Luke 2:7 KJV And she brought forth 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.
Luke 2:7 NASB And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The familiar words of Luke 2:7 struck me with fresh wonder today. Having just read Genesis 1 and 2 in my daily reading, the thought that the God of the universe should visit His creation was overwhelming. But then to think how He came – as a babe, with all the vulnerability and dependence that suggests, bows the heart in wonder and worship.
Just think of all that is contained in this one verse from the pen of Dr. Luke.
The Reality of His Humanity
“She brought forth her firstborn Son.” This was not a retelling of the myths of ancient Greek and Roman deities who clothed themselves with human flesh to visit men and women on earth. He was conceived in the womb of Mary, begotten by the Spirit of God, and she gave birth to Him as her firstborn. It was a real birth with all the implications of real humanity. Alone, with Joseph by her side, she went through the process of labour and delivery. No midwife or family to assist! She brought forth a Son, a real Man.
The Depth of His Humility
“…and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes.” The mighty God, Who set the bounds for the proud waves of the sea, Who established the foundations of the mountains, Who holds all things together by the word of His power, is now bound by swaddling bands. The God Who formed a woman millennia past in Eden’s Garden is now dependent on a woman for the most basic of human needs. The God Who is above all men’s concepts, confinements, and contributions (Acts 17:24-26) now is cared for by a teenage mother. The One Who sets the bounds of nations and people (Acts 17:24-26) is now “bound” by swaddling bands!
This was not a “pretend” game played by children. This was real and genuine self-humbling that He might not only as a Man be a Kinsman Redeemer, but that, having experienced all of life, He could be a merciful and faithful High Priest to us.
The Extent of His Dependence
“…and laid Him in a manger.” Scholars may debate if this was a rocky ledge or a feeding trough, but, to us, the wonder of it does not vary with the answer to the debate. He is seen as a dependent babe, resting, lying in a manger. Later, He will lie in the hinder part of a ship (Mark 4:38), later still, prostrate in Gethsemane (Matt 26:39), and finally In Joseph’s new tomb (Matt 28:6). He began His earthly sojourn in a manger and completed it lying in a tomb. It speaks of His total dependence and confidence in His Father.
A Preview of All to Come
“…because there was no room for them in the inn.” It is Luke who uniquely will follow the Lord from town to town, city to city, and show us that there is no room for Him in any of the cities and villages of Israel. He is in the outside place from the very beginning of Luke’s account. It will all culminate in Jerusalem, where the only place found for Him is Skull Hill, a cross, and a violent and cruel death.
We can sing with all sincerity, truth, and worshipful hearts the words of P. B. Bliss: “Hallelujah, what a Saviour!”
Read this on Heaven4sure: Is a Safe Bunker Your Best Option?
Consider:
Luke, whose goal was to show the genuine humanity of the Lord Jesus, is the Gospel writer who presents us with these details, which no other writer does.