Wednesday 01 January 2020
- Bible Book:
- Luke
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (v. 21)
Psalm: Psalm 8
Background
The opening line of Luke chapter two tells us that Caesar Augustus was in charge. The gospel writer has a habit of introducing us to the rich and powerful in the opening lines of his good news stories. These introductions are more than just historical footnotes allowing us to place these events in a certain period of time. These passing mentions are works of theology used to highlight the significance of what follows.
Caesar was in charge but God was up to something. The whirlwind story takes us through the Christmas story and here we land at that moment a group of shepherds set off to find the baby in the manger. The final verse of this section simply tells us that this child that all of this commotion was about was called Jesus.
From Caesar to Jesus, from the rich and powerful to the poor and humble. From empire to the kingdom of God. Luke opens his gospel with stories like this, that tell us something is at hand. That the old order is changing that those who think they are at the top of the tree are actually just walk on characters in a much bigger story.
To Ponder:
- Who are the powerful people of this day and age that need to be challenged by the good News of Jesus Christ?