Into the Darkness He Shines
Luke 2
Lesson for March 10-11, 2012
Karen Conner
Scripture
Passage: Luke 2: 1-51
Lesson Passage:
Luke 2: 1-51 (NIV)
Central Theme: Jesus’ birth fulfilled several prophecies and brings an end to a long awaited
period. Those who seek Christ and respond to His presence, can live with expectation of hope that
even in the midst of problems – whether 400 years of a dry spell or a troublesome event with their
kids, there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Key Verse: (v10-11) Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
Key Terms

The Dark Period: the period in Biblical history between the Old and New Testaments during which
there were no prophets or inspired writers.
As it relates to us today, for the purposes of this lesson, it’s a period you might be experiencing
during which you feel far from God, that you are not hearing a clear word or message, that the
world makes no sense. It is a frustrating time, a puzzling time and you hope that God shows up. This
isn’t just a short shock, but more like a tough time.
Into the Darkness He Shines
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Jesus, the Infant in the Manger (Luke 2:1-20)
Jesus, the Child at the Temple (Luke 2:21-40)
Jesus, the Boy at the Temple (Luke 2:40-49)
Jesus Matures (Luke 2:50-52)
Introduction
Francis Scott Key, born in Maryland and educated as a lawyer, was serving as the district attorney
in the District of Columbia when the British invaded the nation’s capital in the summer of 1814. The
country had been at war for two years and by the summer of 1814, it would seem as though a raid
was occurring somewhere in Maryland nearly every other day. On August 24, the British troops
captured and burned Washington, D.C. while British Rear Admiral Cockburn, Major General Robert
Ross and their staff office made up headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD at the home of Dr. William
Beanes, taking him prisoner.
Upon hearing of his friend's capture, Key resolved to release him, and was aided by President
Madison, who ordered that a vessel that had been used as a cartel should be placed at his service,
and that John S. Skinner, agent for the exchange of prisoners, should accompany him. Gen. Ross
consented to Dr. Beanes's release, but said that the party must be detained during the attack on
Baltimore.
On September 12, 1814, 5,000 British soldiers and a fleet of 19 ships attacked Baltimore. The
following evening the bombardment turned to Fort McHenry, and continuous shelling occurred for
25 hours under heavy rain.
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Owing to their position, the American flag at Fort McHenry was distinctly seen through the night by
the glare of the battle, but before dawn the firing ceased, and the prisoners anxiously watched to
see which colors floated on the ram-parts.
When the British ships were unable to pass the fort and penetrate the harbor, the attack was
ended, and on the morning of September 14, when the battered flag still flew above the ramparts,
it was clear that Fort McHenry remained in American hands.
Key's feelings when he found that the stars and stripes had not been hauled down found
expression in "The Star-Spangled Banner," which gained for him a lasting reputation.
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Imagine it. Floating on a truce ship but under the guard of your enemy, watching your beloved
homeland under attack; watching for a sign, waiting through the hours, even days. Knowing the
odds, staring at the ramparts of the fort, rockets and bombs flaring overhead, and when the sun
starts to rise, through the mist of the rain over the water, you see it, that clear symbol of your
country, of your identity still waving; battered, torn, and dirty but waving.
There is something so fundamentally emotional about the picture. You can likely identify with Key’s
anxiety, the questions, the fear, the tug at hopelessness, anger and frustration and the pride at
each small victory in the midst of the big battle.
Each of us probably experience similar emotions and thoughts when we face periods of darkness.
Whether those periods of darkness are spiritual, emotional, physical, financial or even social
periods; whether they’re hours, days, months, or even years, when we are living life feeling alone,
rejected, abandoned, or perhaps doubtful or uncertain and questioning, it may feel like things will
never ever change.
For those of us who believe in Christ, we can be assured that the bombarding will cease, the sun
will rise, the mist will clear and we will ultimately be victorious.
The potential exists for all people; the potential enters at a time when God’s chosen people need it
most.
Biblical/Historical Context
Historically speaking, Malachi closes the Old Testament books roughly 397 B.C. The 400 years
between the Old and New testaments is often referred to as the dark period or the silent period
because there were no prophets or inspired writers. With this period we seem to find the sad
fulfillment of Psalm 74:9 upon Israel: "We are given no miraculous signs; no prophets are left, and
none of us knows how long this will be.”
God’s chosen people fall under six different periods of political rule: the Persian, Greek, Egyptian,
Syrian, Maccabean and finally the Roman. While the first periods of political change seem to be
tolerant and supportive, eventually rulers look on the Jewish people as a threat and they are
treated quite harshly.
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During the political shifts, the land mass that makes up the political boundaries continues to
expand, public roadways are generated by the government who has to move armies, funds and
supplies across territories, verbal and written translations become a necessity to participate in
transactions.
There are new sects that develop: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians, some of which were
religious and some of which are political. There are new institutions: the synagogue, the
Sanhedrin, and scribes. There is great zeal and focus on the law; from the synagogue scripture was
read and taught and expounded to the common people, who soon realize it is nearly impossible to
keep every law and so come under harsh judgment from leaders whose motives are less than
stellar. Fortunately, as a result of the vast territories and increasing population of Jews,
translations and interpretations begin to emerge.
The Roman emperor Caesar Augustus brought the Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”)
to the Mediterranean world in 27 BC. The Roman Peace meant that the empire’s
people were secure from invasion and safe to travel and trade freely.
However, to the people of Judea there was no peace as long as Roman soldiers
occupied their land and Roman tax collectors took their money. The Jews hoped
for a Messiah who would liberate them politically and make them a strong
nation…
But ‘peace’ meant much more than political security to the Old Testament
prophets. The Jews were correct in believing that the Roman Peace was no true
peace, but they were wrong in reading prophecies selectively. The promised
‘peace’ of the Messiah meant wholeness and wellness in all of creation –
reconciliation between God and man, psychological rest and health, physical
wholeness, social harmony, abundant harvest, and also political security. All the
latter aspects of peace would grow from the former; God would end the enmity
between Himself and man and His presence would heal all other hurts. (NavPress
p 39)
The vastness of the territory, the government supported travel ways and even the increased need
for translated text all align to the perfect entry point of a Savior. As we enter into Luke, there is a
need for a Savior, for a new hope, for light in the midst of darkness.
I can’t help but imagine the people we meet in Luke 2 might have felt the same expectant hope
and relief that Francis Scott Key felt when Christ makes an appearance into the tormented world.
Application questions to ask ourselves as we go through this






What are your periods of darkness?
What do you put your trust and faith in while you’re waiting?
Are you expecting Jesus to show up?
Do you recognize Him when He does?
What is your attitude when He does show up?
Are you looking forward to the light, are you returning the way you came or have you come to a
standstill in the dark?
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Into the Darkness He Shines
I.
Jesus, the Infant in the Manger (Luke 2:1-20)
A.
The Decree
1.
Caesar Augustus issues a decree for a census for the entire Roman world
B.
The Response
2.
Everyone went to his own town to register
a)
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, the town of David
(1)
Jesus was born while there
(2)
Mary wrapped him in cloths and placed Him in a manger
APPLICATION & THOUGHT:
By now it should be pretty clear that the entire Roman world wasn’t a small parcel of territory. This
census was no small undertaking! But God isn’t in the business of small deeds; when He moves, He
moves mountains. As warren Wiersbe points out, Caesar might rule, but God is in charge and He
used the government to move people so that prophecy might be fulfilled.
“God had promised that the Savior would be a human, not an angel (Gen. 3:15, Heb.
2:16), and a Jew, not a Gentile (Gen 12:1-3, Num 24:17). He would be from the
tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10, and the family of David (2 Sam. 7:1-17), born of a virgin
(Isa. 7:14) in Bethlehem, the city of David (Mic. 5:2).” (Wiersbe, p32)
Whew! That’s a lot of prophecy to be fulfilled in just a few short verses! God was moving at the
perfect time, in the perfect way. There was nothing to chance, no irony. In the midst of political
and religious churn, God arranged for a census that would result in the fulfillment of His word. God
was bringing light into a dark period.
I can’t imagine that Mary and Joseph, favored Jews, would not have known God’s word; having
been visited by an angel, receiving confirmation in dreams, and then a census requiring them to
travel(about 60 miles!)at such a time to such a place. That these events would line up to scripture
so narrowly could not have been lost on them.
Why is it that those of us today who are God’s children, who study and know God’s word and have
it concealed in our hearts and confirmed by the Holy Spirit can’t seem to respond in the same way
that Mary and Joseph did? I mean sure, deep breaths, shock, surprise, fear of the future and
puzzled about the outcome, but one-foot-in-front-of-the-other-until-we-reach-Bethlehemobedience nonetheless.
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C.
D.
The Good News
3.
An angel brought the good news to the shepherds in nearby fields
a)
The angel reassures them
b)
There is good news of great joy for all the people
(1)
Today in the town of David, a Savior is born to you
(2)
He is Christ the Lord [Messiah; the Anointed One]
c)
Provides a sign
The Response
4.
A great company of the heavenly host with the angel
a)
Praise God
5.
The Shepherds
a)
Let’s go
b)
They observe
c)
They share what was told to them
(1)
All who heard were amazed
(2)
Mary treasured them up and pondered them in her heart
d)
They return, glorifying and praising God for all they’ve heard and seen
APPLICATION & THOUGHT:
I cannot read this passage without thinking about Linus’ famous monologue in “A Charlie Brown
Christmas”. In response to Charlie Brown’s loud lament about isn’t there anyone who can explain
what Christmas is all about, Linus walks center stage and calls for lights please! The auditorium
goes dark and a spotlight pinpoints Linus who recites this passage from memory, picks up his
blanket, and walks off the stage, leaving the spotlight still shining into an empty space. ‘That’s
what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown’.
This is it! The light! After we’ve been waiting on for 400 years of darkness when it didn’t seem like
God was moving or present at all!
God effectively demonstrates this when the first witnesses are both the highest and the lowest.
Shepherds were considered outcasts, classified with prostitutes and tax collectors! They could not
keep ceremonial law, which restricted for example, the touching of dead things; and they traveled
around with loose habits, no fixed residence and few scruples about other people’s property. They
were considered untrustworthy and were forbidden to testify in court.
(I won’t call it ironic, but it is sort of funny to consider God announced His Son’s birth to real
shepherds and not religious leaders who are meant to shepherd His people. Regardless of my
amusement with how He works, it further shows that God truly is for “ALL the people”)
But when they hear the news, the heavenly hosts burst out in praise and the shepherds hurry off
to meet Jesus. The shepherds don’t say “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see IF this thing has
happened”, they say, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing THAT HAS happened, that the Lord
has told us about”. They don’t question who said it; God said it – they don’t need any further
reassurances. They don’t question why He would bother with them, lowly shepherds who the rest
of the world despises.
It seems so easy to remind ourselves at Christmas that Christmas is not about the lights, and
candy and trees and gifts; it’s about Jesus coming into the world for all people. Not just the Jews,
but as the angel says for all the people. But when Christmas is swept away, and we’re back in ‘real
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life’ mode and our days/seasons/places of darkness descend again, it’s still about Jesus coming into
the world for all people, for you personally. It’s still about us needing Him, just like the lowliest
shepherds, outcasts that they were, probably felt. It’s still about us hurrying to meet Him because
He was born to you, it’s about trusting that what He says is true, and when you meet Him that you
are willing to share all that you have seen and heard.
Take some time. Be willing to ponder what you seen and grow to understand like Mary. Do not be
afraid to pause and examine truth, but don’t be afraid to claim it and cling to it or to share it either.
Personal Challenge:
In journeys and periods of darkness,








II.
Do you seek to understand how that period may be something bigger than just you?
Do you see God working in the midst of what is going on around you?
Do you seek out Jesus? Do you hurry to Him?
Do you seek out God’s truth through the Scriptures? Do you hurry to it and seek to understand His word,
promises and purpose?
Do you believe that He is the One who shared it with you?
When you find these, do you praise Him?
Do you truly hold onto that truth that Jesus is for you?
As you see God’s light, do you share how He is revealing it? (Not necessarily to everyone, but to a few
people who can help you cling to it.)
Jesus, the Child at the Temple (Luke 2:21-40)
A.
His parents obey the Law
6.
On the eighth day, he was circumcised and named Jesus
7.
At the completion of purification, Joseph and Mary present Him in the temple
a)
To be consecrated to the Lord
b)
To offer a sacrifice
B.
Simeon’s Response
8.
He was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel
9.
It was revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen Christ
a)
Moved by the Spirit, he went to the temple courts
10.
He takes the child
a)
Praises God for fulfilling His promises
(1)
For himself
(2)
For revelation to the Gentiles
(3)
For your people
b)
Blesses Mary and Joseph
c)
Warns Mary of her Son
(1)
Cause the rise and fall of many in Israel
(2)
A sign that will be spoken against (no neutral ground!)
(a)
own
C.
The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed, including your
Anna’s Response
11.
She was a widow after 7 years of marriage
12.
She never leaves the temple
a)
Fasts and prays
b)
Worships day and night
13.
She approaches
a)
Thanks God
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D.
b)
Speaks to those looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem about
the boy
Mary’s and Joseph’s Response
14.
They marvel at what was said about him (v33)
15.
They do what is required and return to Galilee (v39)
a)
Jesus grows, becomes strong and filled with wisdom
APPLICATION & THOUGHT:
That Mary and Joseph followed the Law and had Jesus circumcised and named and then taken to
the temple to be consecrated to the Lord as first born son is not too terribly surprising when you
consider how closely they have responded to the Lord. What is pretty incredible is the response we
see from Simeon and Anna; their responses are not just personal but confirm Jesus’ identity.
The passage here does not reveal Simeon’s age, but it’s generally accepted that he is elderly. One
commentary summarizes him in this way: the only things we are told about Simeon are those
things which matter most to God – things pertaining to his faith, his character and his relationship
with God. From the passage we know that he was righteous, and devout, and was moved by the
Holy Spirit. Because he was waiting for the consolation of Israel, we can surmise that he was a
man of faith and hope.
Throughout the New Testament, there are a number of references to those waiting for the
consolation of Israel or looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Malachi 3:16-18 specifies
the prophecy on which this expectation is based:
Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened
and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those
who feared the LORD and honored his name. “On the day when I act,” says the
LORD Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as
a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again
see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who
serve God and those who do not.
It is not clear how Simeon knew that Jesus was the Messiah that he was to expect before he died,
but surely the Holy Spirit confirmed it, and Simeon’s response is not unlike that described in
Isaiah’s prophecy: When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into
songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has
redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the
ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. (Is. 52: 8a-10)
Simeon’s praises confirm that he believed that the Lord would fulfill His promise and that has
personal meaning for him. He acknowledges that Jesus is salvation prepared by God for all people:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
In as much as he praises God, Simeon also cautions though that as Christ enters the world, there
will also be suffering. Just as his birth is the fulfillment of prophecy, so will the rejection of His
message. It is a sad note to realize that while everyone is amazed at news of His birth and identity
in this chapter, He will ultimately be rejected and crucified.
Isaiah 8:14 He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people
to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a
snare. {see also Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53}
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Even as we read, and Mary hears, of the suffering that will be experienced by many, Anna’s words
confirm again Jesus’ identity as she gives thanks to God and speaks about Him to all who are
looking forward to the redemption on Jerusalem.
The placement of Anna’s affirmation in this series of events and meetings at the temple is worth
noting.
Simeon’s praise and acknowledgment -> Simeon’s warning -> Anna’s praise and acknowledgment
We can believe and acknowledge Christ, but suffering will still come, but Christ is still the Messiah.
Don’t miss the light at the end of the tunnel!!
Personal Challenge:
In journeys and periods of darkness,




III.
Do you accept periods of darkness and trial to be a part of life?
Do you seek out Jesus? Do you watch the faces and events around you observing where He is entering
in?
Do you accept that He is with you through the falling and rising that you will experience in your walk?
Do you accept that even in the midst of those trials, Jesus is still the Savior?
Jesus, the Boy at the Temple (Luke 2:40-52)
A.
Jesus’ Childhood
B.
Family Trip
16.
Observation of the Feast of Passover
17.
Oversight! Jesus is not present
18.
Return to Jerusalem
C.
Jesus in the temple courts
19.
What’s He up to?
a)
With the teachers
b)
Listening
c)
Asking questions
20.
The Responses
a)
Of the others in the temple (amazement)
b)
Of the family (frustration)
c)
Of Jesus (Exasperation? Surprise?)
APPLICATION & THOUGHT:
They are the first recorded words of Jesus: Why were you searching for me? ... Didn’t you know I
had to be in my Father’s house?
This passage of Scripture never ceases make me chuckle. It shouldn’t, but I can’t help but love
those revelations when you see your life right there in the Bible. You don’t have to be a parent you
only have to be an adult who has interacted with a kid to feel Mary’s exasperation and
befuddlement at Jesus’ answer to her when she finally locates Him. Where have you been? Why did
you do this? Why can’t you see what’s wrong with what you’ve done? All questions that have
obvious answers to a child, but never to the adult asking them.
Jesus’ actions clearly indicate that He is preparing for His work.
Mary’s and Josephs’ actions clearly indicate that while you might live with Jesus’ daily, you can’t
possibly understand all of His actions and purposes.
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Personal Challenge:
In journeys and periods of darkness,

IV.
Do you accept that you may not always understand what Jesus’ business is about, even if you are
walking with Him, studying His Word daily, but you can always assume that He is about His Father’s
business?
Jesus Matures (Luke 2:50-52)
1.
They do not understand Him
2.
The family returns to Nazareth
a)
Jesus was obedient to them
b)
Mary treasured these things in her heart
c)
Jesus grows
(1)
In wisdom (mentally)
(2)
In stature (physically)
(3)
In favor with God (spiritually)
(4)
In favor with men (socially)
APPLICATION & THOUGHT:
Despite receiving confirmations and affirmations of Jesus’ identity before and at His birth, as well
as soon after that, Mary and Joseph don’t understand what Jesus is saying. Me neither.
That’s not to say that after studying and receiving lesson on this particular passage, I don’t
understand that Jesus Himself is revealing His association to His Father, and that He is preparing
for His mission. What it does mean is that even though I observe Christ’s actions throughout the
New Testament, even though I know how He has moved in my own life, I still don’t always
understand what He’s saying.
I do however take comfort that Jesus wasn’t so exasperated at His parents that He quit talking to
them, or abandoned them, or sent them on their way. He went home with them, and while He lived
with them, continued to grow in preparation for the work that would be required to TRULY move
people out of the dark and into the light.
The passage describes all the ways in which He grows, and it does not appear that any of those big
things are left out. It does not say that He became politically savvy or that He built up enough
funds. God can take care of those things. To know what to say and how to say it, to have the
physical endurance and health to sustain the nomadic life, to be spiritually in tune with God, and to
know how to relate to people – these are the focus of Jesus, the things that would be required to
make Him truly successful at making an impact to pierce the souls of man and draw people closer
to Him.
Personal Challenge:


Jesus remained obedient to His parents even when He and His parents seemed at odds. Do you remain
obedient to your Father even when you are at odds with where He is leading? Do you remain obedient
to your Father even when you are at odds with someone else (perhaps this is the period of darkness you
are facing)?
How do you continue to stretch and grow yourself even during times of darkness for the work that God
has for you? (whether that work will occur in the midst of those dark places, whether the work is what
carries you through them, or whether it is for what God has in the light after the darkness in your life)
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Closing & Summary
We are part of a nation that is experiencing dark times. You might be experiencing a personal
season of darkness: physical, financial, relationships, emotional, social; a period that just does not
seem to make sense and it feels sometimes like you have been living in the midst of it forever.
This period of darkness might not make sense to you, but there is great hope. The first of which is
that you’re not likely to live through 400 years of it! Thank goodness, right?!
Into the midst of political turmoil and legalistic institutions and sects selectively following the Word,
into this darkness, Jesus, the Messiah, Light of the World, makes His appearance.
Our word today claims a profound truth: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that
will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ
the Lord.
You may be experiencing a period of turmoil and darkness, but it’s into those places that Jesus
shows up.
There are several personal challenges posed throughout this lesson (some of which may send you
into spiritual frustration like they did me). Take some time to consider the circumstances and your
actions within them or in response to them.
DO NOT BE AFRAID! A Savior has been born to You; He is Christ the Lord. He is the ultimate light
at the end of the tunnel, and, on the other side of the darkness, there is nothing we could possibly
fathom that could possibly be better than what God has in store.
As we started with a song, I will end with one. The lyrics are to Our God written by Matt Redman:
Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one like you,
none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Whatever is coming against you, you can have hope and faith today that God is for you. – Chris
Tomlin.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for shining into the darkness, for you show up at the perfect time, setting things to
right. Your ways, your methods, your word does not always make sense, but Lord we trust the
truth of who you are and your purpose and your love for us, that it is personal and it is truly for all
people.
Lord I pray we do not hesitate to claim these truths for ourselves, nor do we hesitate to share
them with those who need to hear them most.
In your Son’s nameAmen
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Lesson Helps
On Francis Scott Key:
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag
http://starspangled200.org/History/Pages/AssaultonWashington.aspx
http://www.francisscottkey.org/
On Our God/Chris Tomlin/Matt Redman
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http://www.todayschristianmusic.com/artists/chris-tomlin/audio/chris-tomlin-story-behind-the-songour-god/
http://www.lyricsera.com/604595-lyric-CHRIS+TOMLIN-Our+God.html
Commentaries:
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Lee-Thorp, Karen (editor). Life Change Series: Luke. Colorado: The Navigators|NavPress, 1995.
Leston, Stephen and Robert Deffinbaugh. Quick Notes: Luke and John Live that Lasts Forever. Ohio:
Barbour Publishing, 2008.
MacArthur, John. Luke: The Savior of the World. Nashville, TN: Nelson Impact, 2007.
Martin, John A. “Luke.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. Colorado: David C. Cook,
1983.
Wiersbe, Warren. Luke 1-13: Be Compassionate. Colorado: David C. Cook, 1988.
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