Luke 2:7 from the International Bible Lessons by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. (formerly Oklahoman Bible Lessons)

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Parkhurst Bible Lesson
Luke 2:1-14
Printable Scripture Text for Luke 2:1-14 — NRSV
Sunday, December 23, 2007

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International Sunday School Lesson
Sunday December 23, 2007
Luke 2:7

“And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7—NRSV).

“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” (Luke 2:7—KJV).

Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem because of a decree from the Emperor Augustus that “all the world should be registered” (Luke 2:1). The emperor’s edict required that all the descendants of King David had to register in Bethlehem. Since Joseph descended from King David, even though Mary was pregnant, they endured the hardship of a journey from Galilee to Judea. Because they fulfilled their duty, their child, the Messiah, was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of prophecy (Micah 5:2).

On the night when Jesus was born, shepherds watched their flocks by night for that was their duty. Their sheep totally depended upon their care; therefore, these shepherds lived in the fields and watched their sheep day and night. Because they remained alert and fulfilled their responsibilities, they saw an angel of the Lord and “the glory of the Lord shown around them” (Luke 2:9). They were among the first people to hear the “good news of great joy for all the people” that in a nearby stable the “Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” had been born and they could go and see Him (Luke 2:10).

God moved the Emperor Augustus to require a census at just the right time; a census that required Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem to fulfill God’s promises. Because Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds did their duty in spite of their hardships, they rejoiced together at the birth of the long promised Messiah. Likewise, as we do our duty each day, we remain open to receiving unexpected blessings from God.© Copyright 2007 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

You may be reprint or reproduce this Parkhurst Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

Questions for Further Thought
or Class Discussion

International Sunday School Lesson
Sunday December 23, 2007
Luke 2:7

Printable PDF With Questions
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Simple audio podcast version also available here!

Think about your answers to the questions below before your Sunday school class meets, discuss in class, or use for further study. In some cases, I do not always write the questions to have a definitive right or wrong answer. In most cases, the questions should encourage everyone to think about how to apply biblical truths to their daily lives. Before beginning to answer the questions below, read the entire Scripture lesson in your favorite translation or compare translations. Write your thoughts in the space provided and take them to your Sunday school class for discussion.

1. Why do you think God chose to involve the Emperor Augustus in getting Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem rather than just send an angel to tell them to go? What might this teach us about how God works in the decisions of governments and rulers?

2. How do you think Joseph and Mary felt as they made the long trip from Galilee to Judea? Do you think their journey was difficult or easy? What are the reasons for your answers?

3. Can you think of a time when you were in the right place at the right time? How did you feel in the process of getting to that place? How did you feel when you learned why you needed to be there then? Did you think to thank God for getting you there?

4. Apparently Joseph and Mary had no friends or relatives to stay with in Bethlehem. How do you think they felt when the shepherds came to see them and Jesus? Why do you think God sent shepherds instead of some other types of people?

5. Compare Luke 2:14 in different versions of the Bible. Which translation do you like best? Give reasons for your answers.

For more Questions on the Gospel According to Luke, go to:
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Unless otherwise noted International Bible Lessons and Parkhurst Bible Lessons are copyrighted © 2007 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. All Rights Reserved. For reprint rights other than noted above contact lgp@InternationalBibleLessons.com. Please do not remove the copyright notice or publish these Bible Lessons for profit if you reprint them. To comment on the Parkhurst Bible Lessons go to the BibleLessonForum.com. To listen or download them as an audio file or podcast go to ParkhurstBibleLessons.com. To discuss ideas, visit the Parkhurst Ponders blog.