The Birth of Christ and the Visit of the Shepherds: Luke 2:1-20

In this passage we have a mention of Caesar Augustus, who is also known as Octavian. He is the grandnephew and adopted heir of Julius Caesar. He reigned from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14. When Julius Caesar was assassinated by his senatorial opponents on March 15, 44 B.C., the 19-year-old Octavian returned from his studies in Greece to claim his inheritance. The Roman people liked Octavian, Mark Anthony, and Lepidus, which divided the country.

By 27 B.C. Octavian had defeated all other forces claiming power and so ended the various factions within the Roman republic that started at Julius Caesar’s assassination. It was because of this that he was given the name Augustus and became the first emperor. His strong and brilliant leadership continued until his death in A.D. 14. The birth of Jesus occurred in the middle of his administration. His name occurs only here in Scripture. In Acts 25:21, 25 and 27:1 “Augustus” is a title designating the current Roman emperor Nero, much like the name Caesar did as well. Keep this in mind when seeing people bearing these names in scripture. Without having the understanding that they are often titles, it could lead one to the conclusion that the Bible contradicts itself when it does not.

V. 2

Note that Judea was a part of the Roman province of Syria. Quirinius was governor over that province. Later there would be even smaller divisions of the empire of which Pontius Pilot would later rule the one over the city of Jerusalem.

V. 4

In this verse we see that he is said to have gone up, although the direction he went was south. The reason is because he was going to the city of Bethlehem, which was considered the city of David. Being a city of David, made it considered of a higher spiritual nature than other cities. Regardless of what direction you were coming from, you went up to Bethlehem. Note that Joseph went to the city of David for the census, because he was a part of the family of David. It is important that he be from the family, because the Messiah was to be from the family of David.

V. 5

Of great importance as well, Mary was from the family of David. She also came to register in Bethlehem. At this point, it has been approximately one thousand years since David was king.

V. 9

Notice here the great excitement in heaven over the incarnation of Christ. If those in heaven celebrated it so much, we should too.

V. 10

The good news is the complete gospel message. It is this message that brings great joy to peoples lives and is offered to all as we see in this verse.

V. 11

Notice that the gift of salvation is for all and yet it is individualized as well. Note that it is not different from person to person; it is just that God sees it as a special interaction between you and Him. He says to the shepherds regarding the gift that it is “for you.” It is also in this verse that Jesus is called Savior and Lord. He is Savior because He saves us from the eternal punishment of our sin. He is Lord because He has complete authority over the entire world.

V. 19

Does the angel’s proclamation of peace mean that war is never God’s will or that war between men is what is being referenced here? It is not. The context is that Jesus is in the act of saving us from God’s judgment that is providing peace between God and us. Because Scripture teaches and promotes peace, does not mean that it is ungodly to fight in a war. Generally the peace the Bible speaks of is that eternal peace between God and us. Also, note how Mary always ponders what is taking place. She does not accept every spiritual event instantly, but wonders about them first. It is this practice that falls right in line with what John taught in 1 John 4:1. We should test everything in light of Scripture.

V. 20

The shepherds burst into a celebration of praise at the incarnation. Again, this event is one that was enthusiastically celebrated by these early believers. We too should celebrate the birth of Christ, as we do at Christmas.