12. a sign--"the sign."
the babe--"a Babe."
a manger--"the manger." The sign was to consist, it seems, solely in
the overpowering contrast between the things just said of Him and
the lowly condition in which they would find Him--Him whose goings forth
have been from of old, from everlasting, "ye shall find a Babe"; whom
the heaven of heavens cannot contain, "wrapt in swaddling bands"; the
"Saviour, Christ the Lord," lying in a manger! Thus early were these
amazing contrasts, which are His chosen style, held forth.
(See
2Co 8:9.)
JFB.
Outline
The birth of Christ. (1-7)
It is made known to the shepherds. (8-20)
Christ presented in the temple. (21-24)
Simeon prophesies concerning Jesus. (25-35)
Anna prophesies concerning him. (36-40)
Christ with the learned men in the temple. (41-52)
Painted sketch of Bethlehem in the 19th Century
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of Bethlehem in Judea
(Click to Enlarge)
Ancient Customs
Ancient People
Simeon, Jesus, Anna
Geography
Bethlehem
Judaea
Quick Reference Maps
The New Testament