The Lamb of God Christmas

Luke 2:8-14

The Lamb of God

John the Baptist when he sees Jesus coming toward him, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

Mary told Luke the story of Jesus birth. She also makes it clear that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Luke 2:8–14 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

3 Questions About Christ’s Birth

1. Why Bethlehem?

Luke 2:8 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Where King David’s family was from. It is where the Messiah had to be born.

Micah 5:2 ESV

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

2. Why Shepherds?

Luke 2:8 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Bethlehem- 3.5 miles from the Temple.

Mountainous- not a great place to raise sheep.

Actually forbidden by the Mishnah (Jewish teachings) unless it was in Forest areas.

Except- for the keeping of sheep for Temple.

These shepherds were taking care of the sacrificial sheep for the Levites.

They weren’t just protecting them from animals. They were ensuring they were without blemish.

The angels make an announcement to them that a Savior was born. One to save the people from their sins.

Luke 2:11 ESV

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Savior- One who is to save people from their sin.

Christ- The Messiah- promised one. The sacrifices pointed to one who would be the greatest sacrifice. The one who would die once for all.

Hebrews 9:12

3. Why a Stable?

Luke 2:7 ESV

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:12 ESV

12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

We learn from teachings of Jewish Rabi’s all they went through to provide perfect sacrifices for the Temple.

The had special caves set aside for these sheep to be born.

When the sheep were born they wrapped them in special strips of clothes to protect them from getting cut or scraped when they were young.

When these shepherds found Jesus, he was in a cave set aside for the birth of sacrificial lambs, wrapped in the garments of a sacrificial lamb.

CONCLUSION

33 years later this child born will die as the Passover Lamb, the perfect and final sacrificial lamb.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus died on a cross for you. To pay for your sins.

Will you accept the sacrifice freely offered to you by Jesus?