Adult STS Lesson 91 Birth and Childhood of Jesus
MEMORY VERSE: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:10,11).
TEXT: Luke 2:1-52
Luke’s gospel presents our Lord Jesus Christ as the promised Saviour of Israel and the world. The Messiah’s birth as recorded in Luke and Matthew’s gospels is considered one of the greatest events in human history because all the prophecies that were made several hundred years before the event were all fulfilled accurately. This study focuses on the birth of Christ as it was announced by the angel, celebrated by the host of heaven and witnessed by the shepherds. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:30,31). The presentation of Christ in the temple as well as some outstanding events in His childhood are equally recorded in our text.
- FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 2:1-7; Genesis 3:15; 49:10; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; John 1:46
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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 2:6,7). The birth of Jesus was characterized by series of preceding events. Notably, it was revealed and promised by God the Father (Genesis 3:15). Old Testament prophets also prophesied about it and the purpose of His coming (Isaiah 7:14; 53:1-12; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 42:7). Micah in his prophecy concerning His birth captured the exact time, place and way Jesus will be born. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). The precise way in which the prophecies concerning Jesus’ coming were fulfilled teaches us about the reliability of the word of God and that God is faithful to His Word. It also serves as a credible proof of divine inspiration and authorship of the Bible. God, by providence, arranged events that coincided with the time and place of Jesus’ birth. According to our text, Christ was born at the time when Israel was being colonized by the Roman empire. Emperor Augustus Caesar who reigned twenty-six years before Jesus’ birth issued a decree that census should be taken in all his provinces. Unknown to him, God was using this to fulfil His program. If God faithfully brought the prophecy concerning the birth of Christ, the Saviour, to pass, then every word He has spoken in the Scripture is true and will certainly come to pass. By this directive, Joseph and Mary were compelled to travel to their native home (Bethlehem), to be taxed. At their arrival, the hope of the world was consummated: “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). An amazing lowliness was demonstrated when Christ, who is God and Creator of all things was born in a manger (John 1:3). That the Creator of the universe and owner of all things was not born in a palace but in a lowly place beats the imagination of religious leaders and kings all over the world. This shows that the thoughts of God are not the same with men, neither are His ways Our ways (Isaiah 55:8).
- PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS BY THE ANGEL
Luke 2:8-20; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 1:27; Matthew 28:19,20
When Jesus was born, only the host of heaven and His earthly parents knew what had happened. But God, willing that the world should quickly know about the arrival of the Messiah, sent an angel to bring the good news to men who could be described as ordinary shepherds. “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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:9-11). The content of this pronouncement indicates that Jesus is the Saviour sent for the redemption of humanity. Just as it pleased God to choose a poor and humble background for the birth place of the Messiah, He also preferred to first bring these tidings to shepherds tendering their flocks instead of religious leaders and kings. Indeed, “…God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:27). The angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus was followed by a host of other angels praising and glorifying God, who has manifested His good will towards men by Sending the Messiah to die for sinners (John 3:16). Also, on receiving the news, the shepherds never hesitated to trace the exact place of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2: 16,17). Likewise, believers are not expected to fold their hands after they have been born again. They should promptly obey the command of the Lord to “…Go ye into all the World, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
- PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
Luke 2:21-39; Genesis 17:12,13; Leviticus 12:1-4; Exodus 13:2; 1 Samuel 1:24
“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). The Mosaic laws given to the children of Israel were expected to be observed to the letter by all Israelites. A woman who bore a son was ceremonially unclean for 40 days (twice that if she bore a daughter (Leviticus 12:2-5). After that, she was to offer a lamb of the first year and a dove or pigeon (Leviticus 12:6). If poor, she could offer two doves or pigeons (Leviticus 12:8). Mary’s offering indicates that she and Joseph belonged to the lower class of society. Three different religious rites under the law were observed.
First, was the circumcision of all male children after eight days of birth (Leviticus 12:3; Genesis 17:12-14);
Second, the purification of every woman that newly put to birth (Leviticus 12:1-4) and
Third, the presentation or dedication of every firstborn child in Israel (Exodus 13:2). Mary and Joseph faithfully performed all these rites as a devoted couple under the old covenant. The religious rites observed under the Old Testament dispensation, though not directly practiced in the New testament church, are pointers to our circumcision, purification and presentation, which are symbols of our holiness and consecration. The ordinances commanded to be observed in the New Testament are water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. There are many churchgoers who take these ordinances for granted, at their own peril, but when we obey God’s commandments, we stand the chance of getting His blessings. After Jesus was presented in the temple, God the Father and the host of heaven rejoiced; the Holy Spirit too began to move in the temple and spoke through one Simeon, a just and devout man, who had earlier got a revelation that he would not die until he witnessed the birth of Jesus; he began to prophesy concerning Jesus. Anna, a prophetess of about eighty-four years serving God in fasting and prayer in the temple, night and day, prophesied too concerning Christ.
- PROOF OF MESSIAHSHIP DURING THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS
Luke 2:40-52; Isaiah 9:6; John 8:58; 4:34: 9:4
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40). Jesus was now twelve years old. The Jewish east of the Passover, which holds every year, was near. His parents were under obligation to go to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Young Jesus was taken along and after the ceremony, another event of spiritual significance that beats human imagination occurred. The young Jesus chose to stay back in the temple at Jerusalem and engaged in religious dialogue with leaders of thought in the Jewish religion. We understand that Jesus grew in all aspects of His being. At twelve years, the power of God had started manifesting in His life. Driven by a sense of mission, He left His parents and went into the temple for His Father’s business. Sitting with the doctors of the law, He demonstrated the wisdom of God that baffled His hearers by the way He asked questions and interpreted the Scriptures. This should have drawn the attention of the religious leaders to the divine personality of Jesus but they are spiritually insensitive. Meanwhile, His parents, on their way back home, presumed He was in the company until after some days. They had to return to Jerusalem to look for Him. When they found Him, Mary asked “..Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing” (Luke 2:48). Jesus replied His parents: “…How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). This statement made by Jesus pointed to His mission as the Messiah sent to redeem mankind. There are many ways believers could become involved in their Father’s business.
One, through daily practical Christian living, which is expected from all who call upon the name of the Lord. A popular saying goes thus: “Show me the life you live and I will believe the Christ you preach”.
Two, every true disciple of Christ is expected to reach every human creature of God with the good news of the Kingdom. This is the greatest service we can render to our God. Three, intercessory prayer whereby we pray for the steadfastness of souls already won and conversion of those who are yet to come in.
Four, we should also aim at giving generously for missions’ work, both home and abroad.
Five, regular follow-up and visitation of new comers and church members is another viable way of identifying with the business of the Kingdom.
Six, active involvement in at least one area of church work is also a way of showing concern for the progress of God’s kingdom.
Questions For Review:
- Why is the birth of Jesus considered one of the greatest events in human history?
- What does the fulfilment of prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus teach us about God’s faithfulness?
- Like the shepherds, what should be our response to the spreading of the gospel?
- What ordinances did Christ command believers to observe today?
- Mention the fate of those who flout God’s ordinances and the reward for those who obey His word.
- Why did Jesus stay back in the temple at Jerusalem after the feast of the Passover?
- What are the practical ways believers today can be engaged in the “Father’s business”?
