Discuss Luke 2 Page 5

Let this resonate with you: Without the defeat of Antiochus IV by Maccabees [the real Hanukkah miracle] there would have never been been the announcement by the Angels to the Shepherds "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ( Luke 2:8-11)

Hi Pamela,

Virgin means virgin. The Bible is already translated and accurate. If you don't believe Mary was a virgin like the Bible says, what is your reason?

There were zero other virgin births other than Jesus. Jesus = Immanuel. Jesus and God the father have many names throughout the Bible and this is one of them. It doesn't mean it would become Jesus's literal first name. The name means God with us since Jesus = God.

Isaiah 7:14 = prophesy

Matthew 1:23 = fulfillment

Luke 1:34-38 = Yes, Mary was in fact a virgin

Luke 2:7 = Jesus's birth

As soon as you have received salvation you are ready for baptism. Those who accepted his message were baptized that day ( Acts 2:41).

While baptism is not essential to salvation, the mandate of baptism is essential to Obedience.

Being baptized is a command from God, it is not an option. It is an act that God requires of every believer. Among Jesus' last recorded words on earth were, He that believes and is baptized shall be saved ( Mark 16:16).

Sprinkling infants with water does not baptize them. Being baptized requires an understanding and commitment that an infant has no capacity to undertake. There is no record of infant baptisms in the Bible.

There are examples of baby dedication ( 1 Samuel 1:11, Luke 2:22). Baby dedication is where the baby is blessed as a public statement by the parents that they will train their children in the Christian faith and seek to instill that faith in them.

Christians who do not follow Jesus in water baptism have a much higher rate of backsliding than those who do. If a person's walk with God does not start with the most basic act of obedience, they are not likely to be obedient in other areas of their walk.

If you have never been baptized, now is the perfect time to obey the Lord.

I think John the Baptist was born to proclaim Jesus, Baptize Jesus and Preach The Word of God, who is, Jesus Christ. John 1:1 (my thoughts)

You don't have to do it if you don't want to; clearly shown in the New Testament mentions through Paul and others.

Most people know about Baptism. Some churches offer it; others don't. As a street minister, we baptized those that asked for it; in a friends swimming pool or the College fountain. There's no LAW on this.

Jesus gave us 2 new commandments. Let's do that.

M.

It is said you should pray in the spirit. What is the difference in just praying and praying in the spirit and how do you pray in the spirit?

Luke 2:8-20

The night Jesus was born there were awesome displays of angels speaking to the shepherds tending their flocks in the area. They were given messages to take to Joseph and Mary.

The Archangel, Gabriel (the messenger) gave information to Mary and Joseph, directly and indirectly before and after. The message to flee into Egypt.

This should comfort us, that even tho we may not see them, angels do perform tasks as the Lord delegates on our behalf. At no time should we praise angels. They are created to serve God.

Thank you , Dear God, for another day in which to give you all the praise and all the the love that I hold in my heart!! A special prayer for my wife Mariana and for her homeland, Bulgaria!!!!!

TO: D W L - in Reply on Luke 2:15

Amen to that comment, the old KJV is all I read also. So many people are trying to argue their way into heaven, fighting over who's right and who's wrong they forget the simple answer is right there in the Word of God John 14:6 (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.) Very nice comment D W L, God Bless.

D W L ,thankyou sooo much ,you are so right ,i read the Bible every day ,i read a book or two from the old then a book of the new ,truth and beauty never get old , even after so many reads i find things in there that i never noticed before ,i believe that we are as the israelites were ,wondering in a desert waiting to enter into our real home ,the Bible is our mana ,its what sustains me in this dreadfull wilderness ,keep your eyes on the prize ! Its coming !

Arthur Cassatt - I am near 80 and have always read the KJV, I haven't read a fiction book since I gave my life to Jesus.

I have found that the answer to every problem or condition is in the Bible if it is properly applied.

I can't remember a time when reading the same thing over that I have read many times has been boring or that It wasn't refreshing in the spirit.

The letter kills but the spirit gives life.

Thank. You, Dear God, for all !!!!!

Thank you, Dear God, for everything!!!!

Hi Rob,

I don't think anyone here has ever said Jesus Christ is God the Father. He is the only begotten Son of God. Like you stated flesh from being born of Mary. Though no virgin can give birth to a person. They must be conceived. The Holy Ghost is what conceived Mary. The Holy Ghost is of God. Jesus Christ was not just a human like you or me. He was part human part God.

I was wondering if it was the same Rob I have had conversations before about the divinity of Christ. In your question about "God not being flesh". Which I believe we all know. Also has nothing to do with Jesus Christ being God the Son.

He is on the right hand of God. Nothing is above Him and everything is below Him. Just as God the Father as they are ONE. Also the He existed before the world was.

As I might as well bring this up as well as I know some believe this view. That Jesus Christ received the Holy Ghost at His baptism in the Jordan. Maybe because of the vision John saw of the Spirit descending upon Him. Which to me was just for a testimony. Also as God spoke from Heaven. John the baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mothers womb as in Luke 1:15. I don't understand how anyone could think the Holy Ghost/Spirit of God was not with Jesus Christ from His mothers womb also. Also in that John was born of two human parents. Not as Christ in that God is His real Father. Even showing Jesus knew he was the Son of God in Luke 2:49. As we who are born again, knowing God is our Father, receiving the the Holy Spirit of adoption as in Romans 8:15-16. Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and ONE with God the Father. Along with the Holy Ghost. 1 John 5:7.

No one said anyone gave anything to God the Father.

God Bless.

The term "Shepherds" Does not mean every one who was in charge of sheep. If you conceder that when Jesus said, "The sheep know my voice" We are the sheep the Shepard's are our Minister's and Pastors in Christ. Amen

Hello Mishael,

Thank you for your reply. Although I believe you may have taken my question a little off. It wasn't why Jesus was baptized in the Jordan. Just as you stated that in Matthew 3:15 Jesus told John it was to "fulfill all righteousness".

It was just in a previous post from RTB, and at least one other, that they state that Jesus Christ was anointed with, or received, the Holy Ghost at His baptism by John. As he made a good point in Luke 1:15 how John the baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mothers womb. As we know how much greater Jesus Christ is than John the baptist. Not taking anything away from how great John the baptist was.

I stated this in a post the other day about Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Ghost "Even at age twelve He astonished people who heard Him. He knew God was His Father then Luke 2:47-49. To me showing He did not just receive the Holy Ghost(Spirit of God) at His water baptism in the Jordan. If the sight of the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove was just a sign for John, or for His supernatural powers, only God knows. John 1:32-34."

I hope that cleared up for you that my question was not why He was baptized but about the Holy Ghost being in Him before His water baptism. Which I believe and there is evidence to in the Scriptures.

Thank you very much for your reply Mishael. You always leave lots of helpful information.

God Bless.

As no one person is exactly the same as another. Just as well there is many different beliefs to interpreting the Scriptures. Which is said to have no private interpretation. ( 2 Peter 1:20-21.

As this has been discussed before I will put my portion. I do not say Jesus Christ is God the Father. He is the only begotten Son of God. Though He was more than just a "sinless" man. He was part man part God. Born of a virgin who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ( Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:30-35. Even at age twelve He astonished people who heard Him. He knew God was His Father then Luke 2:47-49. To me showing He did not just receive the Holy Ghost(Spirit of God) at His water baptism in the Jordan. If the sign of the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove was for just a sign for John or for His supernatural powers only God knows. John 1:32-34.

If some think that believing Jesus Christ is more that just a man is taking something away from the Father. God wants us to honor His Son as He is the only way to the Father. Scriptures pointing to Him being more than "just" a man John 3:12-13, John 3:33-35, John 3:38, John 8:54-58, John 17:3-5, Colossians 1:12-20, Hebrews 1:1-4.

Also titles Jesus Christ, the Son of God, uses like Alpha and Omega(first and last) in the beginning of Revelation. The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, being King of kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 17:14. Also the Word of God and King of kings and Lord of lords given to the man riding the white horse out of Heaven. I believe is Jesus Christ.

Besides all of the miracles He performed. Him being transfigured on the mountain Matthew 17:2.

There is one True Holy Living Almighty God. Saying the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost are one. Also as how many verses I have that state the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God, and the Holy Ghost are in us after being saved. To me showing Jesus Christ is the Word of God and one with God and the Holy Ghost.

Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven.

I love this audio bible but I would greatly appreciate it if you would also make available an NIV version to choose from.

your broher in Christ,

Arthur

Shepherds

-

While keeping watch one quiet night,

with friends and flock nearby,

an angel of the Lord came near

and brightly lit the sky.

-

The look upon that holy face

no words can well convey.

We threw ourselves upon the ground

to cower, and to pray.

-

But, then, the angel told us all

to put aside our fear

and brought to us the greatest news

we all would ever hear

-

for, in the town of Bethlehem,

before the coming morn,

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,

will straightaway be born.

-

To Bethlehem, the angel said,

we all should go this night,

and in a manger, find the child,

in swaddling clothes, just right.

-

Then all around us, all at once,

more angels just appeared

with such goodwill to all mankind

that we all stood and cheered.

-

When all the angels went their way,

we all resolved to seek

the child that was foretold to us,

and in a place so meek.

-

In Bethlehem, we found the place

beneath a shining star,

the parents and their newborn babe,

and wise men from afar.

-

We're telling you of all we've seen

and heard, so you will know

a Savior has been born to us,

and that God loves us so.

-

By Steven Chapin

December 1, 2017

(See Luke 2:8-20)

Yes, I am aggressive. I only repeat what the Bible states. We live in a violent time. If we want the violence to end we must believe what the Bible says. We live in a wicked time. If we want heaven on earth we must believe truth.

The day is coming when all people will return to God.

Ps. 34:11: "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord." I will teach you to hate evil.

"Fear not: Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" ( Luke 2:10).

We can expect great joy to all people.

What does lord mean ? andwho is the lord

Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill, If you read in Luke he was also circumcised and he didn't need to be, likewise in Matthew, John says that he needed to be baptized of Jesus, but Jesus reply's that all righteousness needs to be fulfilled.

Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

Luke 2:21 "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."

Matthew 3:11 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"

Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

I will state at the outset Melvin, that I've never fasted & prayed: I've never sensed the need to do so, though I do understand Jesus Own Words in this regard ( Matthew 17:21) & others in the Bible who have fasted & prayed ( Luke 2:37, Acts 14:23). There is no reason to not fast & pray, but when we consider these examples, it seems clear that fasting (coupled with prayer), is an act to make one more conscious & focused on the important/urgent matter in our hearts or in the spiritual work we might be called to do, that engages with the spirit world.

The opposite is also true: if you have a big lunch & its a lovely warm day, it doesn't take much for the body to relax & slowly drift away into sleep (for me at least). But when the body is denied food & coupled with a determination to bring our matters before the Lord, then our spirits are more centred on this & stray thoughts & need for sleep are kept at bay. As well, I would think that the Lord also sees the earnestness of our hearts about our matters before Him & we in a sense 'wrestle with the Lord' in prayer as Jacob did physically with God's Angel, saying, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." ( Genesis 32:26). And James in James 5:16 says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much", which almost implies that if we choose to fast & pray, then this adds 'weight' to our fervent, effectual praying. Does this make our prayers more powerful? If our prayers are then made in full faith not doubting, in full earnestness, in full agreement with the Will of God, then yes, by fasting, both ourselves & God are pressed into 'action': from us, focused fervent prayer; from God, being conscious of our appeal to Him & not letting go until we see His Hand move.

Maybe others here on this Site, who engage in fasting & prayer may be able to help you further in this matter.

I have read the Bible, in many translations and in my poor understanding and translation of Greek. Over the years I have heard and read about St Luke's stating that His mother "laid Him in a manger ..." ( a feeding trough). Many people have spoken , written, about this event and why St. Luke put the story of Jesus' birth in his narrative. My guess is that all explanations are valid.

My thought is that the act of placing Jesus in a "MANGER" is that St. Luke is prefiguring ( if that is the proper word to use) the Last Supper and what we do as Christians to be fed and to be as one with our Lord and Saviour " Jesus Christ ".

From the moment oh Jesus' birth God is calling us to be one with Him and in so doing so we will be empowered to do what we are called to do, as individuals as part of the body of Christ.

Thanks Chris, That's clear in scripture, Looking for that blessed hope!!! and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus will return to Earth to reign in Jerusalem at the appointed time set by God - & that will be for a thousand years' duration. We understand by examining & 'dividing' of the Scriptures, that His return will be at the end of the Great Tribulation of God upon the Earth of wicked people & the Anti-Christ, & when Satan & the Anti-Christ will be locked away for that period (Revelation chapter 20). Jesus' Return will be the start of the 'New Age' of Righteousness, for those who have come to Him by faith in His Work at the Cross, who will share in His Kingdom right into eternity.

Yet, no one can set dates for all this to happen. I believe that Jesus first comes in the air to receive those who belong to Him & prior to the Anger of God poured onto the World ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), as God's Anger is not for those who have trusted in Him to forgive their sins. His Anger is against those who have rejected God & spurned His Love offer to them through Jesus His Son.

But we're always reminded to be ready for Jesus' Coming & not be found slothful & careless in living holy lives before Him; that when He comes, we might rejoice to see Him & not recoil in shame & sadness for our behaviour ( 1 John 2:28). "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." ( Matthew 24:44).

It was sad to read of your family situation, Braden; it must be so difficult when it's your parents that need the spiritual help & guidance. Your only guide in this matter is the Word of God. You can look at Jesus' Life, both as a young lad right to His appointed time to lay down His Life for us. Even though his earthly parents sometimes misunderstood Him & God's direction for Him, He still had to do what He had to & be a witness to them of His calling ( Luke 2:42-50). His parents were rightly concerned but they had to accept that Jesus was going to put God first always.

Jesus still honoured His parents in spite of their ignorance of His Calling & that is still God's expectation for you to give due honour & respect to yours in spite of what you see in them. God has given them to be your parents & they have given you all due care & provision from your birth, so ask God to help you see them in a different way than what is confronting you. Look past their weaknesses, hypocrisies, maybe carnal ways & see what they could be like if the Cross came before their sinful hearts & they could be changed. Commit your family in much prayer - that will be the earnest prayer that God hears & I'm sure will be answered in His Time.

Spend time reading the Word of God & in prayer, even when your family is looking on. They will see that you're putting God first in your life & they will see (& maybe convicted) by how you present yourself differently to others, your attitudes, your wisdom to handle situations, your devotion to the One Who has given you new life. Sometimes, that's all we can do - you can share the Word often with them, but ultimately it's your life & attitude to them that they will notice & will speak to them. Remember, it is real, genuine, godly Love that people notice - the type of love that many can't comprehend. Be strong young brother & be Christ's fragrance both at home & in the world.

"Marvel" expresses less than amazement or astonishment. It's defined as a wonder; that which arrests the attention and causes a person to stand or gaze; to pause.

In Luke 2:30-33, the parents "marvelled" about what Simeon and others said about the Christ child.

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.

In the New Testament of the Bible, you'll find the word "marvelled" used in other contexts, but it retains the same definition that is stated at the top of this answer. The following verse is Matthew 8:10...

"When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."

Thank you!

Old Simeon was longing to see the "consolation of Israel" ( Luke 2:25-35) & was assured by God that he would do so before he died. What Mary & Joseph heard from Simeon were prophetical utterances (vv 30-32), including other things that he had said which are not given to us, that were maybe not revealed earlier to them, or were a further confirmation to them about God's Hand upon this Child & for His great task ahead.

Earlier, cousin Elizabeth, had exclaimed other words/prophecies about Jesus ( Luke 1:44-55). It may well be that Mary & Joseph 'marvelled' (wondered) at Simeon's words, since he wasn't related to them & these things were now being revealed to him. Or, that from his utterances, their own understanding of this Divine Birth was made more clear. And then the prophetess, Anna, also made spectacular utterances (2:36-38). All of these encounters caused them to marvel at the Hand of God upon them, their Child & the nation.

In verse 33, Mary and Joseph were surprised at the prophesies concerning Jesus; yet, they had been told this at His conception and by Elizabeth, John's mother. Why were they surprised?

This Is Sandra Long Wife Of CIA & Pro'Se lik Attorney . God Through Jesus The Christ and Holy Ghost The Comforter Reveal Do Not Put RFID Chips In No Humans Being Body Our Body God Said Is the Temple Of The Living Holy Ghost . Made In The Image and Likeness Of God ,God Said He Not Going To Share His Glory With No Other Man . In Our Earthly Vessel Of Clay . Jesus and Holy Ghost Live Within Side . So Many Word Been That's Was Not Been Pronounce Using It Correct Sound . .... P salm , J esus , Je ru salem , . God Is Created In Righteousness and True Holiness . Let Us Be Just Like Our Father Which Art In Heaven . Amen ()