The Birth of Our Savior
Notes
Transcript
INTRODUCTION
Let’s turn together
in our Bibles
to the gospel
of Luke.
Luke chapter 2.
& we’re gonna
read verse 1-20.
Luke 2:1-20.
& when you
find that in your Bible
pls stand for the reading
of God’s Word.
The title of
today’s teaching is:
The Birth of Our Savior.
In Luke 2:1-20.
The Scriptures say:
Luke 2:1–20 (EHV)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria.
And everyone went to register, each to his own town.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family line of David.
He went to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified!
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people:
Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.”
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been told about this child.
And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The Scriptures say:
Luke 2:1–20 (NIV)
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
You may be seated.
It’s the most
wonderful time
of the year.
There really is
something special
abt Christmas time.
The excitement.
The expectation.
The hope.
The joy.
There’s this
incredible energy
in the air.
In our passage today
We see all
those elements
were there
that first Christmas
2000 years ago.
Excitement.
Expectation.
Hope.
Joy.
The birth of Jesus
Brought many
amazing things.
& thru the
three scenes
of this story
We’ll see
the most amazing thing
the Birth of our Savior
brought to the world.
PRAYER
Let’s pray.
Father, we thank you
for your Word.
We ask you
to open our ears
To hear the voice
of Jesus.
Give us minds & hearts
that are ready
to receive your Word.
& give Your grace
to put your Word
into practice.
Now & always.
In Jesus name.
Amen.
[Transition: In the 1st scene
of our story
Luke tells us]
The birth of our Savior brought His parents to Bethlehem. (2:1-7)
In Luke 2:1
Luke tells us:
Luke 2:1 (EHV)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Caesar Augustus
was the ruler of Rome
at this time.
& he issued a decree
that the entire
Roman world
shld be registered.
or counted.
Why?
It was
tax time.
Caesar wanted
to be sure
everyone was paying
their taxes.
So he sent out
a decree
To tally up
all the taxpayers.
& Luke—
being the accurate
historian he is—
Luke is very specific
abt the time
of this census.
In Luke 2:2...
Luke says...
Luke 2:2 (EHV)
This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria.
There’s some
debate abt
The exact year
this happened.
But what’s important
for Luke—
& for us—
is this:
This registration
happened
At just
the right time.
& in just
the right place
To fulfill
God’s Word.
We need to
Read btwn
the lines here
Just a little bit.
& ask ourselves:
Who was really
behind this
registration?
Caesar might’ve
been ruling Rome;
But the Lord
was in charge.
The Scriptures
teach us
the Lord is sovereign
over everything.
God speaks.
& God makes sure
what He says
Comes to pass.
& here we see
our sovereign Lord
uses Caesar August
to fulfill prophecy
that pertains
to God’s Son.
The Lord
used the registration
To place Joseph
& Mary
in Bethlehem
at just the right time.
APPLICATION
We need
to remember
this truth:
The Lord
is always
in control.
The Lord influences
circumstances.
The Lord puts thoughts
in ppl’s minds.
He prompts
& prods ppl
to do His will.
The Lord is
always working
to make sure
His Word is fulfilled.
As the Lord reminds
Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:12
Jeremiah 1:12 (EHV)
“...I am watching over my word to fulfill it.”
The Lord is
always watching.
& always working
in all things
to see that
His word is fulfilled.
& this truth
shld give us
a perfect peace.
We can trust
our lives
to the Lord
Bcs we know
Our God
Has everything
under control.
So, the Lord
put it into the mind
of Caesar Augustus
to have the whole
Roman world
go to their hometowns
to register.
God did this
so Joseph & Mary
Wld end up
in the right place
at the right time.
The registration
led everyone
To their hometowns
to register.
Joseph took
the 90-mile journey
frm the town of Nazareth
to the town of Bethlehem
where he was born.
Like everyone else
Joseph was
headed home.
& Luke says:
Joseph was w/ Mary
They were pledged
to be married
& she was expecting
a child.
& as we saw
a few weeks ago
this child
was not Joseph’s child.
Luke already told us
Mary became pregnant
as a virgin
when the HS
came on her.
& the power
of the Most High
overshadowed her.
& the One
to be born frm her
wld be called
the Son of God.
So, Mary
was expecting
God’s Son.
& her
& Joseph were
headed
for Bethlehem.
But why Bethlehem?
Why is this place
so important.
Well at least
one reason is:
The name Bethlehem means
“House of bread.”
& it’s fitting
that the One
Who is
the “bread of life”—
The One Who is
The living bread
Who came dwn
frm heaven
To give the bread
of His flesh
for the life
of the world—
It’s fitting
He wld be born
in a place called
The House of Bread.
The city of Bethlehem
is also important
bcs Scripture predicted
that the Christ—
The one who wld be
Israel’s anointed
Prophet
Priest
& King
The Son of David;
The Son of God—
The Scriptures predicted
He wld be born
in Bethlehem.
& the Scriptures
teach us
all of Israel
knew this prediction.
For example:
When King Herod
asked some Jewish leaders
where the Christ
wld be born
We find their answer
in Matthew 2:5-6.
Quoting a prophecy
Spoken by
the prophet Micah
They said...
Matthew 2:5–6 (EHV)
“In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet:
You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.”
So, the Jewish
leaders knew
the Christ
wld be born
in Bethlehem.
& the common ppl
knew it too.
As we read in John 7:42.
They were asking...
John 7:42 (EHV)
“Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ comes from David’s descendants and from the little town of Bethlehem where David lived?”
All God’s ppl knew
the Scriptures predicted
The Christ wld be
a descendant
of David
& be born
in Bethlehem—
The little town
where David lived.
& this is why
Luke tells us that
Joseph was frm
the town of David
& frm the house
& line of David.
& this is also why
Luke points out
that Joseph & Mary
Were pledged
in marriage.
Bcs thru her marriage
to Joseph
The son Mary
was carrying
was legally
a descendant
of David.
& in chapter 3
of his gospel
Luke lists Mary’s
genealogy
to show us
she was also
a descendant
of David.
So, both legally
Thru Joseph
& physically
Thru Mary
The baby boy
Mary was carrying
was a descendant
of David.
He was in line
to inherit
throne of David.
& He was
abt to be born
in Bethlehem
just as the Prophet
predicted
700 years bfr
it happened.
But the way
God fulfilled His Word
is a way no one
was expecting.
As Luke continues
in Luke 2:6-7:
Luke 2:6–7 (EHV)
And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son...
Luke emphasizes
that Jesus was
Mary’s firstborn Son
bcs in Judaism
the Firstborn Son
was the head
of the family.
The firstborn Son
was also gvn
a double
portion of the
family inheritance.
& He was set apart
to God in
a special way.
Luke then adds
some interesting
details to emphasize
the humility
of our Lord.
Luke says
Mary wrapped Him
in swaddling cloths
& then
lovingly laid Him
in a peculiar place.
She puts
the King of Kings
in a feeding trough
for animals.
That’s what
a manger is.
It’s a feeding trough.
But why
wld Mary
do such a thing?
Luke tells us
it’s bcs
there was
no room for them
in the inn.
& there are three
interpretations
of this passage.
Some say:
Jesus was born
in a barn.
Some say:
Jesus was born
in the lower level
of a house.
Others say:
Jesus was born
in a cave.
I’m convinced
Jesus was born
in a cave
bcs that’s what
the early church
taught.
Writing around
the year 150 A.D.
A Christian
& martyr for Christ
named Justin
tells us how
the Church understood
these Scriptures.
He says:
...when the Child was born in Bethlehem, since Joseph could not find a lodging in that village, he took up his quarters in a certain cave near the village; and while they were there Mary brought forth the Christ and placed Him in a manger...
A little less
than 100 years
later another
Christian
in a different
part of the world
wrote this:
With respect to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, if anyone desires to have additional evidence, there is shown in Bethlehem the cave where he was born, and the manger in the cave where he was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
The early church
taught that there
were no
lodging places
available
for Joseph
& Mary.
So they
were forced
to seek shelter
in one of the caves
that were used
to lodge animals.
So,
the Birth of our Savior
brought His parents
to Bethlehem
where the King
of Kings was born
in a cave made
for animals.
He was wrapped
in swaddling cloths
& laid lovingly
in a feeding
trough.
& while
all this
was happening
in Bethlehem.
Something else
was happening
Just outside the city.
[Transition: & that brings us
to the 2nd scene
Of our story
Where we find out…]
The birth of our Savior brought the angels from HEAVEN. (2:8-14)
In Luke 2:8
Luke introduces us
to some
simple shepherds.
These shepherds
were living out
in the fields
near Bethlehem.
& they were
keeping watch
over their flocks
at night.
& on one of
those nights—
some wld say
It was a silent night
A holy night
All was calm
All was bright—
& suddenly
the shepherds see
a terrifying sight.
As Luke says
in Luke 2:9
Luke 2:9 (EHV)
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified!
The Greek word
behind the word
“terrified” means:
They were terrified
w/ a great terror.
There are
really no words
to describe
how frightened
they were.
The appearance
of this angel
& the glory
of the Lord
was very scary.
But the angel
does not want
the shepherds
to be afraid.
So He says
to the shepherds:
“Don’t be
“frightened.
“I’ve got
good news
for you.
“& this news
“will cause
“great joy.
“Not just
“for you.
“But great joy
“for all the ppl
“of the world.”
& what is
the good news
This awesome angel
came to tell these
simple shepherds?
The angel explains
In Luke 2:11
Luke 2:11 (EHV)
Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.
Again we see
the Lord does things
dfrntly than we
might expect.
The 1st ppl
the Lord told abt
the birth
of the most important person
to ever walk the earth
are these
simple shepherds
out in some field
in the middle
of nowhere.
This is a theme
That runs thru
Luke’s gospel.
The poor—
The humble
have the good news
preached to them.
& notice
three elements
of the good news
The angel announced
To these poor shepherds
abt this baby born
in the twn of David.
First
He is a Savior.
He’s the Savior
of all ppl.
Especially the poor.
Especially ppl
like these humble
shepherds
whom society says
are less
than worthy.
God gives them
the privilege
of being the first
to hear
the good news.
Your Savior
has been born
into the world.
The 2nd truth
The angel reveals
abt the baby born
in Bethlehem is
He is Christ.
Those are words
God’s ppl
had waited to hear
for centuries.
God promised
to send a deliverer.
A Prophet
Priest
& King
Who wld usher in
God’s glorious kingdom
& save God’s ppl
frm all
their enemies.
The angel tells
these shepherds
The Messiah
has been born today
in the city
of David.
The last thing
the angel says
abt baby Jesus is
He is the Lord.
& here the
angel’s emphasizing
the last part
of the prophecy
We read in Micah 5:2
Micah 5:2 (EHV)
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, from you, will go out the one who will be the ruler for me in Israel. His goings forth are from the beginning, from the days of eternity.
This child born
in Bethlehem
was no
ordinary child.
He was God
in the flesh.
He was the
ancient of days.
He who had
always existed
in the form of God—
God’s divine Son—
Had now become
a divine-
human being.
The Savior
of the world
The anointed King
of God’s Kingdom
God in the flesh
was born this day.
& that’s good news
That will bring
great joy
to the whole world.
Now
the angel gives:
The shepherds
a sign.
This is how
they’ll know
they’ve found
the Savior.
In Luke 2:12
the angel says:
Luke 2:12 (EHV)
“You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Why does Luke
keep mentioning
these cloths?
& this manger?
Again it’s bcs
this is not
where you’d expect
to find
any king.
Much less
THIS king.
The King
of glory.
The King
at whose name
every knee will bow
in heaven
& on earth—
He was born
in a cave
wrapped in
common cloths
& laid in
a mule’s manger.
& this sign
must’ve been
a surprise
to the shepherds.
But God had
more surprises
in store
for them.
Luke goes on
in Luke 2:13
to tell us:
Luke 2:13 (EHV)
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God...
Now if one angel
was terrifying
How much more
frightening
Must this
have been?
A vast number
of angels
appear w/
the 1st angel.
How many angels?
We don’t know exactly.
It cld’ve been
thousands.
It cld’ve been millions.
It was an
enormous army
of angels.
& this army
of angels
Suddenly turns into
a heavenly choir.
They burst into this
delightful song
of praise
to the God
of heaven.
& that song
has a wonderful
Uplifting
Joyful message.
They say:
Luke 2:14 (EHV)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.”
This army of angels
had not come
to fight.
They’d come
To give Glory to God
in heaven.
& to announce
heaven was coming
to offer peace
to those
on earth.
Peace to all
of mankind.
Now:
If you read
all of Luke’s gospel
which we all
shld do—
when you come to
Luke 12:51-53
you’ll see something
that seems like
a contradiction.
Jesus asks
His disciples:
Luke 12:51–53 (EHV)
Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Yes, from now on there will be five divided in one household: three against two, and two against three.
They will be divided: father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
That seems like
a contradiction.
The Angel says:
Jesus came
to bring peace
on earth.
Jesus says
He did not come
to bring peace
but division.
Some will
latch on to Scriptures
like this as
an excuse to reject
the infallibility
of the Bible.
But there’s no
contradiction here.
The angel & Jesus
are talking abt
two dfrnt types
of peace.
The angel’s are
singing abt
Peace w/ God.
Peace that God
will offer
to all of mankind
thru union
w/ His Son.
& that relationship
w/ Jesus will
cause division
btwn those
who
chooses that
relationship
will be divided
frm their family
friends.
& they will have peace.
Peace w/ God…
Yes.
But not just w/ God.
Peace w/ one another.
We hear a lot abt
peace on earth.
& we hear a lot
of ideas
abt how to
make ppl peaceful.
But the only way
to have true
& lasting peace
on earth.
Is for everyone on earth
as individuals
to submit ourselves
to God’s rule
Thru God’s Son
in the Church.
It’s to humbly accept
Jesus as Our Savior
& obey Him
as our King.
& become like Him
in our thoughts
words
& deeds
as He gives us
the grace to obey
His commandments.
Those who do that
Have God’s grace
resting on them.
& God’s grace
Enables us
to live at peace
w/ God.
So, these humble shepherds…
Have heard this marvelous message.
Frm this heavenly host.
The birth of our Savior
has brought His parents…
To Bethlehem.
The birth of our Savior…
has brought the angels…
Frm Heaven…
To give good news…
to the humble.
& as we move to…
The final scene in this story…
[Transition: Luke shows us…
How we shld respond…
To the most amazing thing…
The birth of our Savior…
Brought to the world.]
The birth of our Savior brought salvation to the WORLD. (2:15-20)
Notice how
the Shepherds respond
to this good news
in Luke 2:15.
Luke says:
Luke 2:15 (EHV)
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
In his gospel
Luke stresses
the importance
of faith.
But it’s never
a blind faith.
It’s always
faith
based on
the trustworthiness
of the Lord
& those who are
His witnesses.
The shepherds
took the angels words
as the Lord’s word.
& they blv’d
His Word.
The angels
went back
to heaven.
& the shepherds
did not
Go back to
their normal lives.
Instead
They respond
to the good news.
They said:
“Let’s go.”
“We’ve heard
“God’s Word.
“Let’s go
“& see.”
Not let’s go
& see if this
is true.
But let’s go
& see
this thing
that has happened
just as
the Lord said.
There was not
the slightest dbt
in those
shepherds’ minds.
The Lord
had said it.
They
blv’d it.
& they knew
when they got
to Bethlehem
They wld find
their Savior
Just as the Lord
had told them.
So, they
hurried off
to see their Savior—
Christ the Lord.
APPLICATION
That’s the kind
of faith
I want.
That’s the kind
of faith
God wants
frm all of us.
Whenever we hear
Gods’ Word.
Whether it’s
abt salvation
or anything else.
He wants us:
to simply
accept it.
To believeit.
He wants us to have this:
“Let’s go and see”…
Kind of faith.
If God says
He will
do something.
Then let’s expect
things
to turn out
Just like God
says they will.
Let’s become like
these shepherds.
Let’s be quick
to blv
The Lord is
watching His Word
To make sure
it’s fulfilled.
So, these shepherds heard the good news.
& they hurried off…
to see their Savior.
& when they arrived in Bethlehem…
they found things…
just as the angels said.
& watch what happens nxt.
In Luke 2:17…
Luke says:
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. — Luke 2:17-18 (NIV)
They had heard
the good news.
They had believed
the good news.
They had found
our Savior…
& they cld not
keep this good news…
To themselves.
They had to go
& spread
the word
abt Jesus.
What is Luke
describing here?
Evangelism.
These Shepherds
were the
1st evangelists.
Witnesses.
Who told others
What they
had seen & heard
abt Jesus.
That’s all
evangelism is?
We hear
God’s Word.
We believe
God’s Word.
We see
God do for us
Exactly what He says
He will do
in His Word.
& then
we go tell others
What we’ve
seen & heard.
It’s no accident
that Luke uses
a combination
of those words
three other times
in Luke
& all Acts
all in the context
of ppl being
witnesses
for Jesus.
In Luke 7:22.
After John sends
Disciples to Jesus
to ask Him
if He’s the Messiah...
Jesus answered them...
Luke 7:22 (EHV)
“Go, tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
In Acts 4:20.
When false religious leaders
told Peter & John
to stop speaking
to the ppl abt Jesus
Peter & John answered...
Acts 4:19–20 (EHV)
“Decide whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God.
“For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
& finally
in Acts 22:14-15
Paul tells us
how the Lord
sent Ananias
to tell Paul...
Acts 22:14–15 (EHV)
“‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear the sound of his voice.
For you will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.’”
We may not be
Shepherds
or Apostles.
But we have the
same glorious
good news
to tell
the world.
Our Savior
has come
to save
the world.
He is Christ
the Lord.
Nxt week
we’ll celebrate
His birth.
But we’ve
gotta remember
the reason
for His birth.
Jesus was born
to be
Our Savior.
Thru His life…
death…
resurrection…
& Ascension...
Jesus brings salvation
to the world.
Jesus saves us
Frm slavery
to Sin & Satan.
Jesus saves us
Frm the power
of darkness & death.
Jesus saves us
frm every enemy
that binds us.
& He brings us into
the marvelous light
of the kingdom
of God.
In this kingdom
we’re free to live
free frm
the shackles of
sin & shame.
We’re free to live
the abundant life
God offers us
in Christ.
& that good news
is worth sharing
w/ others.
CONCLUSION
Now, as we close:
This is the most
wonderful time
of the year.
The time we
celebrate the birth
That’s still bringing
Excitement.
Anticipation.
Hope.
& great joy
to all ppl.
The birth of our Savior
Brought His parents
to Bethlehem.
Brought God’s angels
frm heaven.
& most importantly
The birth of our Savior…
Brought salvation
to the World.
Let’s remember that
As we celebrate
His birth
in the coming week
Let’s live in
the salvation
Our Savior
has purchased for us
Thru His
precious blood.
If God has saved us
frm our sins
& Satan.
If God has saved us
frm darkness
& death
then let’s go
& tell others
what we’ve seen
& heard.
Let’s go
& tell the world
abt the Birth
of our Savior.
PRAYER
Let’s all stand
for prayer.
Father we thank you
For sending your Son
to this earth.
To be born
of a virgin.
To take on
human nature.
So, we cld be saved
thru Him.
We thank You
for His suffering
& death
on the cross.
For His resurrection
frm the dead.
& for the hope
we have in Him…
of abundant
& unending life
thru our fellowship
w/ You.
Help us to remember
this truth today
& every day.
Give us grace
to live in light of
this truth.
& to share this
good news
w/ those around us.
In Jesus name.
Amen.