6: The Greatest Gift (Luke 2:1-20)

Jackie Watts

The Gospel of Luke: The Greatest Story Ever Told • Sermon • Submitted 2 years ago

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Retooning the Nativity

HOW it happened is still somewhat of a mystery.

THAT it happened is just plain history.

WHY it happened is what we will explore today.

What is your greatest Christmas gift ever? Mine was Prissy. (around 12 years old) - but years later I was more interested in the girls of Perry than my pony in Perry. So, when my grandparents sold the cows...they sold Prissy too.

I don’t know how long it took until your greatest gift started collecting dust, but I am certain that your greatest gift doesn’t compare to the Greatest Gift given on that 1st Christmas in Bethlehem.

PRAY Father, please help us to see this ancient story with fresh eyes. May You move among us today.

left6350Luke 2:1–2 (NIV)1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)Luke 2:1–2 (NIV)1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)Luke 2:1–2 (NIV)1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)Luke 2:1–2 (NIV)1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)When a leader took a census it was either to enroll young men for military service or to aid in taxation of people in the empire. Since Jews were exempt from military service to the Roman empire, this was about taxation.

Luke 2:1–2 (NIV)

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

Luke 2:1–2 (NIV)

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

This census was taken of the entire Roman world. The Greek word used here (oikoumenēn) is simply translated ‘earth/world. This is how the KJV translates it: “that all the world should be taxed.“

Remember that the context always determines the meaning of the word. The context of this census pertains to those whom the Romans ruled over - not the barbarians and nations the Romans were at war with. So the translators of the NIV rightly give us ‘the entire Roman world’ rather than just ‘world’ as the KJV does. This clarity of how words are used will be important as later in our Luke study we will see this word for ‘world’ used in this same way.

Caesar Augustus was the 2nd emperor of the Roman Empire (if Julius was considered 1st). His real name was Gaius Octavius, the adopted son of Julius Caesar. The Roman senate gave Octavius the title ‘Augustus’ in 27 b.c. He ruled until a.d. 14 and was succeeded by Tiberius (3:1). These are the 2 emperors during the life of Jesus.

Caesar means “emperor,” while Augustus means, “revered,” “honored,” or “esteemed,” - hence Octavius was the Esteemed Emperor of the Roman Empire. He ushered in a period of peace & prosperity in the Greco-Roman world known as the Pax Romana (Latin meaning ‘Roman peace’). For this he is considered the most significant person in Roman history.

He developed a network of roads that helped in the spread of the gospel by Christian missionaries. Augustus declared that he had he found Rome brick and left it marble. He also declared his deceased adoptive father to be divine, styled himself as ‘son of god’. When He died, the Senate declared him a god.

But as powerful & significant as this man was - this story is NOT about the throne of Octavius Caesar Augustus.

left6350Luke 2:3–4 (NIV)3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem [‘house of bread’] the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.Luke 2:3–4 (NIV)3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem [‘house of bread’] the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.Luke 2:3–4 (NIV)3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem [‘house of bread’] the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.Luke 2:3–4 (NIV)3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem [‘house of bread’] the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.Went up. Luke the historian had the topography correct. Due to the height of Bethlehem (2,564 feet above sea level), travelers would go up from Nazareth (1,830 feet above sea level) to Bethlehem even though proceeding south.

Luke 2:3–4 (NIV)

3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem [‘house of bread’] the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

Luke 2:3–4 (NIV)

We have seen the significance of this family tree of David in a couple of earlier teachings. Find them on fellowshipofmadison.com.

left6350Luke 2:5–6 (NIV)5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...Luke 2:5–6 (NIV)5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...Luke 2:5–6 (NIV)5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...Luke 2:5–6 (NIV)5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...Now WHY would they go right before Mary is about to give birth?

Luke 2:5–6 (NIV)

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...

Luke 2:5–6 (NIV)

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born...

There was likely a deadline for the Jews to register, but Luke also notes that Joseph and Mary were still not ceremonially married, but only pledged to be married. Matthew specifically notes that Mary & Joseph were not intimately involved until AFTER the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:25).

Maybe this unwed mother & her ‘boyfriend’ were sick of the snide looks they were getting in Nazareth. Regardless of the reasons, their decision to go to Bethlehem at this time shows God’s hand at work through history. 700 years before the time of Jesus Micah had been prophesied that an important ruler would be born in Bethlehem.

left6350Micah 5:2 (NIV)2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”Micah 5:2 (NIV)2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”Micah 5:2 (NIV)2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”Micah 5:2 (NIV)2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”This is the prophecy that Matthew records the Magi referring to when they show up well after the birth of Jesus (Matt. 2:6).

Micah 5:2 (NIV)

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Micah 5:2 (NIV)

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

The baby who is about to be born would fit the description perfectly - from the tribe/clans of Judah - whose origins are...from ancient times.

left6350Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.As the opening video noted, notice what ISN’T mentioned at this point. No animals, no barn, no inn-keeper. The focus is on the baby - a son. There is reference to cloths and a manger - a feed trough. Why was this baby placed there? Beyond the traditions you have heard, and even moving from the video’s mention of a cave - Jesus was likely born in a lower level of his relative’s home. Remember that Joseph has returned to the town of his ancestors.

Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)

6 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.

Luke 2:6–7 (NIV)

Bethlehem was a small town, not on a trade route, & unlikely to have any hotel 6 near. Joseph was likely expecting to find refuge at a relative’s home, but the guest rooms were already filled. Instead, Mary & Joseph would have to rest in the lower part of the house, the place where animals were kept at night.

Pic of 1st century Jewish home

If this were a movie the camera would now fade to black as another camera zooms in on some shepherds watching over their sheep at night. An angel appears with the glory of the Creator and these shepherds are frightened & frozen - serious scared. The angel speaks...

left6350Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”The manger is a signpost to the Savior - the Messiah, the Lord. And just as true with the future ministry of Jesus - God gives good news to those who are humble enough to receive it.

Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)

Jesus was no mere infant. The angels made sure the shepherds knew this. He was Savior, Messiah, & Lord. For centuries those who believe the NT Scriptures have recognized that answering ‘Who is Jesus?’ is the most important question one could answer. We have historical proof of this.

Codex Beratinas - Dan Wallace, professor of New Testament Studies at HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Theological_Seminary"Dallas Theological Seminary - an expert in New Testament Greek manuscripts, tells us of a 6th century hand-written Greek copy of the Gospel of Matthew. It is found on parchment dyed purple reserved for the Gospels. Every word on this parchment [hard to see here] has been carefully written in silver...except for - God, Jesus, Christ [Messiah], & Lord - all in GOLD. Dan Wallace asks:

"What does this tell you about what the Christians thought about Jesus Christ? He is God. He is Lord. It's remarkable how just the form of the text itself is telling us something of their theology." - Dr. Dan Wallace

These 6th century Christians believed what the 1st century shepherds believed, what Elizabeth believed, what Mary & Joseph believed...what WE should believe...

BIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

God didn’t send another prophet. He sent the Savior, Messiah, & Lord.

Listen to the words of one of my favorite writers - Max Lucado:

Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin: pigmented, human skin. The light of the universe entered [a dark world - my change]. He whom angels worship nestled himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into the cold night, and then slept on cow’s hay.

Mary didn’t know whether to give him milk or give him praise, but she gave him both since he was, as near as she could figure, hungry and holy. Joseph didn’t know whether to call him Junior or Father. But in the end called him Jesus, since that’s what the angel had said and since he didn’t have the faintest idea what to name a God he could cradle in his arms.

Don’t you think...their heads tilted and their minds wondered, “What in the world are you doing, God?” Or better phrased, “God, what are you doing in the world?” “Can anything make me stop loving you?” God asks. “Watch me speak your language, sleep on your earth, and feel your hurts.

And THAT, according to the great theologian - Linus - “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

BIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

And that’s the message that these shepherds are hearing...LOUD & CLEAR!

left6350Luke 2:13–15 (NIV)13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 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.”Luke 2:13–15 (NIV)13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 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.”Luke 2:13–15 (NIV)13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 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.”Luke 2:13–15 (NIV)13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 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.”These average Joes weren’t anything special, but they were about to see the Savior that their people had been awaiting for 400 years!

Luke 2:13–15 (NIV)

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 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.”

Luke 2:13–15 (NIV)

left6350Luke 2:16 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. I wonder how awkward that was? It’s night time. They approach a home or a cave...“uhmmm, I know you don’t know us but...we’ve got to see Him.” How could they have known? Luke doesn’t tell us if they bowed, or talked, laughed, cried, asked questions, or remained silent. But he DOES tell us what they did afterward.

Luke 2:16 (NIV) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

left6350Luke 2:17–19 (NIV)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. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.Luke 2:17–19 (NIV)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. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.Luke 2:17–19 (NIV)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. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.Luke 2:17–19 (NIV)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. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.To anyone who would listen - the shepherds revealed the identity of the One who was in the manger - He is the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord who has come to bring peace to those who were once separated by sin. These shepherds echoed the words Mary had heard from Gabriel 9 months before. And now Mary was right in the middle of the most important event in history up to that point - The Lord had come to earth...as a human...as a newborn baby.

Luke 2:17–19 (NIV)

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.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:17–19 (NIV)

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.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

BIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

The shepherds were pumped up! Their uneventful night of counting sheep at night (I wonder if that put THEM to sleep...) This night became the night these men would likely recall thousands of times in the future. They couldn’t keep silent.

left6350Luke 2:20-21 (NIV)20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:20-21 (NIV)20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:20-21 (NIV)20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:20-21 (NIV)20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Jesus - YeshUa meaning ‘Yahweh is salvation’ - was on the earth. The greatest gift, the fulfillment of Scripture, the infinite Creator - was now an infant. The One who would change the course of history weighed less than 10 pounds.

Luke 2:20-21 (NIV)

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Luke 2:20-21 (NIV)

Matthew gives us a quick look into what the angel Gabriel told Joseph...

left6350Matthew 1:21 (NIV) …you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:21 (NIV) …you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:21 (NIV) …you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:21 (NIV) …you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”‘Yahweh is salvation’ will come to save people from sin. What is it that eats you up when you’re alone? That memory, that relationship, that lie? THAT’S why Jesus came - to die for you...to save YOU from your sin! When you TRUST HIM...He will forgive you and live inside of you! And that’s the greatest gift!

Matthew 1:21 (NIV) …you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

BIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

What is the focus of this holiday for you?

Is that what YOU talk about during Christmas? What about the days afterward?

What is the focus of YOUR LIFE?

Just days after Christmas people all over the world will experience the frustration we all experience every year. The presents soon loose their luster. The time off to relax will soon be replaced with the hustle & bustle of life. The promise of finding fulfillment through acquiring stuff & hoping in human relationships will soon go down the drain. You will be empty & frustrated until you understand that...

BIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s PresenceBIG TRUTH The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

BIG TRUTH

The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence

What a great time to meet the King! If you’re ready to trust Him, turn from your sin & call out to Him!

If you already know Him...take your opportunities this Christmas to share Jesus with others. Parents & Grandparents, help your young one be more thankful for Jesus than for Santa & gifts. Use the discussion questions & purposely discuss a Christ-centered Christmas.

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