He is Intentional
Chapter two begins with Joseph and Mary on a 70 mile journey to the village of Bethlehem for registration of the census. A Roman census was basically a tax collection that had to be paid according to Augustus's decree. The entire Roman Empire was required to register in their own town. Joseph was apart of David's royal line so this explains why they had to travel to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4) I can't imagine traveling this far while also carrying a child in my belly just to register for a census, but everything happened just how God intended.
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In The Old Testament there are many prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line. Jeremiah 33:15 says, " 'In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land.' "
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This is why Mary had to take this journey, because God already had plans for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. Just like God intended, Mary gave birth to the Messiah wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. (Luke 2:7) You may be trying to make sense of why God is doing certain things in your life. Things may not be happening the way you expected them to, and it can be frustrating. When you experience those moments of frustration remember that God is intentional. Everything in your life is working together for a greater purpose. I believe that all the hard times put together will create something so much greater. Just like Mary had to take that long trip all the way to Bethlehem (Imagine all she may has experienced) to sign a piece of paper and pay taxes. You may also have to take some "hard trips" that feel meaningless, but look what Mary got in the end of that trip. You will give birth to the very thing God promised you if you keep going.
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When the Messiah was born everyone heard the good news and were amazed. They had waited their entire lives for this very day and finally it was here. On the eighth day the child was circumcised and they named him Jesus. Around 80 days after, he was taken to the temple in Jerusalem for purification. (Luke 2:22) Jewish families had several ceremonies following a baby's birth: (1) Circumcision and named on the eighth day. (2) Redemption of the firstborn one month after birth where the child was consecrated to God , and (3) Purification of the mother.
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For 40 days after a son and 80 days after a daughter, a mother was ceremonially unclean and could not enter the temple. This is why they had to wait 80 days before they went to the temple for purification of the child. Once this time of separation was complete the mother and father was to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering to the temple. The priest would then sacrifice there animals and declare her clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second dove or pigeon instead. This is what Mary and Joseph did. Even though Jesus was God's son his family still carried out these ceremonies. (Luke 2:22)
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When Mary and Joseph arrived at the temple Simeon was led there by the holy spirit. Sometime before the holy spirit had told him he would not die until he saw the Messiah. When Simeon saw Jesus he took him in his arms and begin to praise God. Mary and Joseph were marveled by his actions. Siemon spoke such stunning words of the child proclaiming that he is indeed the Messiah. This is the 2nd time Mary is greeting with prophecy about her son. (Luke 2:25-35)
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Once Mary and Joseph had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee years later. By this time Jesus was around the age of 12. It was now time for the Festival of the Passover. According to God's law, every Jewish male was required to go to Jerusalem three times a year for the great festivals (Exodus 23:14-17) Passover was the most important of the three annual festivals. It is celebrated to remember the night of the Israelites' escape from Egypt. (Exodus 12:21-36)
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Once the passover was over Jesus stayed behind without his parents knowing. Jesus was brave because I can't imagine doing such a thing at the age of 12!! But back in this day boys were considered men at the age of 12. His parents didn't notice until after a day of travel. It took them three days to find him, and guess where he was?! CHURCH! They found Jesus in the courtyard of the temple with the teachers and they were amazed at the level of his understanding. (Luke 2:46-47)
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Jesus said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" He knew he had a special relationship with God, and he desired that at such a young age. You are never too young to follow God. It's important that we teach the children around ud about God as soon as they are able to understand. Pour into your youth!
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Wow, chapter two was full of so much information. My bible gave me a breakdown of each verse and even gives me smaller details about certain things back in this day. I recommend using this bible for all your study sessions, it's so good! I will leave the link below.
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What did you learn from chapter two??? Drop a comment!