Bible online. Interpretation of the Gospel of Luke Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
2:1-3 Luke correlates the date of Jesus' birth with the chronology of Roman history. We have no reliable information about the conduct of this general census by Augustus; it is known, however, that this emperor repeatedly took measures to reorganize the administration of the empire, including organizing censuses.
2:2 Quirinia. Quirinius was the Roman governor in Syria during the census in 6 AD. He assumed this position in 10 BC, so the previous census, which Luke actually talks about, could occur during his reign, since censuses in the Roman Empire were organized approximately every fourteen years.
2:3 Every man to his own city. To facilitate the census, all residents of the country were ordered to report to the cities where their families came from.
2:4 Joseph went... to Bethlehem. As a descendant of David, Joseph had to appear for the census in the city of David, Bethlehem.
2:5 with Mary, his betrothed wife. See com. to 1.27. The female part of the population, apparently, was not supposed to participate in the census, but Joseph could not leave Mary alone in Nazareth on the eve of giving birth - thus the prophecy of Micah was fulfilled (Mic. 5:2).
2:7 manger. Animal feeder.
there was no place for them in the hotel. The owner of the hotel could, for reasons unknown to us, refuse Joseph and his family shelter; on the other hand, it is possible that Joseph arrived in Bethlehem later than the others who had gathered for the census, and there was simply not enough room for him in the hotel. One way or another, it is obvious that Mary gave birth to Jesus in an environment of poverty, abandoned, and perhaps rejected by people.
2:8 There were shepherds in the field. The fact that the shepherds and their flocks were on pastures at that time does not mean that Jesus was not born in winter: the natural conditions of Palestine make it possible to keep cattle on pastures all year round.
2:9 Angel. The Greek word "angelos" means "messenger" - equally human or supernatural being. In the NT, angels are, as a rule, beings of the spiritual world who bring people messages from God.
2:10 to all people. This expression in Scripture usually refers to the people of Israel. The message brought by the angel would eventually reach all the people of the earth, but at the first moment it was addressed to the people chosen by God from ancient times.
2:11 Savior. In all four Gospels, Jesus is called Savior only twice.
Christ. The Greek translation of the Hebrew word for "Messiah" is "Anointed One."
Lord. This word in the Greek translation of the Old and New Testaments conveys the Hebrew tetragram of the name of God, i.e. the unpronounceable name Jehovah.
2:12 You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. By these signs, the shepherds had to be convinced of the truth of what they heard from the angel and recognize the Baby about whom he told them. There could have been several newborns in Bethlehem that night, but obviously only one of them was lying in a manger.
2:14 On earth there is peace, good will toward men. Exact translation: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good intentions (good will)."
2:15-20 The shepherds found the Baby in the manger, were convinced that everything said by the angel was true, and returned to themselves, “glorifying and praising God” (v. 20). The theme of praising God occupies an important place in the Gospel of Luke (eg 5:25.26; 7:16; 13:13).
2:21 After eight days. In accordance with the law, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth (Gen. 17:12; cf. Gal. 4:4.5).
b After the birth of a son, a woman was considered unclean by the Jews for the first seven days, and for the next thirty-three days she was forbidden to enter the temple and touch sacred objects (in the case of the birth of a daughter, these periods were doubled; Lev. 12:1-5). As a cleansing sacrifice, the mother had to offer a lamb and a dove or a turtle dove, and for those who were poor, two pigeons or two turtle doves (Lev. 12:6-8). Mary's offering was a poor woman's offering (v. 24).
to present before the Lord. The law of Moses ordered that every firstborn - be it a child or the offspring of livestock - be taken to the temple for consecration (Ex. 13:2).
2:25 Waiting for the consolation of Israel. Those. peace and good order, which, according to the Israelis, the Messiah was supposed to bring to their country.
The Holy Spirit was on him. It was moved by the Holy Spirit that Simeon came to the temple at the right moment and recognized Christ in the Child.
2:30 My eyes have seen Your salvation. Those. The baby through whom God’s salvation was to come into the world.
2:32 light to enlighten the Gentiles. Lit.: “light for the revelation of the Gentiles,” i.e. the light that will open will proclaim to the pagans the mystery of God's economy. See Gal. 3.14.
2:33 Joseph... and His mother marveled at what was said about Him. Apparently, Mary associated the miraculous birth of her Son more with the miracle of conception (as, for example, it happened with Anna, the mother of Samuel, even earlier with Sarah, and when Mary was with Elizabeth), rather than with the Child Himself. Mary perceived her immaculate conception as an expression of God’s greatest blessing directly affecting her, and she put her Son on a par with Isaac, Samuel, and John.
2:34 for the fall and rising of many. Lit.: "in the fall and resurrection of many." Wed. Rome. 9.30-32.
2:35 The weapon itself will pierce your soul. The ministry of Jesus and the death on the cross that completed it will become a difficult test for Mary. In addition, she will also have to reconsider her ideas and understand for herself who her Son was.
2:36 Anna the prophetess. Since Hannah, along with Simon, was given the gift of meeting Jesus in the temple, it is clear that she had a revelation from God about the birth of Jesus.
2:38 She praised the Lord. Luke does not say why exactly Anna praised the Lord, but, apparently, for the fulfillment of revelations.
2:41 to Jerusalem for the Passover. The law ordered the entire male population of Israel to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14.15; 34:23).
2:42 when He was twelve years old. Perhaps the parents took Jesus with them to Jerusalem in previous years. However, in the thirteenth year of his life, before becoming a “son of the covenant,” i.e. a full member of Israeli society, every Jewish boy certainly had to visit Jerusalem for three main holidays: Passover, Harvest and Tabernacles (Ex. 23:14-17; 34:22.23; Deut. 16:16).
2:43 The Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem...they did not notice it. In a large caravan of pilgrims, it was not difficult for parents to lose sight of their child. If at the time described there was already a practice, known from later times, when women and children walked in front of the caravan, and men brought up the rear, then each of the parents could think that their twelve-year-old Son was walking along with the others.
2:46 in the temple... listening to them and asking them. The main form of Jewish religious education was debate, and the ability not only to correctly answer questions, but also to skillfully pose them was valued.
2:48 what have you done to us? In Maria’s words there is a reproach, behind which one can hear a misunderstanding of what a twelve-year-old boy could do in the company of learned men.
2:49 I must be in the things which belong to my Father. The Jews never spoke of God as “My Father,” but used expressions like “Our Father” or “Our Father who is in heaven.”
2:51 He was in subjection to them. Those. Jesus fulfilled the commandment of the law: “Honor your father and your mother” (see Ex. 20:12; Matt. 5:17.18).
kept all these words in Her heart. Not understanding the meaning of Jesus' words, Mary nevertheless did not forget any of them.
1 In those days a command went out from Caesar Augustus to make a census of the whole earth.
2 This census was the first during the reign of Quirinius in Syria.
3 And they all went to be registered, each one to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5 to sign up with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth;
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Christmas. Artist Gertgen tot Sint Jans 1490
8 In the same country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were afraid with great fear.
10 And the angel said to them: Do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people:
Announcing the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds. Artist Y. Sh von KAROLSFELD 11 For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord;
12 And this is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly a great host of heaven appeared with the angel, praising God and crying:
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!
15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see what has happened there, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 And they hastened and came and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger.
Birth of Jesus. Artist G. Dore 17 When they saw it, they related what had been told them about this Child.
18 And all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary kept all these words, writing them in her heart.
Birth of Jesus Christ. Artist Y. Sh von KAROLSFELD 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Shepherds are the first evangelists. Artist Y. Sh von KAROLSFELD 21 After eight days had passed, when the child should have been circumcised, they gave Him the name Jesus, which the angel had called before He was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him before the Lord,
Circumcision. Artist Rembrandt Harmens van Rijn 1661 23 As it is prescribed in the law of the Lord, that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord,
24 And to sacrifice, according to what was said in the law of the Lord, two turtle doves or two chicks of doves.
25 Then there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a righteous and pious man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Song of Simeon. Artist Rembrandt Harmens van Rijn 1631 2(25) 26 It was foretold to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw Christ the Lord.
27 And he came by inspiration to the temple. And when the parents brought the Child Jesus to perform the legal rite on Him,
Introduction to the temple. Artist Giotto di Bondone 1304-1306. 28 He took Him in his arms, blessed God and said:
29 Now you are releasing Your servant, O Master, according to Your word, in peace,
30 For mine eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 which You have prepared before all nations,
32 a light for the enlightenment of the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at what was said about Him.
34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this One is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for the cause of controversy, 35 and a weapon will pierce your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Prophecy of Simeon to Mary. Artist Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn 1628 36 There was also Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher, who had reached a great old age, having lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity,
37 A widow about eighty-four years old, who did not leave the temple, serving God day and night with fasting and prayer.
38 And at that time she came up and praised the Lord and spoke about Him to all who were waiting for deliverance in Jerusalem.
Holy Family. Artist Rembrandt Harmens van Rijn 1645 39 And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth.
40 But the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
Simeon. Artist Y. Sh von KAROLSFELD 41 Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover holiday.
42 And when He was twelve years old, they also came, according to custom, to Jerusalem for the feast.
43 When, at the end of the days of the holiday, they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother did not notice,
44 but they thought that He was going with others. Having walked a day's journey, they began to look for Him among relatives and acquaintances.
45 And not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him.
46 After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions;
Twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple. Artist Y. Sh von KAROLSFELD 47 All those who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.
48 And when they saw Him, they were surprised; and His Mother said to Him: Child! what have you done to us? Behold, Your father and I have been looking for You with great sorrow.
49 He said to them: Why did you seek Me? or did you not know that I must be concerned with the things that belong to My Father?
50 But they did not understand the words He spoke.
51 And He went with them and came to Nazareth; and was in obedience to them. And His Mother kept all these words in Her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
The Child Jesus in the Temple. Artist G. Dore Synodal translation. The chapter is voiced by role by the studio “Light in the East”.
1. In those days a command came from Caesar Augustus to make a census of the whole earth.
2. This census was the first during the reign of Quirinius in Syria.
3. And everyone went to register, each to his own city.
4. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth
, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem
because he was from the house and lineage of David,
5. sign up with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant.
6. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth;
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8. In that country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. Suddenly an Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were afraid with great fear.
10. And the Angel said to them: Do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people:
11. For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord;
12. And this is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13. And suddenly a large army of heaven appeared with the angel, praising God and crying:
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!
15. When the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: let's go to Bethlehem
and let's see what happened there, which the Lord told us about.
16 And they hastened and came and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger.
17. When they saw it, they told about what had been announced to them about this Child.
18 And all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
19. But Mary kept all these words, writing them in her heart.
20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
21. After eight days had passed, when the Child should have been circumcised, they gave Him the name Jesus, which the Angel had named before He was conceived in the womb.
22. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem
to present before the Lord,
23. As it is prescribed in the law of the Lord, that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord,
24. And to sacrifice, according to what was said in the law of the Lord, two turtle doves or two chicks of pigeons.
25. Then I was in Jerusalem
a man named Simeon. He was a righteous and pious man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26. It was predicted to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw Christ the Lord.
27. And he came by inspiration to the temple. And when the parents brought the Child Jesus to perform the legal rite on Him,
28. He took Him in his arms, blessed God and said:
29. Now you are releasing Your servant, O Master, according to Your word, in peace,
30. For mine eyes have seen Your salvation,
31. which You have prepared before the face of all nations,
32. light for the enlightenment of the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.
33. Joseph and His mother marveled at what was said about Him.
34. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother: Behold, this one is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for the subject of controversy -
35. And a weapon will pierce your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36. There was also Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher, who had reached a great old age, having lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity,
37. A widow of eighty-four years old, who did not leave the temple, serving God day and night with fasting and prayer.
38. And at that time she came up and praised the Lord and spoke about Him to all who were waiting for deliverance in Jerusalem
.
39. And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth
.
40. The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
41. Every year His parents went to Jerusalem
for Easter.
42. And when He was twelve years old, they also came according to custom to Jerusalem
on holiday.
43. When, at the end of the days of the holiday, they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem
; and Joseph and His mother did not notice,
44. but they thought that He was going with others. Having walked a day's journey, they began to look for Him among relatives and acquaintances.
45. and not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem
, looking for Him.
46. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions;
47. All those who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.
48. And when they saw Him, they were surprised; and His Mother said to Him: Child! what have you done to us? Behold, Your father and I have been looking for You with great sorrow.
49. He said to them: Why did you seek Me? or did you not know that I must be concerned with the things that belong to My Father?
50. But they did not understand the words He spoke.
51. And He went with them and came to Nazareth
; and was in obedience to them. And His Mother kept all these words in Her heart.
52. Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.
In those days, Caesar Augustus issued an order to take a census of the entire earth.This census was the first during the reign of Quirinius in Syria.And everyone went to sign up, each to his own city.
Joseph also went from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family of David,sign up with Maria, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant.While they were there, the time came for Her to give birth;and she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In that country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.Suddenly an Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were afraid with great fear.And the Angel said to them: Do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people:For today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord;and here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly a large army of heaven appeared with the Angel, praising God and crying:Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!
When the Angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: let's go to Bethlehem and see what happened there, which the Lord told us about.And they hastened and came and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger.When they saw it, they told about what had been announced to them about this Child.And all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them.But Mary kept all these words, writing them in Her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, as they had been told.
After eight days, when it was necessary to circumcise baby, they gave Him the name Jesus, which the Angel had named before He was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him before the Lord,as it is prescribed in the law of the Lord, that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord,and to sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, two turtle doves or two chicks of pigeons.
Then there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a righteous and pious man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.He was predicted by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw Christ the Lord.And he came by inspiration to the temple. And when the parents brought the Child Jesus to perform the legal rite on Him,he took Him in his arms, blessed God and said:Now do You let Your servant go, O Master, according to Your word, in peace,for mine eyes have seen Your salvation,which You have prepared before the face of all nations,light for the enlightenment of the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.
Joseph and His Mother marveled at what was said about Him.And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His Mother: Behold, this One is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for the subject of controversy, -and a weapon will pierce your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
There was also Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher, who had reached a very old age, having lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity,a widow of eighty-four years old who did not leave the temple, serving God day and night with fasting and prayer.And at that time she came up, glorified the Lord and spoke about Him to everyone who was waiting for deliverance in Jerusalem.
And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth.The baby grew and became stronger in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover holiday.And when He was twelve years old, they also came, according to custom, to Jerusalem for the feast.When, at the end of days holiday, returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother did not notice,but they thought that He was going with others. Having walked a day's journey, they began to look for Him among relatives and acquaintances.and not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him.After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions;all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers.And when they saw Him, they were surprised; and His Mother said to Him: Child! what have you done to us? Behold, Your father and I have been looking for You with great sorrow.
He told them: Why did you need to look for Me? or did you not know that I must be concerned with the things that belong to My Father?But they did not understand the words He spoke.
And He went with them and came to Nazareth; and was in obedience to them. And His Mother kept all these words in Her heart.Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.
In those days, Caesar Augustus issued an order to take a census of the entire earth. This census was the first during the reign of Quirinius in Syria. And everyone went to sign up, each to his own city. Joseph also went from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family of David, to enroll with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for Her to give birth; and she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The census takes place so that when everyone goes to his fatherland, the Virgin comes to Bethlehem, her fatherland, and thus the Lord was born in Bethlehem, and the prophecy was fulfilled. When there was one God, having the power to end polytheism, it was fitting for one king, Caesar, to reign. Christ is recorded along with everyone else. The Lord should have recorded with the universe in order to sanctify those who recorded and abolish slavery; For just as, having undergone circumcision, He abolished circumcision, so, by being registered as a slave, He abolished the slavery of our nature. For those who work for the Lord are no longer slaves of men, as the Apostle says: “Do not become slaves of men” (1 Cor. 7:23), but if they are slaves in body, they are free in spirit, not being carried away by the wickedness of their masters. - He rightly called the Lord the Son of the Virgin, the “Firstborn,” although she did not give birth to anyone else, for the one born first is called the firstborn, even if no other was born after him. - It is placed in a manger, perhaps in order to teach us humility from the beginning, and perhaps in order to symbolically show that He appeared in this world - a place inhabited by us, who have become like foolish cattle (Ps. 48, 13.21). For just as the manger belongs to cattle, so this world belongs to us. So, the world is a manger, and we are irrational animals; and to redeem us from foolishness, that is why He appeared here.
In that country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Suddenly an Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were afraid with great fear. And the Angel said to them; do not be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people: for today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord; and here is a sign for you: you will find baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly a large army of heaven appeared with the Angel, glorifying God and crying: glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men! The angel appears to the shepherds for the simplicity of their character and gentleness, since they apparently imitate the lifestyle of the righteous, for the ancient patriarchs, Jacob, Moses and David, were shepherds. The angel did not appear to the Pharisees or scribes in Jerusalem, for they were the repository of all evil; and those, not being cunning, were rewarded with divine visions. The Lord showed by this that from the very beginning He chose and made preachers those who were more simple-hearted than others, for they went and began to preach about all this. “The angel announced great joy, which,” he said, “will be for all people; actually for the people of God. For not all Jews are the people of God. But the incarnation of God was a joy for the entire human race. - What does the song of the Angels mean? Without a doubt, the gratitude of the higher ranks and the joy that we, living on earth, have been blessed. For they say: thank God, there is now peace on earth. Previously, human nature was at enmity with God, but now it has been so reconciled that it has become in union with God and united with Him in the incarnation. So, do you see the peace of God with man? It can be understood differently. The Son of God himself is peace, as he says about himself (John 14:27; 16:33). So, the world itself, the Son of God, appeared on earth. And “good will toward men,” that is, God’s rest; for now God has rested and found God-pleasing in people, whereas before He did not please Him and did not find Himself pleasing in people.
When the Angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said to each other: let's go to Bethlehem and see what happened there, which the Lord told us about. And they hastened and came and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger. When they saw it, they told about what had been announced to them about this Child. And all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them. These shepherds are the image of spiritual shepherds - bishops. So, bishops must guard their flock and play, that is, sing something spiritual and teach the people, and then they will be rewarded with divine visions and hearings. Bethlehem means the house of bread. What other house of bread is this if not the church in which this bread is deposited? So, the job of verbal shepherds is to seek heavenly bread, and when they see this bread, it is their duty to preach to others, just as the shepherds, having seen the Baby, told others about Him.
But Mary kept all these words, writing them in Her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, as they had been told. What words did the Virgin keep? Others say that those who the Angel told Her, and those who the shepherds told Her. She observed them and put them in Her heart, that is, she discussed them and found in everyone one agreed thought that Her Son is God. But it seems to me that here events are called words; it says something like this: Mary preserved all the words, that is, those events that I am now talking about, and through this I make them words. For an event, when spoken about, becomes a word. The shepherds returned with gratitude to God for everything; for they were not envious like the Jews.
After eight days, when it was necessary to circumcisebaby, They gave Him the name Jesus, which the Angel called before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present him before the Lord, as it is prescribed in the law of the Lord, that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord, and to offer him as a sacrifice, according to what is prescribed in the law of the Lord. , two turtle doves or two pigeon chicks. When the Law gave commandments, then those who broke them were cursed. So, the Lord is circumcised in order to, in this fulfilling the Law and not omitting anything commanded by it, redeem us from the curse. Let those who say that he was incarnated ghostly be ashamed from now on, for how is he circumcised if he was incarnated ghostly? It is useless to examine where the cut part is located. For one should not seek out what Scripture is silent about. Yes, this is completely useless. We can say that after being cut off, she fell to the ground and sanctified it, just like the blood and water that flowed from His side. And He, in a manner known to Him, preserved this particle undamaged and, after the Resurrection, received it again, so as not to be found wanting in this regard; just as we will receive our body intact in the resurrection. Note that the Lord did not conceive immediately, as the Angel said: “And now you will conceive,” but after this, when He desired. For look what it says here: “which was called by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” This is clear from the saying itself, for he did not say: “you will conceive,” but “you will conceive.” From this we can conclude that the Lord was conceived at that time, but not at the very moment when the Angel spoke, but perhaps when he finished speaking. However, we do not say this in the affirmative. “When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled.” He said well: “according to the law of Moses,” for truly the Virgin had no need to wait for days of purification, which, in the case of a male birth, were forty. The Law says: “a woman will conceive (conceive from seed) and give birth to a male child” (Lev. 12:2); and the Virgin did not conceive from seed, but gave birth from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, she had no need, but came to the temple out of desire to fulfill the law. Why, in the case of a male birth, are there seven days of purification, and double for a female? “If a woman,” it is said, “conceives and gives birth to a male child, she will be unclean for seven days; but if she gives birth to a female child, then at the time of her purification she will be unclean for two weeks” (Lev 12:2.5) ? Because the one who gave birth to the male gender introduces another Adam into the world, and the one who gave birth to the female gender gives birth to another Eve - a weak and weak vessel, a broken clay vessel, a reed of deception, a teacher of disobedience. - The words of the Law: “so that every male child who opens the womb should be dedicated to the Lord” came true in Christ alone; for He Himself opened the Virgin’s womb, while other mothers’ wombs are opened by the husband. - The law commanded that a pair of turtle doves be brought to show that childbearing is from a pure marriage. For they say about the turtledove that she is a chaste bird, so that, having lost her male, she does not copulate with another. If the parents did not have turtle doves, then they brought two pigeon chicks, so that the life of this child would serve for many children; for the dove is a prolific bird.
Then there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a righteous and pious man, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. He was predicted by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he saw Christ the Lord. And he came by inspiration to the temple. And when the parents brought the Child Jesus to perform the legal rite over Him, he took Him in his arms, blessed God and said: Now you are letting Your servant go, O Master, in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared. before all nations, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and glory to Your people Israel. Simeon was not a priest, but was a God-loving man; he expected that Christ would come, the comforter of the Jews and the liberator from the slavery of sin, and perhaps from the slavery of the Romans and Herod. For whoever believes in Christ is truly free and honored by kings and all people. Look at the apostles. Weren't they slaves of the Romans? And now the kings of Rome honor them and worship them. So, for them, the Israelites, Christ became a consolation. This Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, went into the temple when the Mother brought the Lord, and, taking Him in her arms, confessed him as God. For one who confessed that He is the Lord of life and death could say: “Now You are letting Thy servant go, O Master.” See how the saints consider the body to be a bond. That’s why he says: “Now you let me go,” as if you were freeing him from bonds. “According to Thy word”: speaks of the prediction he received that he would not die until he saw Christ. "In peace" instead of: in peace. For a man, as long as he lives, is troubled, as David says (Ps. 38:7); the deceased is in peace. “In peace” can be understood in another way, namely: with receiving what was expected. Before I saw the Lord, I, he says, was not calm in my thoughts, but I was waiting for Him and always thought with concern when He would come: and now, when I saw Him, I calmed down and stopped thinking, I am relieved. “Salvation” he called the incarnation of the Only Begotten, which God prepared before all ages. I have prepared this salvation in the presence of all people. For this is why He became incarnate, to save the world and so that His incarnation would be revealed to everyone. This salvation is “a light for the enlightenment of the Gentiles,” that is, for the enlightenment of the darkened Gentiles, “and for the glory of Israel,” for Christ is truly the glory of the Israeli people, because from them He shone and the truly prudent find greatness for themselves in this. So says Simeon. And it seems to me that the words of David also befit this Simeon: “I will satisfy him with long days, and I will show him My salvation” (Ps. 90:16).
Joseph and His Mother marveled at what was said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His Mother: Behold, this One is destined for the fall and rebellion of many in Israel and for the subject of controversy, and a weapon will pierce Your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Simeon blessed both, and turned his speech to the true Mother, leaving the imaginary father. “Behold,” he says, “this destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel”; to the fall of the unbelievers, and to the rebellion of the believers. Or in other words: the Lord is responsible for the fall of the evil that nests in our souls, and for the rise of good; Fornication falls, chastity rises. It can be understood even differently: Christ lies “to fall” instead of: He Himself has to suffer and undergo death, and through His fall many have to rise. So, after the words: “for the fall,” put a period, then begin: “and for the rising of many.” The sign is the cross, which until now finds a contradiction in itself, that is, it is not accepted by the infidels. The incarnation of the Lord is also called a sign and a wonderful sign, since God became a man, and the Virgin became a Mother. And this sign, that is, the incarnation of Christ, is contradicted. For some say that the body is from heaven, others that it is ghostly, and others say something else. “And the weapon will pierce your very (Virgo) soul.” She calls the weapon, perhaps, the sorrow that occurred during suffering, and perhaps the temptation that struck Her at the sight of the Lord crucified. For She, perhaps, thought about how the One who was born without seeds, performed miracles, and raised the dead, was crucified, killed and spat upon. “Let the thoughts of many hearts be revealed.” This means that the thoughts of many who are tempted will be revealed and revealed, and when convicted they will find a quick healing. For example, you, Virgo, will open up and reveal yourself in your wisdom about Christ, then you will be confirmed in faith in Him. Likewise, Peter turned out to be rejected; but the power of God appeared, accepting him again through repentance. And otherwise: the thoughts of many hearts were revealed when the traitor was revealed and those who loved Him were revealed, such as, for example, Joseph who came to Pilate, and the women who stood at the Cross.
There was also Anna the prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher, who had reached a very old age, having lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity, a widow of eighty-four years old, who did not leave the temple, serving God day and night with fasting and prayer. And at that time she came up, glorified the Lord and spoke about Him to everyone who was waiting for deliverance in Jerusalem. And when they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth. The baby grew and became stronger in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. The Evangelist dwells on the story of Anna, lists her father and tribe, so that we know that he is telling the truth, since he invites, as it were, many witnesses who know the father and tribe. She, together with others, “glorified” the Lord, that is, thanked Him, and conveyed to everyone about the Lord that He is the Savior and the consolation of us awaiting redemption. - Having completed everything, they returned to Galilee, to their city of Nazareth, Bethlehem was also their city, but as a homeland, and Nazareth as a place of residence. - Jesus grew in body. Although He could have reached a reasonable manhood from the very womb, then He could have seemed like a ghost; therefore He grows little by little. With age, the wisdom of God the Word manifested itself. For He was not wise by success in learning; away with such a thought! Since He revealed his innate wisdom little by little, it is said that He progressed and became stronger in spirit in accordance with his physical age. For if He had shown all wisdom at His very first age, He would have seemed monstrous. And now, revealing Himself as much as possible, in accordance with age, He fulfilled the economy, not accepting wisdom. For what could be more perfect than perfect from the beginning? However, He reveals His inherent wisdom little by little.
Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover holiday. And when He was twelve years old, they also came, according to custom, to Jerusalem for the feast. When, at the end of days holiday, returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; And Joseph and His Mother did not notice this, but thought that He was going with others. Having walked a day's journey, they began to look for Him among relatives and acquaintances and, not finding Him, returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers. And when they saw Him, they were surprised; and His Mother said to Him: Child! what have you done to us? Behold, Your father and I have been looking for You with great sorrow. He said to them: Why did you seek Me? or did you not know that I must be concerned with the things that belong to My Father? But they did not understand the words He spoke. Jesus goes to Jerusalem with his parents to show in everything that He neither resists God nor resists the demands of the Law. When they had fulfilled the days, that is, the seven days of Passover, He remained in Jerusalem. - He reasoned with the scribes, giving them questions from the Law. And everyone was “amazed.” Do you see how He advanced in wisdom, so that He was an object of curiosity and wonder to many? For the revelation of His wisdom is His very success. The Mother of God calls Joseph father, although she knew that he was not the father. Without a doubt, she calls Joseph His father for the sake of the Jews, so that they would not have any unclean thoughts regarding His birth. Otherwise: since Joseph exerted fatherly care and service in upbringing, she decently called him father himself, as if the Holy Spirit had honored him with the name of father. - Why were they looking for Him? Did they really assume that He, like a child, was lost or lost? Away with such a thought! For she could not come either to the wise Mary, who received countless revelations about Him, or to Joseph, to whom it was also revealed that He was from the Holy Spirit. But they were looking for Him so that He would somehow not fall behind them, so that He would not somehow leave them. And when they found Him, look how He answers them! Since the Virgin called Joseph His father, He says: He, Joseph, is not My true father, although I was in his house; but God is My Father, and therefore I am in His house, that is, in His temple. But they did not understand what He said to them: for it was a mystery.
And He went with them and came to Nazareth; and was in obedience to them. And His Mother kept all these words in Her heart. Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. Jesus obeyed his parents, giving us a model to obey our parents. - The Virgin observed all this; for the actions and words of the Youth were divine and revealed in Him not a twelve-year-old boy, but a completely mature man. To explain what it means to “advance in wisdom,” the evangelist adds: “and in age,” for he calls advancement in age success in wisdom. “Both in love with God and with men,” that is, he did what was pleasing to God and praiseworthy from people; but first he was acceptable before God, and then before people; for first one must please God, and then people.
