The Birth of Jesus

Intro:

Today, we are going to look at the most famous passage in the Bible.

Bible Study Practice:

Never assume you know something

This story is completely strange and unexpected.

The Setting (v.1-5)

Luke 2:1–7 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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.

Census

Historical Problems

Birth of Jesus

Manger

No room in the inn “Stable or Cave”

The Announcement

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!”

Shepherds

Angel of the Lord, glory of the Lord, great fear

Announcement

Fear Not

Good News!! - Gospel

City of David, Savior, Christ the Lord

Sign: Baby in a manger

Multitude

The Response

Luke 2:15–20 LSB

15 And it happened that when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it marveled at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary was treasuring all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as was told them.

Story about my dreams

Because Christ Jesus came to the world clothed in humility, he will always be found among those who are clothed with humility. He will be found among the humble people.

A. W. Tozer

However, this passage today does not stop at a call to humility. Additionally, it calls us to praise Jesus. My prayer for you all today is that you learned something about Christ. Namely, that he did not begin his earthly life in an impressive way. He did not die in an impressive way, in fact it was embarrassing. Yet this humble character is not a reason to shrink back from Christ, but it is a reason to praise Him more. The world did not expect this type of Savior, but this Jesus was the Savior the world needed. To Him be the glory forever.