Jesus, the long awaited Messiah

Intro

We’ve looked at the angel Gabriel predicting the birth of John the Baptist and then predicting Jesus’s birth. Elizabeth and Mary get pregnant, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and John lept while in her womb when in the presence of Jesus. She says, “Your child will be blessed!”

Everything in Luke 1–2 points to the superiority of Jesus.

Darrell L. Bock

This section shows the adherence of Jesus and his parents to the law, but also that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and Savior.

Everything points to Jesus coming as God’s savior. We will see this with Simeon and Anna. Also with Mary and Joseph as they bring Jesus to the temple.

Jesus Fulfills the law

Section sandwiched with an adherence to the Law.

Luke 2:39 (CSB)

When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Matthew 5:17

“Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.

This adherence to the law identified him as the Jewish Messiah

Galatians 4:4–5 CSB

When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Romans 8:3 CSB

For what the law could not do since it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering,

Hebrews 2:17 CSB

Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

They present Jesus in a ceremony prescribed by the Law, one that reminds everyone of the passover, and God’s intention of redeeming a people for himself.

The focus however is not specifically on the law. We instead are reminded of God’s specific purpose to rescue his people and make a holy nation.

Luke specifies that Mary and Joseph fulfilled all righteousness related to the brith of Jesus, thus validating Jesus’ messianic status.

Jesus, the long awaited Messiah. Why does this matter?

Metanarrative and understanding redemption predicted

Creation: God creates his kingdom

Fall: Rebellion in God’s kingdom

Redemption: Promise of Restoration

Initiated, complicated, predicted

Redemption accomplished: Kingdom Restored in Jesus’s mission

Redemption applied: The church, Kingdom displayed

Redemption completed: New creation, Consummation of God’s kingdom

Give examples. Growing up we learn stories, but how do they fit into God’s big plan?

We are in scene 7, but what has happened in the previous 6?

Talk about followership

Covenants

Noahic, rainbow, Jesus fulfills with new creation

Abrahamic, circumcision, in Christ is in Abraham

Mosaic, Sabbath, Jesus fulfills by being the Son of God, true Israel, true tabernacle, and ultimate sacrifice.

Davidic, Son of David and eternal king

New Covenant, circumcision of the heart and baptism, Jesus inogurated these things.

Begins with the name Jesus, Hebrew Yehoshua, meaning “The Lord is Salvation.”

Simeon

The Holy Spirit is emphasized. Simeon is not mistaken or crazy but speaking with authority and certainty.

The Holy Spirit is at work, and Simeon is the 6th person to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. John 1:15, Mary 1:35, Jesus 1:35, Elizabeth 1:41, and Zechariah 1:67

Simeon looking forward to Israel’s consolation. Think about it. You’ve been waiting for 400 years for God to fulfill his promise. It’s easy to forget or assume it won’t happen.

He was waiting for God to fulfill his covenant promises as well as his promise to him.

Those who have welcomed Christ may welcome death. We see this in the disciples

Salvation is for all people. Verse 28

The OT promises this type of redemption.

Isaiah 42:6 CSB

“I am the Lord. I have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will hold you by your hand. I will watch over you, and I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

Isaiah 49:6 CSB

he says, “It is not enough for you to be my servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 52:10 CSB

The Lord has displayed his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

All will see what Jesus has done and every group is able to share in its benefits.

This is lived out in the early church and is unique among other religions.

Anna waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem

All types of people testify to Jesus: they come from the country and the city, both male and female, common person along with the pious saints of great devotion. Many appreciate Jesus

Notice to doesn’t testify. Pharisees, Sadducess, Priests

Double testimony comes as obedient parents dedicate their firstborn to the Lord.

The testimony of the man, woman, and the shepherds, one can see a triad of witness.

The Impact of Jesus

The rise of many to eternal life

The fall of many due to unbelief

Draw this out.

The only was to the Kingdom of God was to follow him. It is based on how we view Jesus.

Culture believes it’s about being good.

There is judgement as well as salvation.

Luke 1:51–53 CSB

He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.

Will be opposed

Jesus experienced this at the beginning of his life from Herod, throughout his ministry, and to the cross.

Hebrews 12:3 CSB

For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.

Jesus will divide Israel.

Everyone wants a piece of Jesus.

Sword will pierce your own soul

Mary herself would suffer anguish at the consequent treatment of Jesus.

Reveal the thoughts of many hearts. What is a proper response?

Simeon praises God. Anna thanks God. The wise men worship. The shepherds visited.

Herod tries to kill him, the try to push Jesus off a cliff.

Jesus forces choices. You can’t be neutral with Jesus.

Luke 11:23 CSB

Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters.

Application

Metanarrative

God fulfills his promises. His word comes to pass.

This should fill us with confidence as we learn of Jesus’ identity and mission.

The law is fulfilled in Jesus, the temple points to Jesus, the prophets spoke of Jesus, Jesus is the Son of God, and Jesus is the Savior of the world.

God is in control of what has taken place.

For Theophilus to know for certain