Lucas 2
William Barclay · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 2
Barclay writes that "It is a lovely thought that the shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs (THIS IS CONJECTURE BUT CERTAINLY POSSIBLE) were the first to see the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29+)." (Luke 2) Brian Bell - Isn’t it funny that the wise men were directed by God, but then got lost, and had to stop and ask for directions in Jerusalem (Mt 2:1,2+) But, the Shepherds never lost their way! It often happens while shepherds find Christ, wise men often miss him! So, Faith led their steps to Bethlehem, to the stable, to the manger! (Sermon) He lay in the manger - The child was found just as the angel had prophesied in Lk 2:12. = “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” “Lying in the manger” was only the sign, and this sign verified the truth of all that the angel had said about this child, and all that the host of angels had sung about his birth. (Lenski) The crib of Christ brought God to man. The cross of Christ brings man to God. THOUGHT - After seeing the glory of the angelic hosts, what a stark contrast to now view the Creator of those angelic hosts with no brilliant rays of glory, no crown on his head, but with just the wrinkled skin of a newborn Baby (I used to deliver babies and they usually looked "wrinkled"!) This small Baby in a feeding trough was confirmation of the angel's message. The shepherds believed it, therefore they would spread the good news (Lk 2:17-18) and they would worship the good God Who gave such good news (Lk 2:20)! I have noticed that in the time after I have had the privilege of sharing the Good News of great joy of Jesus with others, I often find myself exhilarated and filled with joy, much like the shepherds experienced (cf Lk 2:10). And my joy is independent of whether they received the truth or not. We are like farmers casting seed (cf Eccl 11:1, Ps 126:5-6, Da 12:3+) and only the Spirit can bear the fruit of regeneration (Jn 3:3-8+, Jn 6:63). Hurry (made haste)(4692)(speudo) means to do something quickly, to hasten (cf Acts 22:16). To cause something to happen soon or come into being by exercising special effort (2 Peter 3:12-note) BDAG adds that speudo "in the Greco-Roman world a mark of civic excellence." Luke's uses of speudo - Lk. 2:16; Lk. 19:5; Lk. 19:6; Acts 20:16; Acts 22:18 Gilbrant - The excitement that surrounded the shepherds' response is seen in speusantes, "with haste." A message of this importance must not be taken lightly, but it must be acted on immediately and without hesitation. The results of their response were just as the angel had foretold. The presence of the article in tē phatnē suggests that the baby and the manger they found were none other than the very baby and manger described by the splendid messenger. We can only imagine the sense of wonder the shepherds felt at seeing this one who was the Messiah resting in a feeding trough for livestock. The image of the Christ being born in a holding pen for cattle and being first visited by the outcasts of society was quite different than the popular expectations of the Messiah who would come as a powerful political/religious leader to deliver Israel from the oppression of Rome. It was not to the religious aristocracy that the birth of the Messiah was told, but it was to those in humble circumstances. (Complete Biblical Library Commentary) Found (429)(aneurisko from aná = an emphatic + heurísko = to find) means they found by diligent seeking. God had spoken through the angel and they would be diligent to confirm the message. A good pattern to follow! The only other use of this verb in the NT is Acts 21:4 where it signifies the idea of searching with finding presupposed = "After looking up (NET = "located") the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem."
Lucas 2
Barclay - “The offering of the two pigeons instead of the lamb and the pigeon was technically called The Offering of the Poor … we see that it was into an ordinary home that Jesus was born.” (Luke 2) David Guzik makes a good point that their offering of the birds "suggests that this all happened before the wise men came from the east (Matthew 2:1-12+). Mary and Joseph would not have returned to Jerusalem after being warned by the angel (Matthew 2:13), and they would not have offered only two birds after receiving the rich gifts from the wise men (Matthew 2:11). Marvin
Lucas 2
Barclay says of use in (Php 1:23) "My desire is to depart,” says Paul, and the phrase is very vivid. Analuo is used of (i) It is the word for striking camp, loosening the tent ropes, pulling up the tent pins and moving on. Death is a moving on. It is said that in the terrible days of the war, when the Royal Air Force stood between Britain and destruction and the lives of its pilots were being sacrificially spent, they never spoke of a pilot as having been killed but always as having been “posted to another station.” Each day is a day’s march nearer home, until in the end camp in this world is for ever struck and exchanged for permanent residence in the world of glory. (ii) It is the word for loosening the mooring ropes, pulling up the anchors and setting sail. Death is a setting sail, a departure on that voyage which leads to the everlasting haven and to God. (iii) It is the word for solving problems. Death brings life’s solutions. There is some place where all earth’s questions will be answered and where those who have waited will in the end understand. Bond-servant (1401)(doulos from deo = to bind) (Click additional notes on doulos) was an individual bound to another in servitude and conveys the idea of the slave's close, binding ties with his master, belonging to him, obligated to and desiring to do his will and in a permanent relation of servitude. Peace (1515)(eirene from verb eiro = to join or bind together that which has been separated) literally pictures the binding or joining together again of that which had been separated or divided and thus setting at one again, a meaning convey by the common expression of one “having it all together”. It follows that peace is the opposite of division or dissension. Peace as a state of concord and harmony is the opposite of war. Eirene conveys a sense of inner rest, well being and harmony. The ultimate peace is the state of reconciliation with God (cf Ro 5:1+, Col 1:20+), effected by placing one's faith in the gospel. In eschatology, peace is prophesied to be an essential characteristic of the Messianic kingdom (Acts 10:36+). If grace defines our "resources", peace is the conscious possession of those more than adequate resources. Word (4487)(rhema from verb rheo = to speak - to say, speak or utter definite words) refers to the spoken word, especially a word as uttered by a living voice. Laleo is another word translated speak but it refers only to uttering a sound whereas rheo refers to uttering a definite intelligible word. In this context it refers to a promise as in Lu 1:38+ "And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her." All uses of rhema by Luke - Lk. 1:37; Lk. 1:38; Lk. 1:65; Lk. 2:15; Lk. 2:17; Lk. 2:19; Lk. 2:29; Lk. 2:50; Lk. 2:51; Lk. 3:2; Lk. 5:5; Lk. 7:1; Lk. 9:45; Lk. 18:34; Lk. 20:26; Lk. 24:8; Lk. 24:11; Jn. 3:34; Acts 2:14; Acts 5:20; Acts 5:32; Acts 6:11; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:37; Acts 10:44; Acts 11:14; Acts 11:16; Acts 13:42; Acts 16:38; Acts 26:25; Acts 28:25 A Few Last Words of Saints and Sinners JAMES GUTHRIE. While at St. Andrew's University he came under the godly influence of Samuel Rutherford and in 1638 became a minister of the Presbyterian Church. In spite of love for his country and loyalty to his king, he was hated by some for his staunch witness for the truth, and on account of certain statements he had made, he was charged with high treason, found guilty and executed. His speech on the scaffold was a long and moving one. Before he died he lifted the napkin from his face and cried: "The covenants, the covenants, shall yet be Scotland's reviving. Now let Thy servant depart in peace, since my eyes have seen Thy salvation." PHILIP W. OTTERBEIN (1726-1813), was the great German evangelist so mightily blessed of God in a revival ministry. He came to America in 1752 and after a while became associated with Martin Boehm of the Mennonite Church. Meeting for the first time, these two warriors said, "We are brethren," which greeting gave rise to the designation, "United Brethren In Christ" — a cause they founded and developed. Wherever they labored together or separately, there were striking scenes, and multitudes were added to the Lord. After half a century of strenuous and successful evangelistic activity, Otterbein reached the end of his earthly ministry and died testifying: "The conflict is over and past. I begin to feel an unspeakable fulness of love and peace divine. Lay my head upon my pillow and be still." JOHN OWEN (1616-1683) He died peacefully having survived all his children. His last words were characteristic of devotion to Christ: "I am going to Him whom my soul loveth, or rather who has loved me with an everlasting love, which is the sole ground of all my consolation." Dwight L. MOODY (1837-1899) "I see earth receding; heaven is opening. God is calling me." WILLIAM CAREY (1761-1834 ), known as "The Father and Founder of Modem Missions," developed remarkable gifts as a linguist. On his deathbed he said to a friend: "When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey; speak about Dr. Carey's Saviour." In his will, Carey directed that the following words be cut on his tombstone: "William Carey, born August 17, 1761: died`A wretched, poor, and helpless worm, On Thy kind arms I fall.' DAVID BRAINERD, whose intercessory prayer life and remark-able work among the American Indians still inspire the Lord's people. Just before he died, Brainerd was heard to whisper: "He will come; and will not tarry. I shall soon be in glory; soon be with God and His angels." JOHN WESLEY, of whom it has been said that eternity alone will reveal what the world owes to his mighty ministry, was active up to the last. Until the end, he was full of praise, counsel and exhortations. In his last moments with what remaining strength he had, he cried out twice over, in holy triumph: "The best of all is, God is with us." The very last word Wesley was heard to articulate was: "Farewell!" Then, without a lingering groan, the evangelist of the highways and by-ways, beloved pastor of thousands, and father of the great Methodist Church entered into the joy of his Lord. ADONIRAM JUDSON (1788-1850), the missionary apostle to Burma, was privileged to see hundreds converted to Christ, and his name holds an exalted place in the history of modem missions. Broken in health, he died while making a voyage to the Isle of Bourbon. Before he breathed his last and his body was committed to the great deep, he said to those around him on board ship: "I go with the gladness of a boy bounding away from school, I feel so strong in Christ." JOHN CALVIN, whose stern theology exercised a tremendous influence for generations, spent his last days in constant prayer with relatives, ministers and senators. After his last repast with a few friends, he was carried back to his bedchamber and smilingly said: "This intervening wall will not prevent me from being present with you in spirit, though absent in body." Shortly after he died in so very tranquil a manner that he seemed to resemble one in a state of sleep rather than death. ANDREW JACKSON, born March 15, 1767, died June 8, 1845, was of Scotch-Irish descent. Just before he died, he was heard to murmur: "My sufferings, though great, are nothing in comparison with those of my Saviour, through whose death I look for everlasting life." WILLIAM HENRY, the English physician who authored several works on chemistry, was a sincere Christian who ministered to the souls of his patients as well as their bodies. When he died in 1836, he peacefully passed away, saying: "A sweet falling of the soul on Jesus." QUEEN MARY OF SCOTS (1587), prayed fervently for peace in the world, constancy to all suffering persecution, and for grace and the Holy Spirit in her last hour. Fervently she prayed for cruel Queen Elizabeth (see her last words below). Before the death stroke beheaded her, she exclaimed: "Like as Thy arms, Lord Jesus Christ, were stretched out upon the Cross, even so receive me with the outstretched arms of Thy mercy." Some words not so comforting QUEEN ELIZABETH OF ENGLAND (1603 ), sometimes called "The lion-hearted Elizabeth". It is said that she embodied the traits of a haughty temper, strong self-will, love of pomp and magnificence, combined with caution, prudence and suspicion. At her death she had about two thousand costly dresses in her wardrobe. Just before her death she uttered the words: "All my possessions for one moment of time." You can borrow this fascinating book - Last words of saints and sinners by Lockyer, Herbert - 105 ratings The last words of the dying have fascinated readers throughout history. They reveal the fears, hopes, courage, and legacies of both the famous and not-so-famous. This collection of seven hundred quotes includes the last words of commoners, atheists, poets, and politicians along with noted Christians and martyrs. Excellent for casual reading and as a ready reference source for the pastor or public speaker. ILLUSTRATION OF PEACE - Jim Walton was translating the NT for the Muinane people of La Sabana in the jungles of Colombia. But he was having trouble with the word peace. During this time, Fernando, the village chief, was promised a 20-minute plane ride to a location that would have taken him 3 days to travel by walking. The plane was delayed in arriving at La Sabana, so Fernando departed on foot. When the plane finally came, a runner took off to bring Fernando back. But by the time he had returned, the plane had left. Fernando was livid because of the mix-up. He went to Jim and launched into an angry tirade. Fortunately, Walton had taped the chief's diatribe. When he later translated it, he discovered that the chief kept repeating the phrase, "I don't have one heart." Jim asked other villagers what having "one heart" meant, and he found that it was like saying, "There is nothing between you and the other person." That, Walton realized, was just what he needed to translate the word peace. To have peace with God means that there is nothing--no sin, no guilt, no condemnation--that separates us. And that peace with God is possible only through Christ (Ro 5:1+). Do you have "one heart" with God today. Luke 2:30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Lu 2:10,11 3:6 Ge 49:18 2Sa 23:1-5 Isa 49:6 Ac 4:10-12 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 2:25-35 The Gospel According to Simeon - Dr Steven Lawson - excellent THE FORMULA FOR PEACE: SEEING JESUS! In Genesis we find the first mention of salvation in Scripture when Jacob declared "For Thy salvation I wait, O LORD. (Ge 49:18) The Hebrew word for salvation is (03444) yeshua which is actually the same as the name "Jesus." The Septuagint translates the Hebrew with soteria which means salvation, deliverance, preservation (Lk 1:69, 1:71, 77). For - Term of explanation. Simeon explains why he has this inner peace in the face of the thought of departing (death). Steven