What does Luke 2:16 mean?

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16

Explanation

This verse, found in the Gospel of Luke, captures the immediacy of the shepherds’ response to the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. After hearing the good news from the angels, the shepherds go “with haste” to Bethlehem to see the events that they have been told about. They find Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger, just as it was described to them. This verse not only depicts the fulfillment of the angel’s message but also the shepherds’ eagerness to witness the newborn savior, emphasizing the importance of acting swiftly on divine revelation.

Historical Context

The book of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context, sometime between AD 59 and AD 70. The mention of Mary and Joseph indicates the period of the census of Quirinius, which required all Jewish people to return to their ancestral homes for registration, placing Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem instead of Nazareth. The manger setting signifies a humble birthplace, an image that contrasts with the royal connotations often associated with the arrival of a savior or king.

Theological Insights

This verse conveys several theological themes. The swiftness of the shepherds’ visit suggests that the news of Jesus’ birth demands immediate attention and action. The use of the phrase “lying in a manger” is significant as it alludes to Jesus’ humble beginnings, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being accessible to all, including the lowly. The presence of Mary and Joseph, and their inclusion alongside the child, emphasizes the humanity of Jesus and the holy family’s central role in Christian theology.

Practical Applications

One practical application of this verse is the concept of promptness in responding to God’s call or signs. It encourages believers to act quickly when they feel moved by spiritual insights or divine invitations. Additionally, the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth may inspire the faithful to find contentment and to recognize sacredness in simplicity and modesty.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
• Micah 5:2: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
• Luke 2:12: “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for “haste” is “σπεύσαντες” (speusantes), denoting a sense of urgency and speedy action. The word “εὗρον” (heuron), translated as “found,” implies a successful search, indicating that the shepherds’ journey had a fruitful conclusion. The term “βρέφος” (brephos) for “babe” is a term used for infants or even unborn children, highlighting the innocence and vulnerability of Christ at birth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The narrative of a divine figure being born in humble circumstances is not unique to Christianity. In other ancient religions, such as in Hinduism, Krishna’s birth in a prison mirrors this thematic element of divinity manifesting amidst adversity. Comparatively, in Greek mythology, the birth of Zeus is hidden away in a cave for safety. These similarities highlight a recurring motif in religious texts where the divine intersects with the mortal world in unexpected ways.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific perspectives, the mentioning of shepherds in the field at night could be correlated with the historical patterns of animal husbandry and celestial navigation. Additionally, contemporary scientific inquiries into the historical star of Bethlehem sometimes intersect with such biblical narratives, attempting to understand the astronomical events around the time of Jesus’ birth.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 2:16 often focus on the shepherds’ response to the angelic message, emphasizing their faith and obedience. Experts like William Barclay and Matthew Henry note the significance of the lowly shepherds being the first to witness and testify about Jesus, symbolizing the gospel’s reach to all socioeconomic levels. They also point to the fulfillment of prophecies and the realization of divine revelation as central themes in this passage.