Luke 2

Son of David

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) Luke 2:4

Jesus is born in Bethlehem into David's royal line, exactly as the prophets said the Messiah would come. The details of the census are the Lord arranging prophecy's fulfillment.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Micah 5:2 — The ruler of Israel would come out of Bethlehem.
• fulfils 2 Samuel 7:12-13 — David's seed would have an everlasting throne.

Firstborn

Firstborn — the one holding the birthright; Christ is the Firstborn of the Father in the spirit and Mary's firstborn in the flesh

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:6–7

The Son of God is born into mortality in the humblest setting, laid in a feeding trough. He is Mary's firstborn, and He is also the Firstborn of all the Father's spirit children.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in D&C 93:21 — Christ: I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn.
• the same title in Colossians 1:15 — The firstborn of every creature.
• the same event in 1 Nephi 11:20-21 — Nephi sees the virgin bearing the child, the Lamb of God.

Saviour

Saviour — the One who rescues and delivers from sin and death

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10–11

An angel announces the birth with three titles at once: Saviour, Christ, and Lord. The baby in the manger is the promised Deliverer and the Lord Jehovah come to earth.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Isaiah 9:6 — Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.
• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — King Benjamin's angel names Him Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Creator.

Christ the Lord

Christ — Greek for the Anointed One, the same as Hebrew Messiah

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

The angel declares the newborn to be the Christ, the Anointed King Israel waited for, and 'the Lord' — the title used for Jehovah. The God of Israel has been born as a child.

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• fulfils Isaiah 7:14 — A virgin shall bear a son, Immanuel.

Birth of Christ

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:12–17

The shepherds find the sign — the babe in a manger — and become the first witnesses to spread the news of the Savior's birth.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Prince of Peace

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

The heavenly host praises God because the Child who brings peace to the earth has come. It echoes Isaiah's promise that the child born would be the Prince of Peace.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 9:6 — His name shall be called the Prince of Peace.

Jesus

Jesus (Hebrew Yeshua/Joshua) — Jehovah saves, Jehovah is salvation

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21

At His circumcision the Child receives the name the angel gave from heaven. His very name announces His mission: Jehovah saves.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Luke 1:31 — Gabriel told Mary to call His name JESUS.
• the same title in Matthew 1:21 — Call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — He shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Firstborn consecrated to the Lord

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; Luke 2:22–23

Under the law of Moses every firstborn son belonged to the Lord, a reminder of the Passover. Jesus, the true Firstborn and the Holy One, fulfills what that law pointed to as He is presented in the temple.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Exodus 13:2 — Sanctify unto me all the firstborn.
• alludes to Exodus 13:12-13 — All that openeth the womb belongs to the LORD.

Consolation of Israel

Consolation of Israel — the Comforter of God's people; a Jewish title for the Messiah drawn from Isaiah's 'Comfort ye my people'

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. Luke 2:25

Simeon was waiting for the 'consolation of Israel' — a hidden title for the Messiah, the One who would bring comfort to God's people. He finds it in the Baby Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 40:1 — Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.
• alludes to Isaiah 49:13 — The LORD hath comforted his people.

The Lord's Christ

The Lord's Christ — the Father's Anointed One

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:26–28

The Holy Ghost promised Simeon he would see the Anointed One of the Lord before he died, then led him to the temple to hold Him. It is the Spirit's witness that this Child is the Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Psalms 2:2 — The LORD and his anointed.

God's Salvation

Salvation — the name Jesus itself means 'Jehovah is salvation'

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: Luke 2:29–31

Holding the Baby, Simeon calls Him God's salvation in person. Salvation is not only a plan or a gift; it is Jesus Himself.

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• fulfils Isaiah 52:10 — All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
• the same title in Luke 3:6 — All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Light to the Gentiles

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:32

Simeon uses Isaiah's servant language: this Child is light for every nation and the glory of Israel. From the start, Jesus came for all people, not only one nation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Isaiah 49:6 — I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles.
• alludes to Isaiah 42:6 — A covenant of the people, a light of the Gentiles.
• the same title in John 8:12 — I am the light of the world.

Stone of stumbling

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Luke 2:34

Simeon prophesies that Jesus will divide Israel: some will stumble over Him and fall, others will rise through Him, and He will be opposed. It echoes Isaiah's stone of stumbling.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 8:14-15 — A stone of stumbling and a rock of offence; many shall stumble and fall.
• alluded to by Luke 7:23 — Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Crucifixion foretold

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:35

Simeon warns Mary that grief will pierce her soul. It points ahead to her standing at the cross watching her Son die.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by John 19:25 — There stood by the cross of Jesus his mother.

Redemption of Jerusalem

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

Anna the prophetess becomes a witness, telling everyone waiting for redemption that the Redeemer has come. 'Him' is the infant Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Isaiah 52:9 — The LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Grace to grace

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40

Jesus grew up as a real child, gaining wisdom step by step with God's grace upon Him. Latter-day revelation explains that He received not the fulness at first but grew from grace to grace.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• interpreted by D&C 93:12-14 — He received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace.

Jesus in the temple at twelve

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Luke 2:42–47

At twelve, Jesus stays in His Father's house and astonishes the teachers of the law with His understanding. The Boy already knows who He is.

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After three days

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. Luke 2:46

At Passover, His mother seeks Him sorrowing and finds Him after three days in His Father's house. Many teachers see a quiet foreshadowing of the sorrow of His death and His being found alive after three days.

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Son of God

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? Luke 2:49

In His first recorded words, Jesus gently corrects 'thy father' by speaking of 'my Father' — Heavenly Father. He knew He was the Son of God with a divine work to do.

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Jesus grows up

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52

Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. The Son of God passed through youth as every teenager does, which is why He understands them.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by D&C 93:13 — He continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness.