Luke, Chapter 2
Image inspired by the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8). Dancer, Tessa Priem
Welcome to week two of Luke/Acts 2020! Our structure is the same as week one: 1) I give an introduction to the Bible reading, 2) there's a recording of me reading the chapter, 3) followed by questions and an explanation; 4) I'll post a hymn that you can sing or read, 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 dig right in and get started!
1) Introduction: As I mentioned, Luke perhaps wrote his Gospel around 55-60 AD. We know it was written for Theophilus in order to strengthen Theophilus's faith in Christ. In chapter one, Luke wrote about John the Baptist being conceived and also about Jesus's conception. After John was born, Jesus was born in Bethlehem about six months later (which is a real town that still exists today). Christ's parents -- Mary and Joseph -- followed the Old Testament laws required once a baby was born into a Jewish family. In chapter two, Jesus' parents were perplexed about what people were saying about their newborn son.
2) Recording: Here is a recording of me reading Luke, chapter two. You can listen to it and follow along or read Luke 2 on your own. If listening, I read quickly at points. Also, my kids are playing in the background!
| luke_2.m4a |
3) Explanation & Questions: What stuck out to you from today's reading? If you would have been the shepherds, or Simeon, Anna, Mary, or Joseph, how would you have reacted to these spiritual experiences that Luke records? In today's reading, we see the beautiful timing of God. It seems 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 from this chapter. Be sure to scroll down to Chapter Two's notes (the notes for chapter 2, by the way, are right after Chapter One's).
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 along.
| 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 Gospel does.
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 Gospel does.
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. They were so excited that they told people what they found in the manger! Also, You prophesied to Simeon, and You kept that promise to him: he saw the Messiah before he died. Thank you, above all, that Jesus was born to be the Savior. Be with me today and this week; help me to understand Your word, and please guide me in life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Disclaimer: I should mention I do not have copyright permission regarding the particular Bible I'm using. I'm reading an ESV edition in this recording. However, most of 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. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here; you can learn about my life story danced out! I'm also writing my autobiography; you can read about that journey here. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts. Enjoy!
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. If you'd like to know about my solo dance show or read my bio, click here; you can learn about my life story danced out! I'm also writing my autobiography; you can read about that journey here. Most of all, I look forward to you studying the books of Luke and Acts. Enjoy!
