Luke was what we would call a people person and a gatherer of information and was one of Paul’s companions. Luke was always a writer of fact, meticulous in detail and accurate to a fault. For this reason These verses we look closely at today are special.

Luke 2:25-35

The Jews had always regarded themselves as the chosen people and nation of God, so destined to attain greatness in this world but to their credit they knew this destiny could never be by human means. There were other means that would bring this about and there was one among the many who quietly waited with prayers patiently waiting with humble expectations, they waited for the day God would confront his people.

There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who all knew to be a good and pious man. Generations of God’s people had waited for the Messiah, the Savior to bring consolation or comfort to the nation of Israel. The people had faith he would come and deliver them once again just as he had done in the past…Out of Egypt and slavery. Simeon too knew he would come because he had received the promise from the Holy Spirit and on that day he was led to the Temple. One of the things that I have learned from studying over the years is that Jewish tradition will prevail in most all situations and at this point of the story it does not disappoint. Joseph and Mary, in faithfulness to the Law, traveled to Jerusalem while Jesus was still an infant to present Him to God in the temple and at this time the promise to Simeon was granted. Simeon knew the baby Jesus instantly and as he picked him up in his arms…these words rushed from his mouth… 

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32).

Luke 2:49-52

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[f] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. NRSV

In these verses we see how Jewish Tradition once again becomes a determining factor in our story. Tradition required that every adult male Jew within fifteen miles of Jerusalem must attend the Passover. It was in fact a goal of every Jew in the world to attend the Passover at least once in their lifetime. There was the Tradition also that every male Jew when they became twelve years of age become a son of the law and take obligations of the law upon themselves. This trip, the holy city and the Temple and the sacred ritual had a huge impact on Jesus. At the close of the festival as people set out for home Jesus stayed behind, his parents were not aware of this, not to be attributed to carelessness on their part. It was the customs of those traveling to do so in groups as a protection against the hazards of the road both natural and otherwise. The women would always leave a bit earlier than the men because they traveled at a slower pace. The men traveling at a faster pace would catch up with the women and children about the time the evening encampment was reached. Jesus was now 12 years old and by Jewish tradition a man. In this time of excitement both Mary and Joseph believed he was with the other group. They missed him soon after the groups came together that evening. When they were sure he was not with either group, they then set out for Jerusalem to find him. At Passover it was the custom of the Sanhedrin to come to the middle court of the Temple and publicly in the presence of all who would listen, discuss religious and theological questions. This is where they found him listening and asking questions as was the Jewish way of learning from your elders. This was an important time in the life of Jesus, this was the day when he discovered who he was. Jesus left then to go back home with Mary and Joseph and he was obedient to them.

In this chapter we read of the Angels giving thanks, the Shepherds going to see this child and giving thanks. Elisabeth welcoming Mary and both praising and giving thanks for the goodness of God. Simeon, to whom the Spirit had made a promise that he would not die until he had seen the Christ… giving thanks. I hope that you have given Thanks…this holiday and continue to do so. Our God is a great God.

Life is Good

jk

There are a few unique things in this book which has as it main idea that all humans are sinners and in need of salvation. Throughout his gospel as you read you see what God can do in human life, this having made a deep impression on Luke. We also note that among the four synoptic Gospels it is the only one to give an account of the Ascension and add to that it is here, only here, among the notable parables you will find The Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. Very little is known of Jesus’ childhood but in Luke chapter 2: 41-51 we find a short entry that occurred when he was about 12 years of age. In Luke chapter 2: 8-20 there are a few things, speculation if you wish but very much reasonable as we go beyond the word. “Do not be afraid…” to the shepherds gathered in this field that was a hard thing not to do. Angels in the sky and a heavenly host, praising God and announcing the birth of one referred to as the Savior; a Savior to all! William Barclay wrote a beautiful observation to this event… “IT is a wonderful thing that the story should tell us, that the first announcement of God came to some shepherds.” 

 These shepherds had to travel 90 miles to the city of Joseph’s ancestors: south along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and on into Bethlehem. It would be a grueling journey. It is worth a second look at these shepherds and adding a little more information about them. Going beyond the words we find that shepherds of that day were despised by many of the orthodox people of the day. Because of the nature of their job they were unable to keep the details of the ceremonial law; they could not observe all the meticulous hand washings and rules and regulations. It was to these simple men, on that cold dark field that God’s message came to first but if we go a little further there is something else to consider. In most likelihood these were special shepherds, tending a special flock. Every morning and evening an unblemished lamb was offered as a sacrifice to God. The Temple authorities had their own supply chain, simple but effective…they had their own private flocks; and we know they were pastured near Bethlehem. What these shepherds found was not a place one would have thought to find a king. Over the years the place of the birth has been described in many ways. The most common would be a barn which provided shelter and was divided into stalls and contained a manger which was no more than a container for food being fed to the animals. In reality it was very crude and simple, a trough if you will. Here they placed the child wrapped in various cloths…again from DBS…

“It is a lovely thought that the shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs were the first to see the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

We are all familiar with the Nativity of Jesus scene which usually includes the Holy Family, the angels, the Magi, the ox and the donkey, and an assortment of shepherds, villagers, servants and others.

In chapter 2:41-52 there is an interesting story Which in a way is an early revelation and if we read the words carefully, we could say It is an early revelation of the divinity of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had gone to the Festival of The Passover as was their habit every year. When the festival was over and they started home they were unaware that the Jesus had remained there in Jerusalem. They believed that he was in the group of travelers and after a day’s travel they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. Not finding him there they returned to Jerusalem and after three days they found him in the Temple among the teachers and asking questions. Mary, unhappy with what he had done and the anxiety it had caused for her and Joseph questioned his actions.

Then in his reply is an astonishing revelation. From Luke 2:49-51

49 He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”[m] 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart…NRNRSV

Next week we will return to these verses and continue our journey behind the words written there. We remain in chapter 2 of Luke looking closer at verses 25-35 and verses 49-51.

Life is Good

jk

You might also know these scriptures Luke 1:46-55 as being referred to as Mary’s Song, or even Canticle of Mary. A canticle by definition would be  a hymn or chant, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of a church service. Luke is the only one to call our attention to Mary’s song. Elizabeth, who at this moment is with child wonders aloud ‘how it could be that Mary, the mother of my Lord comes to me’. (1 Luke 1:43). Even though the Angel of God had spoken to Mary, she was still overwhelmed by Elizabeth’s welcome and the Spirit leads her to this extraordinary song of praise…for which we can thank Luke for sharing with us. It can be heard in Catholic services as well as Lutheran and Anglican. Her song has been copied into the Book of Common Prayer and for most Protestant churches, is sung during the Advent season. The Magnificat is steeped in the Old Testament; and is closely related to Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2 :1-10.

A closer look at these verses reveals some things we may have overlooked or truly not understood. Consider these three points of thought. From verse 51…“He scatters the proud in the plans of their hearts.” One of the things that dies first in the life of a Christian is pride. We see ourselves as being usually above others and things but when we set our lives beside that of Christ, the last remnants of pride will leave us. As we continue on we see that this comparison of our life to Christ’s life enables us to see our life as it is…warts and all. This view humbles us and the moral revolution has begun. In verse 52 we read that God has cast down the mighty and lifted up the lowly. A social revolution is beginning because with this Christianity we see the failings of labels and prestige. It is no secret that at times we turn from people, considering them as useless, not so with God. We have only to remember what Christ did for us…we can no longer regard anyone to be beneath us… ‘Call no man worthless for whom Christ died.’ Lastly in verse 53 there is shown to us an Economic Revolution. We have become an acquisitive society, the more we have the more we want. Christian’s should never be comfortable as long as there are those who have less. We who have much…owe much. 

 “There is loveliness in the Magnificat but in that loveliness there is dynamite. Christianity brings about a revolution in individuals and revolution in the world.” (William Barclay DBS)

PS.

We are so fortunate in this digital age to have a world of information available to us. I want to acknowledge two sources of today’s blog. William Barclay’s Daily Bible Studies and a wonderful article by Ashley Hooker, that link is below.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-marys-song.html

How wonderful is God’s word…same yesterday and today…Even after all this time it is the standard by which we as Christians should live. The word of God provides for this world a stability that is desperately needed. I am just a layman that has found comfort and peace in the word and every time I come to the keyboard to write this blog I am grateful for this unique way to share the word…I remain a simple man blessed by my God and grateful for those who have shared their faith over the years. Come back next week and join us here in the Pew. 

Life is Good

jk

Luke is first mentioned in Acts 16:10; Acts 16:11, with Paul at Troas and was with him in his voyage, and in his imprisonment at Rome. Luke’s Gospel was an answer to the many incorrect writings and narratives being circulated in that day. It is obvious that he set out to give a genuine account of the life, miracles and things our Lord spoke of from the people who heard him and saw the miracles, the people that were there. Luke tends to write about the things that are to be believed. Much of  what he writes about is from those who were from the beginning eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, and who were perfected in their understanding of them through Divine inspiration.

It is important we understand that the father and mother of John the Baptist were normal everyday people who most likely had sinned and were justified and saved just the same way as others and were well thought of for their religious behavior and integrity. They had no children, and it was very unlikely that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. Zacharias was burning  incense in the Temple and praying, many others were in prayer outside. These were difficult times for Elizabeth because motherhood held a special place in Jewish traditions. A Jewish woman often felt she has not fulfilled her duty if she had not had children. Zacharias, Elizabeth and their friends had prayed over the years but it had not happened. I like to think that there is a prayer file with my name on it in heaven. Luke writes that our prayers might not be answered or not in the way we wanted but prayers of faith filed in heaven are not forgotten. Luke also writes of prayers that those offered are successful only because of the intercession of Christ, our mediator in heaven. Our prayer must be one of earnest faith and be in the spirit. The scripture makes plain that time is not a factor as prayers can be answered that were lifted up in our youth or even in our way out of this world. It is here that we learn that Zacharias will have a son. This good news also says that he will bring many souls to God and be responsible preparing them to receive the gospel of Christ. He shall do so with courage, zeal and holiness and his mind shall be dead to earthly interests and pleasures. It doesn’t stop there…those who have been disobedient will receive the wisdom of days past and come to value the new wisdom of the Just One who will be coming among them. While burning incense in the Temple an Angel of the Lord spoke to him. Zacharias heard all the angel said but reacted with disbelief. God then struck him dumb because he had reacted with unbelief of God’s word. He was now unable to speak thus preventing his sharing those distrustful, unbelieving words. God had dealt fairly with Zacharias.

In verses 26-38 we are privileged to read of Mary’s encounter with the Angel of God. The angel speaks… ‘Hail, thou that art the especially chosen and favored of the Most High, to attain the honor Jewish mothers have so long desired.’ The sudden appearance and the greeting left Mary somewhat troubled. Mary’s reply to the angel was given without asking for a sign to confirm her faith. We must follow Mary’s example here…in all things there is nothing impossible for God. It is only fitting and all that need be said…Behold the willing servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word.

This next section of verses has many elements that blend with those who are conscious of the Holy Spirit and shows us the importance of Christian fellowship. Elisabeth is aware that Mary is near and welcomes her as the soon to be mother of the Redeemer. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit she declared to Mary that she and her expected child were blessed and should be happy to know that they were most blessed and  peculiarly honored of and dear to the Most High God. Because of Elizabeth’s greeting, Mary is astounded and overcome with joy. Words of praise and thanks pour froth from Mary’s mouth and space will not allow me to include Mary’s song of praise but it is contained in these verses…Luke chapter 1:46-56. As we continued in this first chapter of Luke in these next verses 57-66 we have the account of the birth of John the Baptist. There was great joy at the birth of John among all his family and it was made known that he would be called Johanan or gracious  because he will Shepard in the gospel of Christ. It was at this time when the question of his name was asked that just as God had said, Zacharias regained his voice and spoke. Because of his unbelief God had closed his mouth and now because of his belief God has opened his mouth. God’s gift of speech, the ability to express ourselves is best put to use when praising our God. Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke these words of prophecy which can be read in Luke 1:67-80. 

I encourage you to read both Mary’s Song in chapter 1 of Luke vv. 46-56 and the prophecy of  Zacharias also found in Luke 1:67-80. Next week we take a closer look at Mary’s song, also referred to as The Magnificat, meaning “my soul magnifies the Lord” in Latin. 

Life is Good

jk