Archbishop Peter Jensen’s weekly online series on The Essential Jesus (the gospel of Luke). In each study the Archbishop will lead us through the book we intend on giving away to as many people as possible.
STEP 1: READING
Read Luke chapter 2. (Bottom page 11 to page 14 of Essential Jesus)
STEP 2: REFLECTION
Christmas and Easter, Jesus' birth and death, are the mostly widely celebrated events in the world. He is the most honoured king in the world. His commands are obeyed by millions. Back then, however, the big names were those of people like the Emperor Augustus. The circumstances of Jesus' birth were obscure, even shameful. His earthly father and mother were not yet married. The only accommodation was with animals, and his cradle was a trough. His 'courtiers' were shepherds. And yet, there was glory. Hosts of angels appeared, Mary was a virgin, Bethlehem was David's town and was the place from which an eternal ruler would come (Micah 5:2), and the angels called him 'Christ the Lord' and said that his birth was a matter of 'news of great joy'. The glory and the shame both revealed the truth about him: his humility was inherent in his greatness.
Two prophets, Simeon and Anna identified him as the expected Saviour. Simeon made it clear that Jesus was for all people, but warned Mary of suffering to come. Anyone looking forward to God's next great deliverance should know that the deliverer had arrived, but that deliverance would be costly. These events all occur in the Temple in Jerusalem, the place which especially reminded God's people that he was a king. In overstaying there, and in his answers to the teachers, Jesus revealed his nature as the Son of God. And yet, he also lived in glad submission to his earthly parents, in accordance to God's law.
STEP 3: DISCUSSION
1. Why does Luke mention that Mary 'treasured all these things, and thought them over in her heart'?
2. What is the connection between Jesus being a Saviour and his being a King?
3. How was the salvation through Jesus going to impact on all peoples?
4. Why was Jesus born a Jew? Is this a mere accident, or was it a necessity?
5. What does this passage tell us about obedience to God's law? Are we bound to obey laws like the circumcision law? Should we have a temple?
6. How can we say that Jesus obeyed the law of God perfectly when he overstayed in Jerusalem?
Ask your questions about each study as it goes up.
Previous study: Study #4
Earlier studies
Next study: Study #6
