Luke 2a Commentary
Chapter two begins with the historical background of the Messianic events. Caesar Augustus was a real person who presided over the Roman Empire at the turn of the first millennium. The mention of Augustus is enough and the sacred pages won’t waste any more pace on needless details readily available in the public domain.
Mary’s firstborn child is born in a manger as no room is available for them.
In the background is a contrast that we need to underline. Augustus is at the pinnacle of human authority. But the baby King’s kingdom isn’t in the shape and color of Augustus’s empire. Never mention Quirinius’s provincial palace!
We have another angelic visitation. The shepherds out in the field are the recipients. “Today in the town of David a Savior is born to you; He is the Messiah, the LORD.” Then a great company of angels appeared and praised the LORD. It was in the night. Imagine the scene.
The angelic choir praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
The shepherds would form an important part of the guest list at Jesus’ first birthday party. It resonates with the title of Jesus as the Shepherd in the mold of King David. But look carefully and see things straight. He is actually the Shepherd to whom David prayed, “The LORD is my Shepherd.” The title “Shepherd-King” is simply heart melting!
History is in attendance! The nation’s founder, Abraham, was a shepherd, as were his sons Isaac and Jacob. The matriarch Rachel was also a shepherdess. The angel has announced this news to deep and wider Israel. It is a communication that sits deep within the core of Israelite man.
“Peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests.” The title of the Prince of Peace is appropriate. Isaiah 9. See the selective nature of this peace! It’s never one for everyone. How we pray that the favor of the LORD rests upon you!
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Probably to later narrate these experiences to a medical doctor whose volume we are reading today.
Birth in a manger, no baby cot, a smelly place, minimum medical attention – probably provided by the rough hand of a first-time husband and carpenter Joseph. You wonder what is happening in Mary’s head. Maybe the angel missed his target. Kings are never born this way! And us here today, what confusion! Impossible events to reconcile!
“Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53.
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