Luke, Chapter 2
Welcome to week two of Luke/Acts 2020! Our structure is the same as week one: 1) I give an introduction to the reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by an explanation &/or questions; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can sing if you'd like, and 5) we'll close with a prayer. If you have a Bible, great, open it to Luke, chapter two. If not, you can find Luke chapter two online. Let's get started :) AND, if you have questions or thoughts at the end, leave a comment or send me an email. We also have a private FB group that you can be a part of for this study if you'd like.
1) Introduction: Luke wrote his Gospel around 55-60 AD. We know that he wrote it for Theophilus to strengthen Theophilus's faith (note: Theophilus means friend of God. Some interpreters think Luke perhaps addressed his Gospel to certain Christians who were "friends of God." But it's also likely and quite possible that Theophilus was one specific person). Luke began with the facts of John the Baptist being surprisingly conceived and born and with Jesus's miraculous conception. After John was born, about six months later, Jesus was born in Bethlehem (a real place that still exists today, of course). His parents followed the Old Testament laws that were required, and they were perplexed about what people were saying about their son.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of Luke, chapter two.
| luke_2.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stuck out to you from today's reading? If you would have been the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, Mary, or Joseph, how would you have reacted? In today's reading, we see the beautiful timing of God. All things were perfectly orchestrated down to the very census of the Roman Empire itself. We see each person was prepared and prompted for the reception of the Messiah. Old Testament prophecies were finally being fulfilled, and people were excited. For digging deeper, see my Google Doc that discusses specific verses and terms (be sure to scroll down to chapter two's notes).
4) Hymn: Here is a recording of the hymn "Gentle Mary Laid Her child." The lyrics are below if you'd like to read them or sing :)
| gentle_mary_laid_her_child.m4a |
Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger;
There He lay, the Undefiled, To the world a stranger.
Such a babe in such a place, Can He be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favor.
Angles sang about His birth, Wise Men sought and found Him;
Heaven's star shone brightly forth Glory all around Him.
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, Heard the angles singing;
All the plains were lit that night, All the hills were ringing.
Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger;
He is still the Undefiled But no more a stranger.
Son of God of humble birth, Beautiful the story;
Praise His name in all the earth; Hail the King of glory!
Note: Luke's Gospel does not mention the visit of the Magi or the star. However, Matthew's account does. Good thing multiple people wrote!
There He lay, the Undefiled, To the world a stranger.
Such a babe in such a place, Can He be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favor.
Angles sang about His birth, Wise Men sought and found Him;
Heaven's star shone brightly forth Glory all around Him.
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, Heard the angles singing;
All the plains were lit that night, All the hills were ringing.
Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger;
He is still the Undefiled But no more a stranger.
Son of God of humble birth, Beautiful the story;
Praise His name in all the earth; Hail the King of glory!
Note: Luke's Gospel does not mention the visit of the Magi or the star. However, Matthew's account does. Good thing multiple people wrote!
5) Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this opportunity to read Your Gospel. Thank you for announcing to the shepherds the birth of Your Son. Thank you that the shepherds told people what they found in the manger. Thank you for prophesying to Simeon and keeping that promise to him. Thank you that Jesus was born as the Savior. Be with us today and this week. In Your name, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I am reading an ESV edition in this recording. The hymns I choose are in the public domain. If you'd like to follow me and learn more about what I do, especially dance-wise, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. You can also sign up for my monthly email list, which will fully keep you in the loop! I will be posting these devotions each Friday. May they be a blessing to you. Enjoy the journey! Have a wonderful week. -Tessa
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.
P.S. If you'd like to learn about my solo dance show, click here. It's my life story danced out. I am also currently writing my autobiography, and you can read some of it here.