Don't forget to make room for Jesus

Make Room for Jesus: A Lesson from the Manger

Bible Passage: Luke 2:1–7

Summary: In this passage, we see the account of Jesus' birth and the circumstances surrounding it. Despite being the Savior of the world, there was no room for Him in the inn, illustrating the challenge of recognizing and making space for Christ in our lives.

Application: This sermon can guide believers to reflect on their own lives and the ways they might be too busy or preoccupied to welcome Jesus. It encourages them to create intentional space for Christ amidst the demands of life.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that recognizing Jesus' importance requires intentional effort in our daily lives. It challenges the audience to examine what occupies their hearts and minds, urging them to prioritize their relationship with Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to the humble beginnings of Christ's life, emphasizing that He came to serve and save rather than to be served. Throughout Scripture, Jesus is depicted as the fulfillment of prophesy, arriving not in triumph but in humility, raising the question of how we acknowledge Him today.

Big Idea: To truly embrace Christ, we must actively make room for Him in our lives, surrendering our distractions and busyness to welcome His presence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider exploring the cultural and historical context of first-century Bethlehem, which can provide insights into the significance of the inn's absence of room for guests. Check Logos for commentaries that discuss the implications of Jesus' humble birth and how it reflects God's plan for redemption. Additionally, look into how this narrative sits within the broader story of salvation in Scripture to enhance your understanding of Christ’s arrival.

1. Context of Christ's Coming

Luke 2:1-3

You could highlight the broader context of Jesus’ birth within the political and social scene of the Roman Empire. It was a moment of seemingly insignificant beginnings in a powerful world. This can encourage listeners to reflect on how Christ’s arrival often goes unnoticed amidst the clamor of our busy lives. Suggest the importance of recognizing and anticipating Christ’s quiet arrival in our own circumstances, pointing to His humble yet world-changing entrance.

2. Commitment to God’s Call

Luke 2:4-5

Perhaps discuss Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem and their willingness to follow through with God's plan despite hardship. This can parallel our own spiritual journeys, where creating room for Jesus means persevering through challenges to align our lives with God's will. Emphasize the significance of trusting God’s plans even when the path is difficult, just as Joseph and Mary did.

3. Cradle for the King

Luke 2:6-7

Maybe focus on the circumstances of Jesus’ birth - in a manger because there was no room in the inn. This striking image suggests the need to intentionally create space for Christ in our busy lives. Invite your audience to examine their priorities and to make room in their hearts and schedules for Jesus’ transformative presence, just as the innkeeper missed the opportunity to welcome Him.

In what ways does the humble birth of Jesus challenge our understanding of importance and success?

How can the example of Mary and Joseph inspire us to trust God's plans in difficult circumstances?

How does the absence of room for Jesus in the inn reflect our own lives and priorities today?

What can the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth teach us about God’s plan for greatness?

How can you identify distractions in your life that prevent you from welcoming Jesus?

Imagine your living room, cluttered with last-minute decorations, gifts, and old magazines. Now, picture a visitor you really want to impress — someone special like Jesus! You’d clear out the junk, vacuum the floor, and make room. In the same way, when we invite Jesus into our hearts, we need to clear out the clutter of our lives. Let’s create a welcoming space for Him today!

Once, a boy flung his closet doors open to find a mess that was more like a tornado’s aftermath! Underneath the chaos lay hidden treasures. When he made room by cleaning, he found his favorite toy. Just as we often need to declutter our physical space, making room for Jesus means clearing out our hearts. When we do, we’ll discover joy and peace that were buried underneath all the distractions!