Ep. 253. Luke 2 | The Boy Jesus

EPISODE 253

THE BOY JESUS: LUKE 2

This particular chapter is easy to enjoy. What isn't there to love? Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths. A company of angels appearing to shepherds. A declaration of the Savior and glory given to his name. Jesus presented at the temple, where we meet righteous, faithful worshippers of God, Simeon, and Anna. Jesus, at twelve years of age, amazed the Jewish teachers in the temple.

These are cool things. The Son of God borrowed a feeding trough of animals for his bed. It wasn't kings that first came to welcome him to the world he came to save, but shepherds. Jesus was born to parents who could afford only a couple of turtledoves or pigeons as an offering to purify their newborn. They were lowly people. And still, he was recognized as the salvation prepared for the Gentiles and the Jews. He was acknowledged, at least by Anna, as the source of redemption, and at 12 years of age, he was likely wiser than the teachers of Israel and the priests who were supposed to be the bridge between the people and God.

Every line of this chapter drips with the beauty and grace of our Savior, who could have come on the clouds with glory and split the sky apart. But he came humble and as a servant. He came as a lowly one to people who were bent low under the weight of sin, and he set them free from their captivity. God in the flesh condescended to walk among the human race and purchase them for himself by the shedding of his own blood.

What a beautiful chapter.

ADDITIONAL READINGS: Leviticus 12:6-8; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 60:1-3