Luke 2:1-52 King James Bible KJV

God’s Humble Entrance Into the World, Universal Salvation, the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Luke 2:1-52 King James Bible KJV. Luke Chapter 2 is one of the most significant passages in the Bible, as it presents the birth of Jesus Christ as the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, and as the beginning of salvation for all people. The chapter emphasizes the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the universal scope of His mission. It also reveals how Jesus is both divine and human, with a unique relationship to God the Father and a special mission that will change the course of history.

Luke 2:1-52 King James Bible KJV
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The Birth of Jesus – verses 1-7
Luke provides the historical context for Jesus’ birth, stating that Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census, requiring people to return to their ancestral homes. Joseph travels with Mary to Bethlehem, the city of David, because Joseph is a descendant of David. While in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus, wrapping Him in cloths and laying Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

• Divine Timing: The mention of the census reminds readers that God’s timing is perfect, using even political events to bring about His will (i.e., the Roman census brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem).
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which foretold that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David.
• Humility of Jesus’ Birth: Jesus, the Savior and King, is born in humble circumstances—laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. This contrasts with expectations of a royal, majestic birth and signifies that Jesus’ mission is not about earthly power but divine humility and servanthood.

The Shepherds and the Angels – verses Luke 2:8-20
Nearby, shepherds are watching over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appears to them, and they are terrified. The angel brings them “good news of great joy” that a Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born. The angel tells them they will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly, a multitude of angels appears, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” The shepherds go to Bethlehem, find Jesus as described, and then spread the news, praising God for what they had witnessed.

• Good News for All People: The angel’s message is one of universal salvation—good news for all people, regardless of status. The fact that the announcement is made to shepherds, considered lowly in society, reflects that Jesus’ birth is for the marginalized and outcasts as well as the powerful.
• Angelic Proclamation: The angels’ praise, “Glory to God in the highest,” emphasizes that Jesus’ birth brings glory to God and peace to humanity. The peace mentioned is not merely political but the spiritual peace of reconciliation with God through Jesus.
• The Shepherds’ Faith: The shepherds respond to the angelic message with faith and obedience, immediately going to see the child. Their joy and eagerness to spread the news reflect the transformative power of encountering the Savior.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – verses 21-40
According to Jewish custom, Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day and officially named Jesus, as the angel had instructed. Later, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for the purification rites and to offer the required sacrifice for a firstborn male. At the temple, they meet Simeon, a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the Messiah.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Christ. When he sees Jesus, he praises God, calling Jesus a “light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.” They also meet Anna, a prophetess, who praises God and speaks about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

• Simeon’s Prophecy: Simeon’s words emphasize that Jesus is the Messiah for both Jews and Gentiles, foreshadowing the universal nature of His salvation. His statement that Jesus will cause “the falling and rising of many in Israel” and be a “sign that will be opposed” foretells the mixed reactions to Jesus’ ministry and His eventual suffering.
• Simeon’s Faith: Simeon’s faith is rewarded, as he witnesses the fulfillment of God’s promise. His response, often called the Nunc Dimittis (“Now you dismiss”), reflects the peace and satisfaction of seeing God’s salvation firsthand.
• Anna’s Role: Anna, another devout figure, represents the faithful remnant of Israel who are longing for redemption. Like Simeon, she recognizes Jesus as the one who will bring salvation, and she spreads this message to others.
• Obedience to the Law: Joseph and Mary’s dedication to fulfilling the law (e.g., circumcision, purification rites) reflects their piety and faithfulness to God’s commandments.

Jesus as a Boy in the Temple – verses 41-52
The chapter concludes with an account of Jesus as a twelve-year-old. Every year, Mary and Joseph go to Jerusalem for the Passover. When Jesus is twelve, they go as usual, but on their return, they realize Jesus is missing. After three days of searching, they find Him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, asking questions and astonishing them with His understanding. When His parents question Him, Jesus replies, “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph do not fully understand this, but Jesus returns to Nazareth with them and continues to be obedient to them, growing in wisdom and favor with God and man.

• Jesus’ Identity and Mission: This episode gives a glimpse of Jesus’ awareness of His unique relationship with God the Father, even at a young age. His words, “I had to be in My Father’s house,” show that He understands His divine mission and identity, foreshadowing His later ministry.
• Growth in Wisdom: Luke emphasizes that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, highlighting both His human development and His divine favor. Though fully divine, Jesus also experienced the natural process of human growth and learning.
• Parental Confusion: Mary and Joseph’s confusion about Jesus’ words reflects the mystery surrounding Jesus’ identity and mission, even for those closest to Him. While they are devout and faithful, there are aspects of Jesus’ role as the Son of God that they do not yet fully comprehend.

Key Themes in Luke Chapter 2

• God’s Humble Entrance into the World: Jesus’ birth in a manger and the announcement to shepherds highlight the humility of His arrival. This sets the tone for His ministry, which will be marked by service to the poor, the lowly, and the outcast.
• Universal Salvation: From the announcement to the shepherds to Simeon’s prophecy, the chapter underscores that Jesus is the Savior for all people—both Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, powerful and humble. This is a key theme throughout Luke’s Gospel, which focuses on the inclusivity of God’s kingdom.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ birth fulfills multiple Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. Simeon’s and Anna’s recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises emphasizes the faithfulness of God to His covenant with Israel.
• Joy and Praise: The chapter is filled with joy and praise, from the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, to Simeon’s and Anna’s responses in the Temple. Jesus’ arrival is seen as the moment of salvation and hope for Israel and all humanity, inspiring worship and gratitude.
• Divine and Human Nature of Jesus: The account of Jesus’ early life (His birth and His time in the Temple) emphasizes both His divine nature (Son of God) and His human nature (growing in wisdom and stature). Luke presents Jesus as fully God and fully man, a core Christian belief.

Luke 2:1-52 King James Bible KJV

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 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;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.