple 

• At age 12 family goes to Passover
• After feast Jesus stays behind in Jerusalem while parents search anxiously
• Found in temple:
  • sitting among teachers
  • listening and asking questions
  • all amazed at His understanding
• Jesus “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?”
  • Parents did not understand 
• Returns with them in obedience
• Mentions Jesus’ growth in wisdom, stature, favor with God and man

Luke 3

Ministry of John the Baptist 

• Time markers (A.D. 27 to 29)
  • Tiberius Caesar
  • Pontius Pilate
  • Herod Antipas
• John the Baptist preaches in wilderness
  • message about baptism of repentance for forgiveness
  • Fulfills Isaiah “Prepare the way of the Lord”
• Calls crowd “brood of vipers” and not to use Abraham as an excuse for salvation
• Commands people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance
• His instructions:
  • share with needy
  • tax collectors to be honest
  • soldiers to be content with wages, no extortion
• People wonder if he is Christ but John says:
  • one mightier is coming
  • will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire
• Herod Antipas imprisons John

Baptism of Jesus 

• Jesus baptized
• While praying heaven opens
• Holy Spirit descends like a dove
• Voice from heaven “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased”

Genealogy of Jesus 

• Jesus about 30 years old
• Genealogy traced backward:
  • through David
  • through Abraham
  • all the way to Adam

from: https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/oldsite/user_images/image/bibbul/2003/bb-03-31-lg.png

from: https://noelinuae.medium.com/the-two-genealogies-of-jesus-christ-matthew-vs-luke-explained-9105001adc97

Luke 4

Temptation of Jesus 

• Jesus full of Holy Spirit was led into wilderness 40 days
• Tempted by Satan 3 ways:

1. Stones to bread
   • Jesus: “Man shall not live by bread alone”
2. All kingdoms of world if He worships Satan
   • Jesus: “Worship the Lord your God”
3. Jump from temple
   • Satan quotes Scripture ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
   •     to guard you’
   • Jesus: “Do not put the Lord to the test”

• Devil departs until opportune time

Jesus returns in power of Spirit

Rejected at Nazareth 

• Jesus goes to Nazareth
• Reads from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”
  • “Today this Scripture is fulfilled”
• Initial reaction is amazement
  • Then doubt: “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
• Jesus responds:
  • prophet not accepted in hometown
  • references Elijah & Elisha helping Gentiles
• Crowd is filled with wrath and tries to throw Him off a cliff
• Jesus passes through them unharmed

Jesus Heals and Casts Out Demons 

• In Capernaum Jesus teaches with authority
• Man with unclean demon cries out “I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
• Jesus rebukes ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō) demon and  casts it out
• People amazed at His authority

Healing Many 

• At Simon’s house He heals his mother-in-law (fever)
• At sunset:
  • many brought to Him
  • heals diseases
  • casts out demons
• Demons declare “You are the Son of God”
• Jesus silences them

Jesus Preaches in Synagogues 

• Jesus withdraws to desolate place
• Crowds seek Him
• He says:
  • He must preach the kingdom of God to other towns
  • “for I was sent for this purpose”

Continues preaching in synagogues of Judea

Application

We see the holiness of Jesus from His birth throughout His ministry. He is filled with wisdom since childhood and has the power and authority unlike any other. We see Jesus as a physician and a preacher. Many are amazed by Him, but we also see Him start to be rejected as well. Today are you amazed by God or are you rejecting Him?