Luke Chapter Two: Worship
Jesus is introduced to the world.
Luke Chapter TWO—Worship
As John the Baptizer was announced to the world in Luke Chapter One, Jesus is announced to the world in Luke Chapter Two.
An angel appeared to some shepherds near Bethlehem, David’s city, and frightened them. He told them not to be afraid, for he had good news for them and the world. A Savior had been born in Bethlehem, and as a sign to verify it, they could find Him wrapped in cloths, lying in an animal’s feeding trough. Suddenly, a large group appeared, praising God, saying, “May there be glory to God in the highest heavens and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing God.”
The first angel obeyed God’s directions by coming and speaking to the shepherds. The army of angels was praising God as they made their announcement. The attitude or spirit of the angels telling the truth was the kind of worshipers God says he desires to have, according to John 4:24.
Eight days later, Mary and Joseph observed and obeyed the law of Moses with the circumcision and naming him Jesus. This honoring the law of Moses by Joseph and Mary was credited to them as worship of God.
What also shows worship of God is that they brought two doves or two young pigeons to offer as a sacrifice in accordance with what was written in the law of Moses. Lev. 12:1-8. This was for Mary’s purification according to the law of Moses.
Luke 2:25-35 is the passage of Simon, a righteous and devoted man in Jerusalem, and his words when he held Jesus. His words of praise to God were the worship of God. He also had some prophetic words about Jesus and one short sentence for Mary. He said something with this meaning: and to you, Mary, a sword will cut you to the heart and cause you inward pain. He was speaking of His crucifixion.
In verses 36-38, we see an 84-year-old widow, a prophet named Anna, who never left the temple but worships God by fasting and praying. She spoke about the child, Jesus, to everyone in the Temple area who was expecting the redemption of the people of Jerusalem.
We find in verse 41 that Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festivals every year. One time, when they had completed the days of festivities, the boy Jesus stayed behind while his parents started out with the rest of their traveling group. When Jesus was missed, his parents went back looking for him. It took them three days before they found him in the Temple sitting with the teachers. His parents were surprised when he was in the Temple with the teachers. Mary asked him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? We have been looking for you.” To this, he replied, “Why have you been looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's House.” His parents did not understand what he meant. Jesus then went home with them and continued to obey them.
When we choose to obey our parents, we obey both an OT commandment and an NT commandment. This honors God. This is worship towards God.
The Book of Luke has 24 chapters. We will see how long I stay with this project. It is not something “I have to do.”
Finished 2/22/2025
Larry E. Whittington
Amen.