Luke 2
Lutheran reading notes
In Luke chapter 2, the message of the gospel develops the theme of an orderly account of Jesus’ life and salvation for all people. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. {taxed: or, enrolled}
Luke 2:1 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
({And} this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luke 2:2 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. {taxed: or, enrolled}
Luke 2:3 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Luke 2:4 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. {taxed: or, enrolled}
Luke 2:5 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Luke 2:6 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. {watch: or, the night watches}
Luke 2:8 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:9 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
And this {shall be} a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:13 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. {the shepherds: Gr. the men the shepherds}
Luke 2:15 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luke 2:16 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
And when they had seen {it}, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Luke 2:17 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
And all they that heard {it} wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Luke 2:18 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered {them} in her heart.
Luke 2:19 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2:20 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2:21 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present {him} to the Lord;
Luke 2:22 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
Luke 2:23 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Luke 2:24 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name {was} Simeon; and the same man {was} just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Luke 2:25 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luke 2:26 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
27
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Luke 2:27 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
28
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luke 2:28 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
29
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Luke 2:29 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
30
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luke 2:30 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
31
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luke 2:31 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
32
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:32 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
33
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Luke 2:33 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
34
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this {child} is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Luke 2:34 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
35
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Luke 2:35 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
36
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Luke 2:36 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
37
And she {was} a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served {God} with fastings and prayers night and day.
Luke 2:37 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. {Jerusalem: or, Israel}
Luke 2:38 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
39
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Luke 2:39 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
40
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Luke 2:40 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
41
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
Luke 2:41 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
42
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
Luke 2:42 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
43
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not {of it}.
Luke 2:43 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
44
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among {their} kinsfolk and acquaintance.
Luke 2:44 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
45
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
Luke 2:45 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
46
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
Luke 2:46 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
47
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
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48
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
Luke 2:48 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
49
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
Luke 2:50 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
51
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Luke 2:51 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. {stature: or, age}
Luke 2:52 highlights life and teaching of jesus with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.