7. Birth of Jesus
Christ- Matt. 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7
-When Joseph finds out his wife to be is pregnant he planned
to put her away secretly, not wanting to disgrace her (or possibly have her
executed under Jewish law as an adulterer). But an angel of the Lord appeared
to him, just like Mary and Zacharias, and told him to not be afraid to take her
as his wife because of His supernatural conception by the Holy Spirit (Matthew
1:20). This happened in a dream, and it was revealed to Joseph that this One
would be called Jesus (God saves) because He would save His people from their
sins (Matthew 1:21). This was fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning a
virgin birth and God coming to be with mankind (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14;
9:6). Joseph awoke and did just as the angel commanded and took Mary as his
wife, but he kept her a virgin until she gave birth to Jesus Christ.
*Application* This passage reveals Joseph’s love for his espoused wife and his
obedience to the word of the Lord. He could have been rightfully upset with the
situation and publicly humiliated her. The society that they lived in would not
tolerate a perceived indiscretion like this and it could have left her alone in
raising God’s only son. Instead, Joseph remained calm and didn’t want to embarrass
his beloved. In time he got the message from the angel and had perfect
understanding, by faith, of the things that God was up to. We also need to remain
calm in the face of obstacles and things we can’t quite comprehend. Wait upon
the Lord to reveal His plan and direction in the course of your life (Psalm
25:3).
-The scene shifts to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem Ephrathah
(Micah 5:2). Joseph and Mary must go there because of their Davidic ancestry to
participate in a census decreed from the Roman government by Caesar Augustus
for all the inhibited earth (Luke 2:1). Luke gives us incredible detail of
these events in his historical biography. Jesus was wrapped in grave clothes (esparganosen in Greek, swaddling or
grave clothes, Luke 2:7, 12). This had prophetic implications for His destiny
as He was the lamb slain from the foundation of the world for the sins of
mankind (Revelation 13:8). He was laid in a manger in the animal stable because
there was no room for His family in the inn because of the swollen population
of the town in light of the census (Luke 2:7). *Application* I visited this
site upon my recent trip to Israel. This stable was actually in a cave cut out
of rock in a mountainous area (far from the wooden barn type representations
you often see at Christmas). Our God chose to come to us in the most humble of
ways. He emptied Himself for our benefit and deliverance (Philippians 2:5-8).
-Verse to Memorize:
Matthew 1:21
8. Angels announce
Christ’s birth to shepherds- Luke 2:8-20
-In the same region there were shepherds tending their sheep
by night out in the fields. Suddenly an angel appeared to them with the glory
of the Lord and frightened them greatly, but the angel told them to not be
afraid because he brings good news of great joy, which will be for all people
(Luke 2:10). The angel announces the birth of Christ Jesus in Bethlehem, the
city of David, with a sign of Him being found in swaddling clothes and lying in
a manger (Luke 2:12). Suddenly there were with the angel a multitude of
heavenly hosts praising the Lord and singing, “Glory to God in the highest and
on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased (Luke 2:14).” They hurried to
Bethlehem and found the Messiah just as had been told to them and they made
known the statement, which had been revealed to them from Heaven’s messenger.
This was causing wonder and amazement by all, but Mary treasured these things
in her heart and pondered on them (Luke 2:19). The shepherds returned glorifying
and praising the Lord for all they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20).
-It is amazing and prophetic how the Lord chose to reveal
His angels to the shepherds. These were probably sheep that were being raised
for the Temple sacrifices in nearby Jerusalem (Bethlehem is only over a
mountain or two from the Holy City about 8 miles south). Jesus would be the
sacrifice for the sins of the whole world some 33 years later in Jerusalem just
outside its gates on Calvary’s cross. The excitement of seeing this revelation
consumed the shepherds and they went in haste to spread the news after they had
seen the Christ Child.
-*Application* Are we in a hurry to spread the good news we
have in Christ Jesus? We should have every bit the enthusiasm for our Lord that
they had. He has done great things for us in transforming us into His image.
Share the message of Christ Jesus with everyone! It is good news and peace for
mankind.
-Verse to Memorize:
Luke 2:10
9. Star of Bethlehem-
Matt. 2:1-2
-The magi see the star in the west from their eastern
location and venture toward Bethlehem, which they know from the prophecies
(perhaps revealed by Daniel and others in the Babylonian deportation). They
arrive in Jerusalem looking for the Child because they have come to worship Him
(Matthew 2:2).
-*Application* These were astronomers from a foreign land
that came based on previous knowledge somehow to the place where God visited
earth. Our God is so good He even places signs in the sky for the entire world
to see His plan for the Messiah Savior. The King is announced in more ways than
one!
-Verse to Memorize-
Matthew 2:2
No comments:
Post a Comment