GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Birth, Circumcision and Naming of Jesus: Lk 2,1-21
This is possibly the most well known and loved story in the Gospels. It is important therefore that we try to take a fresh look at this story. We will become aware of the radical and even subversive message of the New Testament which is found in this story. That will already be apparent from the first verse.
We begin by reading through these verses and see how the story unfolds in four stages. For this consider the change in characters.
It may be as well to check that now with a look at my response
Jesus is born: 2,1-7
Verses 1-3 are not historically accurate except that the birth of Jesus occured when Augustus was Emperor. Why is Augustus and only Augustus mentioned in verse 1? Compare with 1,1 and 3,1-2. (Think of the Pax Romana).
What is the purpose of a census? What would be its effect on ordinary people? See 5,30 and 20,22 for a clue. 2 Samuel 24 also provides some background.
In terms of Luke's story, what is the purpose of 2,1-3? See Micah 5,2.
Consider what is stressed in verse 4. See 2 Samuel 7 (which may be familiar by now).
Verse 5 then is a reminder of Mary's condition.
Verses 6-7 describe the birth. We can note the emphasis on Jesus' status within the family (Exodus 13,2; Num 3,12-13). See 2,22-23.
"Swaddling clothes" are deeply embedded in English tradition (Wisdom 7,4). They appear again in verse 12. The manger is mentioned three times: here, in verse 12 and verse 16. Might there be a deeper significance in the manager? Think what are managers are for. See also Isaiah 1,3.
What are the implications of "no room in the inn"? A clue could be 6,20.
Have another look at my response
Angelic Proclamation: 2,8-14
What would have been the status of the shepherds (6,20, again)?
What is the role of angels? See 1,11.26. For the glory of God see Ex 16,10; 24,16-17
The response of the shepherds in verse 9 we have seen several times in chapter 1: 1,12; 1,29, 1,65.
The angel's "do not be afraid" in verse 10 we have also seen in chapter 1. Good news, see 1,19, is found in the second part of Isaiah (Is 40,9). For the content of the good news, look at Is 45,21 and Is 43,14, though the theme is found throughout these chapters, Is 40-55. For great joy, compare with 1,14. For whom is this good news?
Verse 11 is the proclamation which tells us what this good news is. It is the climax of this birth story. Just about everyword is important: today (Ps 95,8 plus 4,21; 5,26; 19,5.9 and elsewhere in the Gospel), David (2 Sam 7), Saviour (1,69), messiah, lord (1,76).
Consider the surprise of verse 12 following verse 11. Look back to verse 7.
For the heavenly host, see Nehemiah 9,6.
For the heavenly hymn, see Ps 85,8-9.
The second line of verse 14 recalls 1,79. How is there a contrast with verse 1?
Compare translations for the final part of the verse. Which understanding is better?
Have another look at my response
The Shepherds go to Bethlehem: 2,15-20
How do the shepherds react in verse 15?
How does verse 16 echo verses 1-7? How does this lead into verse 17 and the response of verse 18?
Verse 19 then gives Mary's response, which will be repeated in 2,51.
Verse 20 then brings the visit to an appropriate conclusion.
Circumcision and Naming: 2,21
We've noted the time link to the birth scene. As for John the Baptist, 1,59, so now for Jesus (Gen 17,12). What is its special signifcance here, in light of verse 11? For the meaning of the name Jesus, see Mt 1,21.
Now look again at my response
We can now continue with our reading of the Presentation in the Temple, Lk 2,22-38.