Luke 2:1-20
Q.1. Why did Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem? Where was Mary’s child born? Why? – (Lk.2:1-7)
It was prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. However, Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth (Lk.1:26 c.f. Mic.5:2). How, then, did they end up in Bethlehem? This happened because Caesar Augustus made a decree which required that – everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city (Lk.2:3 c.f. Lk.2:1-3). Consequently – 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child (Lk.2:4-5). Mary – … gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (Lk.2:7). Caesar Augustus, in his order, unknowingly ensured that the birth of the Christ child fulfilled the exact details prophesied in the ancient Scriptures.
Q.2. What news was given to the shepherds? Where did they go? How did they respond? How did Mary respond? – (Lk.2:8-20)
Significantly, the Good Shepherd’s birth was announced by an angelic messenger to some shepherds nearby. – 10 … Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Lk.2:10-12). This angel was joined by a host of angels who all praised the Lord – Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased (Lk.2:14). The shepherds went as quickly as possible. They were directed to Joseph and Mary and the Baby. Then – they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child (Lk.2:17). We are told that Mary treasured all the things she had been told about Baby Jesus – pondering them in her heart (Lk.2:18). It must have amazed the young virgin mother of God’s Son (c.f. Lk.1:35). The message to the shepherds would have dispelled any doubts that Joseph may have had.