Back to Basics - The Birth Narratives - Part 2

Back to Basics

The Birth Narratives – Part 2 23/12/2020

Derrick Harrison 12/23/2020

The Birth Narratives of Matthew and Luke Jesus is born of Mary (Luke Ch.2) 1. The journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus (vv1-7).

2. The angel hosts and the visitation of the shepherds (vv8-20) 3. The circumcision of Jesus (v21) 4. Jesus’ presentation in the temple – Simeon & Anna pronounce blessings on Jesus (vv22-38).

5. The family return to Nazareth, and Jesus grows through childhood (vv39-40) 6. Jesus who is 12 years old is taken to Jerusalem (vv41p-49) 7. Jesus advances in wisdom and favour (vv51-40) In our previous talk we looked at the angel annunciations to Zachariah, Mary and Joseph and today we look at Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. We concluded our previous talk with the conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb, her visit to her cousin Elizabeth and the supernatural actions of the Holy Spirit which accompanied their meeting each other.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to greet Mary and she immediately prophesied and simultaneously John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary responded to Elizabeth’s greeting and breaks forth in praise and worship to the Lord. (I will deal separately with the supernatural phenomenons which are an essential part of the birth narratives).

1. Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem (Lk.2:1-7) and the birth of Jesus New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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I wonder what occupied Mary’s heart as she trudged from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They had to travel 90 miles to the city of Joseph's ancestors: south along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and on to Bethlehem. They would have encountered harsh weather conditions (freezing at night-time), traversing high hills and passing through the forested valley of the Jordon River, known for bears, boars, rogues and robbers. They would have taken their own provisions including bread and water.

It was a gruelling trip for Mary who was heavily pregnant with Jesus – how strange to be expecting a child who had not been conceived by intimacy with one’s beloved. Was her heart in turmoil, fear perhaps, or did tranquillity possess her soul? Certainly, every wife who faces the delivery of her child, encounters conflicting emotions and fears, - and there was the possibility of giving birth on the road-side. The visitation of the angel Gabriel, the supernatural pregnancy, she must have gone over the details of the annunciation again and again in her heart. Only the tangible physical birth of this mystery child would finally settle her heart. What an amazing journey of faith she trod for those long nine months from the conception to the birth of the Christ Child. The Hebrews Writer begins the great portrait gallery of faith by saying, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” and we are reminded of the words of Elizabeth as she greeted her cousin Mary, “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Lk.1:45).

Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem to find the town packed full of people who had also come there to register due to the census which meant that all available accommodation was already occupied. One

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can hear the despair of Mary, “there was found no room for them” (2:7), as she faced her imminent delivery without the comfort of a home, instead she faced the ground floor accommodation of a house where animals were kept. The birth of Mary’s baby took place there among the straw strewn on the rough floor for the animals, “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” (v7). The word manger is sometimes translated as “feeding trough.” Mary placed in the manger her new born baby which was wrapped in swaddling bands.

2. The angel hosts and the visitation of the shepherds (vv8-20) I have always wondered why the angels appeared to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. There are two views about the shepherds; there is the traditional view which looks on the shepherds as insignificant, uneducated men who looked after dumb sheep. The rabbis who produced the Talmudic literature (written around A.D. 200-500 but containing oral traditions from before, during and after the earthly lifetime of Jesus) often regarded shepherds as dishonest and prone to violating Jewish law. Likewise, Philo, a Jewish sage in Egypt and a contemporary of Jesus, wrote that shepherds “are held to be mean and inglorious” (On Husbandry, 61). This has been the prevailing view which has been perpetuated in the church for generations.

The other view of the shepherds is much more honouring and affirming. Firstly, consider the teaching of Scripture about shepherds and those people in Scripture who were engaged in shepherding and we immediately come up with rather different estimate of shepherds because they come out rather well.

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According to the Jewish Mishnah (A.D. 200 but also containing longstanding oral traditions of previous ages), animals in the vicinity of Bethlehem (specifically Migdal Eder — “Tower of the Flock”) could be offered for Temple sacrifices (Shekalim 7:4). According to Eusebius, a Palestinian Christian leader of the fourth century in his work, “Concerning the Place-names in Sacred Scriptures” (Section B, 196), Migdal Eder was located one mile east of Bethlehem.

If the shepherds of Luke’s account were those who kept flocks potentially destined for the Temple at Migdal Eder, they especially would have been receptive to the angel’s message. Both the geographical locations of Bethlehem and nearby Migdal Eder are mentioned in Micah’s prophecy of the Messiah (Micah 5:2 and 4:8). In regard to Migdal Eder, this locale too is linked to the coming of the King, “And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem” (Micah 4:8). In the margin of my KJV translation, tower is Migdal Eder, thus linking the coming of the Messiah with this location near Bethlehem. In Micah 5:2 we read, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 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.” This second messianic prophecy of Micah links His rulership with Bethlehem. Of course, in the heart and mind of Christians, Bethlehem has memorable associations, not least being the fact that it was the home of Ruth and Boaz and later David, “And Salmon begat Booz of Rahab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Uriah” (Mat.1:5-6).

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Matthew’s genealogy follows the line of Joseph, but, interestingly he does not hide the irregularities which are contained within it, - he refers to Rahab who was a prostitute, a Canaanite from Jericho; Ruth who was a Moabitess, Tamar who had a son born out of incest by her father-in-law and Bathsheba who was the wife of Uriah a Hittite. Luke does not mention these women in his genealogy. A further point, with reference to the shepherd David – he may have grazed his sheep on the same hills as these shepherds who raised sacrificial lambs for killing in Jerusalem.

If the shepherds tending the flocks for the Temple stationed at Migdal Eder are the shepherds of Luke’s account, then the annunciation to the shepherds would fulfil that aspect of messianic prophecy referred to in Micah.

The angel of the Lord appeared to these shepherds, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (2:8-12).

The angel calmed them and told them that the Messiah had just been born in nearby Bethlehem. While not revealing the exact location in the city for the child, the angel related that the child was the one who was swaddled in binding cloths and lying in a manger (v12). The angel was joined by a heavenly host of angels that praised God,

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“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (vv13-14).

The shepherds rush to Bethlehem to find this child, lying in a manger and wrapped in swaddling cloths/bands. This is referred to specifically as a sign to them. It has special significance to them as shepherds from the tower of Migdal Eder just a mile away from Bethlehem. After a short walk to the city (only about one mile if Eusebius is correct), they found the child with his parents, (often described as the holy family).

The picture of the nativity has captured the imagination of the world, they linger here but never view the life of Jesus or His teaching and they have no knowledge of His death, resurrection and ascension to Father’s right-hand. We know that this new-born child is the Son of God and that He is alive today and reigns for ever and ever. Hallelujah!

The shepherds praised God for both the angelic message and their visit to see the child; they then herald Messiah’s birth, spreading the news throughout the community around Bethlehem which causes great amazement among them (vv17-20).

Certainly, the Bible has its own perspective on shepherding, although Biblical shepherds are viewed in the singular, whereas the shepherds in the nativity are in a group. Consider the significance of the role of the shepherd, in the lives of Abel (Gen.4:4), the Patriarchs, Moses (Ex.3:1), David (2Sam.7:8), and Amos (Amos 7.14) and the impact it obviously had on their lives. The Bible takes up the imagery and the lessons which quite naturally are associated with the profession.

Moses took his shepherds staff with him into Egypt, David exchanged his shepherds crook for a kingly crown, but exploited the spiritual New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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significance of the shepherd, he wrote, “The LORD is my shepherd!”

(Ps.23:1). Many of his Psalms were composed while he was a shepherd. For David the imagery was rich in terms of God’s focused attention and care of his personal welfare and safety. There are only positive things to be gained from the examination of the shepherd role. On top of David’s teaching which is related to pastoral care and responsibility, also consider the teaching of Jesus about Himself in the role of shepherd, “I am the good shepherd” (Jn.10:11), obviously the imagery of the shepherd as an object lesson for His disciples suited Jesus well, nevertheless, He must have been pondering on His own ministry in the light of the shepherd. Also associated with the shepherd is his guardianship of the sheep and again the typology of the Lamb and the shed blood of the Lamb predominates in Scripture.

The subject is too vast to consider here but remember the sacrifice of Isaac and the prophetic words of the Abraham to Isaac, “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen.22:8; see Lev.16). In the Apocalypse the Apostle John’s favourite title for Jesus is “the Lamb.” John Baptist following his newly discovered revelation that Jesus was the Son of God and the Saviour from sin, by pointing to Him and saying, “Behold the Lamb of God …” Finally, consider how the profession of the shepherd has been used to communicate values and qualities of Christian leadership, this analogy goes back to the OT, to Jesus and to the original apostles and the apostles Peter and Paul who speak about shepherding the flock of God. The shepherds of Bethlehem have been viewed even more highly by some, it has been suggested that they were priest-shepherds linked to the priesthood in Jerusalem and delegated to ensure the supply of young male sheep for sacrifice in Jerusalem. Great care was needed to birth lambs in special mangers and then to swaddle them, thus New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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ensuring their purity. The lambs were reared for one year before they were sacrificed. Even this picture of nightly guarding, I have seen in Rumania where shepherds were guarding their flocks by night, a description that reminds one of the priests in the tabernacle who served God by night and by day. This phraseology is repeated shortly when Anna the widow woman in the temple is introduced, “who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Lk.2:37).

The Jewish historian Josephus writing in the first century records that during New Testament times at Passover up to 260,000 lambs would be sacrificed in the temple at Jerusalem. Where did this vast number of lambs come from? Furthermore, these were very special lambs.

Therefore, they had to be born and bred in controlled conditions and inspected for birth defects before being raised in a specially protected environment under the close watch of the Jerusalem priests. The vast numbers of sheep given here seems hard to grasp and must surely have entailed supplies available beyond those which were reared in Bethlehem.

According to the laws of the time the sheep that were used for the offerings had to be a one-year-old male sheep that had been outside for 365 days (one-year), since these sheep needed to remain outside the shepherds were also outside. You can see this in Luke 2: 8, “That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep”. Once the sheep were of age the shepherds would bring them to the city of Jerusalem to be sacrificed for the Sabbath (Friday). It was important that the sheep that was to be sacrificed did not possess any blemishes (broken legs, or injuries).

Once the sheep’s blood was completely spilled for all of the sins the

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priest would return to the people and proclaim, “It is finished”. Jesus was born in the small city of Bethlehem. When his time had come Jesus was led to Jerusalem to be sacrificed. It was extremely important that he did not have any imperfections (blemishes). On the Sabbath Jesus Christ was crucified and gave up his life. He proclaimed, “It is finished”, and gave up his life. His last proclamation from the cross, “He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (Jn.19:30).

It has been suggested that the ‘sign’ of the ‘swaddling clothes’ - “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (2:12), was in anticipation of the death of Jesus as the Passover lamb. This could only be the case if the new born lambs in Bethlehem were actually swaddled by the shepherds and then sold on to the temple as sacrificial lambs. It was a common practise that new born babies were swaddled in strips of cloth, but the unique difference was that the Child Jesus would be found swaddled in a manger, thus affirming the word of the angel. If the shepherds did swaddle their new born lambs which were reared for temple sacrifice then it truly was an amazing sign which pointed directly from the manger to the cross, but this meaning would have been lost on the shepherds, it only has significance to us who can look back with insight and comprehend its significance.

This common practise of swaddling babies (see Ezek.16:4) would have been even more important for Mary due to the fact that His cradle was a manger. This point of observation affirms again, the source of Luke’s information as coming directly from Mary the mother of Jesus (Lk.2:51).

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“Everyday life in the Holy Land” James Neil, a former missionary to the Jews, he accurately described life in Palestine in Jesus’ time and he says, “The swaddling clothes of Palestine to this day consist of bands of white cotton or linen cloth about four to five inches wide and some five or six yards long.

The child's legs are laid together, and his arms by his side, and these bands are then wound round and round his naked body until it presents somewhat the appearance of a little mummy. A band is even passed under the chin and round the top of the head, by which the child is unconsciously taught the important lesson of keeping its mouth closed and of breathing through its nostrils … The swaddled babe may be seen in the hammock-like cradle hung on the wall, so often used in these village houses. Imagination can hardly picture a lowlier state, and one of greater weakness and helplessness than such a swaddled fellahheen child laid in the rude manger of such a humble abode.”

A further question relates to the general idea that Mary faced her first child birth alone in a filthy stable with animals in a village inn, having been turned away from other accommodation. The fact is that houses generally had a ground floor which was shared by animals such as a donkey, a cow, hens and the like, but imagine if this accommodation was the ground floor of an inn, it would have been crowded with various kinds of animals, people bustling, shouting, shoving and one wonders how Mary could have delivered a child in such a situation.

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However, I don’t think she would have faced having a child without sympathy and help. Mothers were midwives and would have been on hand to encourage and support Mary in child birth. The idea of isolation seems unlikely, but who can tell? There are so many interpretations woven around the nativity story it is important to keep as close as possible to the actual text of Scripture. I certainly have given you plenty of material which lies beyond the actual text of Scripture!

3. The circumcision of Jesus (vv21) “And when eight days were complete for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb” (v21).

4. Jesus’ presentation in the temple, – Simeon & Anna pronounce blessings on Jesus (vv22-38) Following Mary’s purification following child birth, Jesus is brought to Jerusalem to be presented in the temple, to the Lord. Immediately, Simeon is introduced as his entry into the temple coincides with the visit of Mary’s family. Again, we are introduced by Luke to the powerful activity of the Holy Spirit (compare the occasion when Mary meets her cousin Elizabeth in her home and observe Luke’s careful relating about the amazing activity of the Holy Spirit) (see my separate document on the actions of the Holy Spirit in the Birth narratives).

Luke writes, “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose

name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So, he came by the Spirit into the temple” (vv25-27).

The foundation for the Spirit’s actions is his basic godliness, as just/righteous and devout.

Luke presents the central figures at the heart of the birth narratives as devout Jews, examples for us to follow and those whom God visits – as demonstrated here in the lives Simeon and Anna. Of course, what is most important are the prophetic words pronounced upon Jesus, his blessing on both parents and his final prophecy to Mary.

The conception in Mary’s womb was the direct result of Mary believing the prophetic promise declared by the angel and now Luke points to the significance of the Lord’s word to Simeon. Take note of the exact content of what he had been told. He obviously had believed this word and had patiently and consistently waited upon the Lord for its fulfilment just like Anna. They did not let the Lord’s word lie latent for fulfilment but were daily alert and prayerful, thus the Lord’s word had profoundly affected them and their life-style long before it was actually fulfilled through them. Look at Anna’s diligent attention to the Lord’s word, “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, …and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (vv36-37).

Note, how exactly like Simeon she comes into the temple at precisely the right moment (cf. v27), she like Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit.

Anna does not speak directly to the holy family (as far as we know), but she recognises the Christ Child immediately and instantly declares New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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His presence among his people and the promise of redemption to all those godly souls who were waiting for this glorious moment of Messiah’s arrival. What a devoted and faithful widow woman Anna was and how much do we owe to her continued intercessions.

5. The family return to Nazareth, and Jesus grows through childhood (vv39-40) “So, when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (vv39-40).

Note how accurate and balanced Luke is in how he describes the person of the Lord Jesus, - His physical, human and spiritual development. Take these two verses and add this later verse, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men” (vv51-52). There is no reference to the Holy Spirit until we meet Jesus at the age of 30 years when He was baptized by John Baptist in the Jordon River and then we read, “and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (3:21-22).

In Jesus’ baptism as in His incarnation we have present the three persons of the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. From this point onwards Jesus will move and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. Jesus who is 12 years old is taken to Jerusalem (vv41-50)

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“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast” (vv41-42).

“Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers” (vv46-47).

“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them” (vv49-50).

“The finding of the Saviour in the Temple” by the Christian painter, Holman Hunt (Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery). Holman marked his conversion by painting Jesus knocking at the heart’s door. The title New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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he gave to the picture, “The Light of the World.” The picture went on tour and was viewed by the nations of the British Empire.

One of the most influential artists of the Pre-Raphaelite movement was Dante Gabriel Rossetti, whose sister Christina who was a Christian writer who wrote religious poetry and a commentary on the book of Revelation, but she is most famous for her carol, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” here are the last two verses, Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; But His mother only, in her maiden bliss, Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

It is the second paining, of Jesus in the temple which relates to our immediate subject. Again, Luke only relates this incident, just as it is Luke who records Jesus’ development from childhood. Again, Mary is relating an incident which she would never forget! The anxiety of Him missing for so long and His apparent ignorance of their worries, met with a rebuke from His mother. Holman Hunt captured this moment when she took him aside from the learned scholars with whom He had been discoursing and asked Him why He had done this.

Jesus spoke his first recorded words when he was 12 years old and they were words which conveyed His surprise that His parents did not

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understand the purpose of His being there in the temple and the purpose of Father for His life, “And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them” (2:49-50).

Fully aware of their ignorance, He returned with them and “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart” (v51).

At this age of 12 Jesus was separated from his parents unto the call of God. Nevertheless, He returned to the home, where from the age of 12, he was subject to His father. His father taught and trained Him in the family business of carpentry. The Lord had chosen Joseph for this purpose as well as being a devoted husband to Mary.

Matthew’s account of the Magi: The visitation of the magi is not in sequence with the events in Luke, I have kept Matthew’s material separate and so it stands alone.

7. The Magi from the east come seeking for Him who is born the King of the Jews (Mat.2:1-12) The magi are strangers from outside of Judaism and they represent all the people groups of the world who are outside of Israel’s covenants but brought into their blessings by the death of the Christ Child and the salvation He made accessible to all humanity. These magi were invited to behold the infant king and to get so close they could gently touch Him, make Him chuckle and delight in His perfect humanity.

What a privilege indeed has been afforded us through the cross to

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come close to God and to enjoy His beautiful human nature through intimacy with Him. There is so much of mystery and questions we can’t answer about the magi, they seem like strangers from another exotic world unknown to us but they find their way into the narrative and even gain entrance to the house (not an inn) and the intimate presence of Mary and her child.

In the Birmingham Art Gallery is the largest collection of PreRaphaelite paintings in the world. In pride of place is the largest watercolor painting of the nineteenth century, “The Star of Bethlehem” by Edward Burne-Jones.

I suggested in my first talk on the Birth Narratives that the magi may have started out on their long journey (over a thousand miles) at least New Life Radio – Talk No 11

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a year ahead of events surrounding the birth of Jesus. This would mean that the star appeared in the eastern night sky a year before it appeared over the manger to lighten the path of the shepherds and to light up the manger.

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Mat.2:1-2).

Thus, the announcement of the magi in Jerusalem is the first announcement we have of Jesus’ birth and the news sends shockwaves through the royal palace and the higher echelons of Jewish power. Significantly, the wise men of Jerusalem are provoked to consider where the Messiah will be born and they pin-pointing the prophecy of Micah, “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel” (Mat.2:6).

The prophecy of Balaam speaks of the star, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh:

there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth” (Num.24:17).

We will never know how they came to discover the significance of the star which appeared in the eastern sky, but they had sufficient knowledge to set out by faith in pursuit of the star which guided them by night, they followed its direction for over a thousand miles until it

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led them to Jerusalem and from there they were directed to Bethlehem where they encountered the light again which focused its beam on the kingly babe in the manger. We read that when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding joy. How much more will they rejoice when they see the KING in His enthronement in the manger!

The Bible describes the nativity scene in which the magi are seen worshipping Him, “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Mat.2:11).

In addition to the honour and status implied by the value of the gifts of the magi, scholars think that these three were chosen for their spiritual symbolism about Jesus Himself—gold representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming.

When Isaiah describes Jerusalem’s glorious restoration, he tells of nations and kings who will come, “The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord” (Isa.60:6).

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