Pastor Marty Sloan | Dec. 18 & 19, 2021

Part III

As we continue our Christmas series, we also continue to believe in the importance of biblical literacy. Historical, cultural, geographic and literary context help us to better immerse ourselves into the (true) story of Jesus. Here are some important facts to illuminate the story of Jesus’ birth.

• “…All the world…” means all of the known, inhabited world that was subject to the civilization and governance of Rome.
• Joseph lived in Bethlehem and was there for the census. He went to Nazareth to take Mary, his betrothed, from her father’s house to his home in Bethlehem where the wedding ceremony would take place.
• Between verses 5-6 a wedding ceremony occurred. How do we know? In verse 5, she is Joseph’s betrothed. In verse 6, they are living together meaning they are married and the ceremony occurred in Bethlehem.
• The Greek word here does not mean “inn”; it means “lodging place.” When it was time for Mary to deliver Jesus, there was no space in the small room they were lodging, so they brought Mary into the main room.
• Houses in the hill country were often built in front of caves with the caves serving as the back of the house. This is where they kept the animals. Therefore: Jesus was not born in a barn. He was born in a house. Mangers separated the living space of the house from the area where the animals were kept.
• “…The Lord has made known to us.” The shepherds recognized that it was not the angels who brought the good news of Jesus, but God who sent the angels to speak the His revelation.
• Luke never uses “gospel” as a noun; he uses it as a verb. “The proclamation of good news” is an action being done, and it is a proclamation of good news to all people.

Resources: ESV Study bible (Crossway)