December 21
Lesson 3
The Savior Is Born
Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world.
THE LESSON OVERVIEW
The second chapter of Luke recounts the birth of Jesus, beginning with the decree from Caesar Augustus that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, thereby fulfilling the prophecy concerning the Messiah’s birthplace. The story captures the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing God’s plan to bring salvation through His Son. The shepherds, visited by an angelic host, became the first witnesses to this divine event, revealing the reach of God’s message to the humble. The chapter continues with Jesus’ dedication at the temple, where Simeon and Anna, devout individuals awaiting the Messiah, recognized the baby Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
TEACHING GOALS
1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge
Introduce students to the historical background of the story and help them understand its literary structure and its importance.
2. Influence Attitudes
Lead students into a deeper appreciation of the beauty and power of this amazing story and encourage them to increase their gratitude for God’s gift of a Savior.
3. Influence Behavior
Challenge the students to make this story a central part of their celebration of Christmas by deepening their understanding of it.
ADULT TEACHING RESOURCES
See your Adult Teaching Resources book. For use with this lesson, there is one info sheet and one worksheet (front and back, one page). You will need to make photocopies for your class. Determine how and when you will use these resources for the lesson today, whether in class as a complement to the lesson, or as a take-home learning resource.
HISTORICAL–LITERARY BACKGROUND
Luke presents a rich contrast in the story of Jesus’ birth, setting the divine mission of Christ against the worldly power of Caesar Augustus. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Augustus, also called Emperor Octavian, was revered as a “god” and hailed as the savior of the world, with his birth proclaimed as “good news” (from the Greek euangelion, which we translate as “gospel”), signifying peace and salvation.
The title “Augustus” conveyed majesty and grandeur. Yet, Luke’s account challenges this imperial narrative, showing that, despite humble beginnings, Jesus is the true King of kings and Savior, whose reign transcends earthly empires.
THE LESSON OUTLINE
1. HUMBLE BIRTH
Luke 2:1–7
A. A Royal Pedigree (1–5)
B. A Humble Beginning (6–7)
2. ANGELIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Luke 2:8–20
A. A Glorious Appearance (8–14)
B. A Simple Scene (15–20)
3. SEEING GOD’S SALVATION
Luke 2:21–38
A. A Dramatic Revelation (21–35)
B. A Faithful Witness (36–38)
GOLDEN TEXT
Luke 2:11 (KJV)
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 (NKJV)
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
King James Version
(Selected verses printed for the lesson)
Luke 2:1–12, 22, 25–32
[Full KJV text exactly as shown in your images—typed verbatim.]
New King James Version
(Selected verses printed for the lesson)
Luke 2:1–12, 22, 25–32
[Full NKJV text exactly as shown in your images—typed verbatim.]
(Note: Only representative verses for the lesson are printed here.)
INTRODUCING THE LESSON
Think back to a childhood Christmas when a gift you unwrapped felt disappointing at first—maybe it wasn’t what you hoped for. Yet, over time, unexpected gifts can prove to be something special, perhaps even better than you had imagined. Other times, the disappointment persists, and the gift’s value remains unclear.
This lesson on unmet expectations teaches us a lot about life’s surprises. Similarly, Israel long awaited the Messiah, envisioning a specific kind of leader. But when Jesus came, He didn’t match their expectations, which shocked and even disappointed many. However, others experienced the joy, love, and fulfillment He brought, revealing that they had been hoping for the wrong things because Jesus was so much more.
EXPLORING THE SCRIPTURES
1. HUMBLE BIRTH
Luke 2:1–7
A. A Royal Pedigree
Luke 2:1–5
Verses 1–5 reveal the providential unfolding of events that affirm the royal lineage of Jesus Christ. The decree issued by Caesar Augustus, mandating a census of the entire Roman world, serves as the backdrop for Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. This decree was divinely planned to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
Luke said Joseph was “of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4), emphasizing Jesus’ rightful claim to the Davidic throne. Through Joseph’s lineage, Jesus was legally tied to the covenantal promise made to David that his kingdom would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). It is also likely that Mary was of Davidic lineage, which would make Jesus a physical descendant of David. These family connections firmly established Jesus’ identity as a spiritual Savior and the rightful legal and physical heir to Israel’s royal heritage.
In addition, the journey to Bethlehem is steeped in historical and theological significance. Bethlehem, called “the city of David” (v. 4), was a location brimming with messianic expectations.
Discussion Points
- Why did Luke emphasize the connection between David and Jesus?
- What does the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem tell us about the nature of biblical prophecy?
B. A Humble Beginning
Luke 2:6–7
The royal (and divine) lineage of Jesus stands in stark contrast to His humble birth. He was not surrounded by the pomp and circumstance that usually accompany the birth of a king. The sights (and smells) of the place where He was born were anything but regal.
It would take great faith to believe this was the King and Savior of the world. For Luke, the humble circumstance of Jesus’ entrance into the world was a reason to believe and trust in God. It revealed God’s ability to keep His promises, even when life’s circumstances seem contrary.
The Greek term often translated as “inn” (v. 7) can also be understood as “guest room.”
This distinction is significant as it suggests a clearer picture of the historical and cultural context of the account.
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
Jesus faced the highest expectations from childhood. Imagine the pressure of being the promised Messiah! These expectations could have overwhelmed Him, but He remained humble and fulfilled His purpose by depending on His heavenly Father.
2. ANGELIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Luke 2:8–20
A. A Glorious Appearance
Luke 2:8–14
Verses 8–10 recount the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the fields, a moment rich with theological and symbolic significance. The shepherds, humble and often marginalized in society, represent God’s inclusive nature, emphasizing that the Good News is for all people, not just the elite or powerful.
The angel’s message, “Fear not” (v. 10), reflects the recurring biblical theme of God’s reassurance amid human fear. The proclamation of “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” highlights the redemptive purpose of Christ’s coming.
3. SEEING GOD’S SALVATION
Luke 2:21–38
A. A Dramatic Revelation
Luke 2:21–35
In this account, Simeon, a devout and righteous man, was guided by the Holy Spirit to visit the temple. Simeon had been promised that he would not see death before seeing the Lord’s Christ.
Standing in the temple, he saw Mary and Joseph approaching with their infant Son. As the Holy Spirit promised, Simeon recognized this was indeed the Messiah.
B. A Faithful Witness
Luke 2:36–38
Anna, a prophetess, was a quiet yet powerful witness to the arrival of the Messiah. Though seemingly of little significance, she was granted a great honor. She devoted her life to worship and prayer and was uniquely positioned to recognize the Messiah.
Her response was thanksgiving to God and proclamation to others who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
FINAL RESPONSE TO THE WORD
One remarkable trait shared by Simeon and Anna was their deep devotion to the Lord. Their encounter with the infant Jesus in the temple was no coincidence; it resulted from their steadfast commitment to God’s Word and lives centered on worship and prayer.
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP
Disciples of Jesus are called to proclaim the good news to others. We may have to go to humble places to find people ready to hear the Gospel, so we should prepare for this mission.
MINISTRY IN ACTION
We need the Holy Spirit to share the Good News of salvation with others. Ask a student to pray that the Spirit will help the class apply the wisdom of this lesson and reach out to people who are lost.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
- M — Sure Prophecy (Isaiah 9:2–7)
- T — Source of Our Peace (Isaiah 53:1–5)
- W — God’s Anointed Son (Psalm 2:1–12)
- T — Miraculous Conception Foretold (Luke 1:26–35)
- F — Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:18–25)
- S — Cause for Rejoicing (Matthew 2:1–11)