Dr. Doug Bookman
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
- Notes: Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem; the nativity of the God-Man
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
- Notes: The naming of the child
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
- Notes: The worship of the shepherds
Scripture: Luke 2:21
- Notes: The circumcision of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 2:22-39
- Notes: Presentation of the Child in the temple; homage paid by Anna and Simeon
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
- Notes: The visit of the magi (wise-men)
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
- Notes: The family’s flight to Egypt; the children of Bethlehem slaughtered; the family returns to settle in Nazareth
Questions/Observations:
- Notice that the trip to Bethlehem was necessary because of a taxation decree; Joseph probably had discovered that life was intolerable in Nazareth (by reason of Mary’s “scandalous” pregnancy). Because he had to travel to Bethlehem anyway (by reason of the decree), he decided to relocate to Bethlehem. But in all of this, the prophecy of Micah 5:2 came to pass precisely.
- In Jewish culture, the means by which a man legally adopted as his son one who was not physically his son was that the man assigned the child his name. Thus, the significance of the naming of Jesus by Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25).
Adapted from the Life of Christ study notes of Dr. Doug Bookman, professor of New Testament Exposition at Shepherds Theological Seminary (used by permission).
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