A Tale of Two Kings

Open your bibles and turn with me to the book of Luke 2:1-7

We now turn the corner in the gospel of Luke to chapter 2.

Today, we turn our attention to a familiar yet profound passage, Luke 2:1-7,

Perhaps the most well-known passages in the book of Luke –

We hear it every year….

a passage often read during the Christmas season but filled with timeless truths.

In this passage, we encounter the contrasting reigns of two kings:

Caesar Augustus, the powerful ruler of the Roman Empire, and Jesus Christ,

the humble newborn King in a manger.

On the surface, it appears to be a simple account of a census,

but as we dive deeper, we see the marvelous sovereign of God at work.

God, in His perfect wisdom and timing, orchestrates all things—

even the smallest of details—for His glory and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Sermon Summary: God governs and decrees all things for His own glory!

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.

In the opening verse of chapter 2

You can almost feel the tone shift.

For the entire first chapter, Luke has been zoomed in,

incredibly close to two Jewish families.

Of Zachariah and Elizabeth and of Mary and Joseph….

The world was pretty small inside the temple and the remote village of Nazareth.

And now – in seismic fashion we are introduced to a much larger world and context.

Specifically, the context of the Roman Empire….

and a Ruling King of the entire Roman world.

Luke 2:1–3 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.

Here, we are introduced to the Caesar, the ruler of Rome

And given a timeline as to when he was in power,

it was when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Now, what we aren’t told is a specific date –

And it’s left out, likely because Luke is perhaps unaware of a specific date.

This has caused some to cast doubt on Luke’s accuracy.

By most historians’ accounts, specifically Josephus, it took place in AD 6 or 7.

But Luke is also aware of this Census because he mentions Acts 5:37.

Others say there is not historical record of a

Universal decree by the Romans that is mentioned outside the bible.

However, it appears that Luke is aware of an earlier census, and degree by Caesar Augustus.

And Luke, as a historian, is aware of the Roman Ruler instructing everyone to be registered.

But yet, at the same time – we know this as we encroach on a tax season!

The government needs a form of record for the purposes of taxation.

And it’s I know of no government overly concerned with inconveniencing people….

And so Caesar Augustus, say – with a word –

You need to return to your hometown and be registered!!

It wasn’t for the purpose of military or to institute a military draft…

it was for the purposes of taxation!

I mean, we still use the saying to this day when we talk about taxes…..

RENDER unto CEASAR what belongs to CAESAR!!

Running a government apparently isn’t cheap….and neither is war….

And Rome yielded more power in than any other empire in the known world –

in the militarization and taxation of people.

Rome was concerned with peace in the land –

the PAX ROMONA was the rule of the land.

Rome wanted peace at nearly any cost.

So it postured themselves as a powerful military force

And desired to be on the leading edge of technological advancement and infrastructure.

They would in turn, provide relative safety.

All you needed to do was stay in line.

Don’t do anything to upset the peace of Rome,

and pay your taxes so that all that is well could continue.

And so Caesar issued a degree that we need a proper count

of what should be given unto Rome and unto CEASER!

The Caesar Augustus mentioned in this text is Octavian.

Battle of Actium is not something often mentioned at CHRISTMAS TIME

But …..September 31 BC

You remember after Julius Caesar was murdered

by Brutus and Cassius. (and the SENATE)

THIS Created a crisis in the EMPIRE who is going to rule Rome?

That was ….Mark Antony

Octavian (nephew of Caesar)

They at first, joined forces to punish those responsible for Julius Caesars’ death

But they eventually looked at each other as competitors,

and knew only one can rule.

Antony goes to Egypt and gets backing Cleopatra

Octavian (who will be Augustus) - Soldiers ruled in Rome and got Roman forces.

And they Meet in Greece in battle of Actium – and Octavian and his troops win!!

In which, Antony dies at his own hand.

And now ROME is ruled by a NEW Caesar – young, naive. OCTAVIAN

And Only 4 years later the Roman senate gave him the title –

Augustus (referred) they even initiate a cult where he is defied

and worshipped as a god. - the divineAugustus

and he is treated as a God

Octavian was so powerful that he achieved godlike status in parts of the Roman Empire.

In fact, an inscription in one Roman town hailed him as the “savior of the whole world.”

In fact, the term Ceasar would often be categorized and seen by Romans as the God of ROME!

He was said to be in the position of God – ruling over the world!!

AND Octavian was at the peak of his empire….

To the degree – all he had to do was say the word…and the entire world moves!!

And Luke clues us into a Ruler of the world, ordering a degree to the entire world,

that all should be registered…

He’s given edicts and orders, and the world follows his rule.

And yet, what we will see is that even this will play right into the Lord’s sovereign plan!

You think about –

it the only obstacles we’ve encountered in the gospel of Luke thus far,

has been one’s own unbelief!

Zachariah is given word from Gabriel, and he doubts, though he is a priest!

No outside forces caused him to doubt but his own experience!

It was a very personal endeavor…

Similarly, Elizabeth and Mary chose to trust the Lord.

Yet, there hasn’t been much opposition to the plan given by the Lord!

But what about this Caesar?

How is this going to affect the promise that God has given?

And what Luke begins to show us, and will continue to show us,

is that the Lord not only rules over our lives but is sovereign

over the kings and nations who set themselves as lord on an earthly throne.

Psalm 47:7–8 ESV

7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

And though there is a Caesar in Rome who calls himself lord….

Luke gives a glimpse to true and better KING…

namely Jesus who is to be born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.

And it is this Lord who is the true sovereign of the world.

Over our own lives, and over the kings of the EARTH!

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This point is really incredible – of how you see this plan of the Lord come together!

Of How the Lord not only rules over the kings of the earth,

but uses them to accomplish his will in the world….

and at the same time ordains the steps of his people!

We learned in v. 3 that each person was to return to their hometown for the census.

The census was accomplishing a couple of things.

- required people to go back hometown. (for Rome and proper count

Going to register

The Jews would use it to arrange people in rightful tribe - who is what tribe.

Anna - Asher

Paul - Benjamin

Zachariah - Levi

Joseph - Judah

So and so Joseph, rather than rebelling against Caesar…

Rather than fighting against him as a tyrant….he obeys….and returns home

Luke 2:4–5 ESV

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.

Here again, Luke is making the connection that Jesus comes from the…

notice the language…

Of the house and the lineage of David.

Luke doesn’t want us to miss this point.

He wants us to know that Jesus is fulfilling messianic expectation!

Luke is showing us all of history is converging on this single day-

everything is pointing toward this moment -

as far back as Gen 3….of the HOPE of the world!!!

seed of woman, crush head of serpent.

See glimpses of this future ruler throughout the Bible

Son of seed of Abraham’s

And he will be a Prophet like Moses

The Son of David

He will come and make all things right.

Upend world system and establish his rule and reign.

And he will rule over the house of David…and will be a king to God’s people!

And in Lukan fashion – Luke is saying – folks, get ready!!

JESUS is coming!!

Now, it’s interesting that most often in the Old Testament,

The city of David is considered to be Jerusalem.

But Bethlehem was David’s hometown – He was Bethlemite.

As mentioned in 1 Sam 16 and 1 Sam 17

And we are told there in v. 5 – that Mary, his betrothed, came along with him.

Now, we don’t know exactly why Mary came…

We can make a lot of guesses…

Did her family disown her because of her pregnancy?

Was simply the best move to allow her

Travel with a caravan of people who likely travelled together for this journey?

Did Joseph not want to miss the birth?

We don’t know…but we are told that Mary came along!

And there is no impure motive here…She’s still the young VIRGIN!

Mary is living in purity, even though they are not yet married,

they are above reproach.

But nonetheless….I want you to consider a couple of things.

First think back to when Mary gave her word to the Lord, that she was God’s servant….

She would follow the Lord and trust the Lord…

NOW here she is…9 months pregnant

and following through with that commitment,

even willing to make the journey back

to Jospeh’s hometown in Bethlehem.

But I also want you to consider the degree of CaesarAugustus.

And as king, Caesar, wants to know how many people he rules!!!

It was a move really of PRIDE – look at how powerful I am….

AND it’s this decision and PRIDE of CAESAR AGUGUST

That God uses it to get Mary and Joseph

to the EXACT place where Micah said the savior would 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.

And this is where you see my first two points –

become clearer and clearer !

That not only is the Lord sovereign over the kings and rulers of the earth!

His hand is leading and guiding Jospeh and Mary along the way!!

He has them exactly where he wants them!

And we will see in just a moment, it was not only at the right place….

it was at the right time!!

And from the seismic decree of Ceasar

To the foot worn path of Joseph and Mary…. from Galilee to Bethlehem….

The Lord was leading and guiding every step of the way….

accomplishing His perfect plan, in His perfect way and in his perfect timing.

And beloved, the same is true for you and for me….

We live in a world that God rules!

He is sovereign…He is sovereign over kings, princes, and presidents!

And he’s sovereign over your plans and hopes and dreams!

Life is not a sequence of accidents or a collection of mistakes and misfortunes.

Our lives are governed, and each step is ordained by the Lord.

Proverbs 16:9 ESV

9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

It could have been very easy to have wondered…is this the right path….

I mean, I’m carrying the Messiah in my womb!

And yet, here is Mary, riding along in the Caravan through the backwoods of Palestine –

9 months pregnant….

because some hot shot Caesar wants everyone

to be registered to pay TAXES

And EVERY BIT of it….ordained and kept by the SOVERIGN GOD of HEAVEN!!

Now, I’m sure we think – well the situations of my life are different…

I mean surely, the Lord doesn’t rule over my life in this way?

Beloved, He rules over this ENTIRE world this way!

And certainly over your life in this way….

There isn’t a thing that happens outside of God’s authority and sovereignty.

Charles Spurgeon said it this way –

“I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam does not move an atom more or less than God wishes – that every particle of spray that dashes against the steamboat has its orbit, as well as the sun in the heavens

I. God displays sovereignty in governing the world and its “rulers” (v.1-3)

II. God displays power through ordaining our steps (v.4-6)

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This is the height Jesus’s birth.

And it’s really anti-climatic!

I mean, Mary and Joseph couldn’t have been more inconvenienced.

They’ve traveled some 90 miles back through hilly and mountainous terrain

They’ve done so, because of the degree of a prideful dictator.

And now, they will be inconvenienced again due to a lack of space!

Luke 2:6–7 ESV

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.

There are a few things worth noting here….

Notice that this is NOT an erroneous event….

There could have been a tendency for the reader or anyone else to think.

Now, wait a minute.

Surely this isn’t the way things are supposed to transpire for the Messiah’s birth!

And yet – Luke tells us that WHILE THEY were there. (that is Bethlehem)

THE TIME CAME for her to give birth!

Luke knows – this is no accident!

All of this was intentional!

Not just the announcement –

not just the birth of John the Baptist…

not just the census and degree by Caesar Augustus

And not just the travel of Mary and Joseph!

This was the time appointed – long ago- planned, orchestrated, and ordained by God!

That the Son of God, conceived by the Spirit of God,

would be born this day, the only begotten of God the Father,

was to be delivered from the womb!

This is what the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 4:4-5

Galatians 4:4–5 ESV

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

This was fixed and all according to the plan of God….

God was accomplishing His plan of redemption!

Since the fall,

The anticipation of a messiah that was to come…..

is filled throughout the pages of scripture!

HE was the hope of Israel…

and soon to be known as the hope of the entire world…

that salvation would be through Christ!

The hope that man would be reconciled to God! –

The time– FIXED BY THE LORD….CAME for her to give birth!!

And she gives birth – to her firstborn son!

Luke again is intentional – πρωτότοκος (pro-to-to-kos)

In other words – this child is the son of Mary….

who will go on to have other children!

He is the firstborn of his mother, Mary……But Jospeh is not the Father!

God is the Father!

And though he is the FIRSTBORN of MARY….

He is the only begotten from the FATHER!!

Jesus is born without an earthly father –

Now, we haven’t seen this since Gen 2….like Adam and Eve…who sinned…

Jesus…..He was born of a virgin.

And is born in the flesh – through Mary….

But isn’t born into sin, because He is from God!

And the time had come for her to give birth!

And Mary gave birth to HER FIRSTBORN SON!

WHO IS THE SON OF MAN…..and the SON OF GOD!!

HE IS THE OFFSPRING of Mary….but is the only BEGOTEN from THE FATHER!

HERE is JESUS….the MESSIAH!!

THE MYSTERY AND BEAUTY of the INCARNATION!

GOD – in the flesh!!

God has come in flesh and blood!!

Human weakness….

This is what PAUL writes in Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5–8 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

To say that Jesus emptied himself –

doesn’t mean that he became less than GOD….

or that He depleted himself of DEITY…

But rather, HE that he clothed himself in weakness….

THAT is IN HIS DEITY….put on WEAKNESS!

HOW?

BY BEING BORN in the likeness of men….

God came to earth  in flesh and blood!!

And look at this – this is amazing!

As Mary gives birth to her firstborn child….

And Mary Wraps Him in swaddling cloths –

That God in the flesh – is weak and vulnerable….as a child!

That HE comes into the world, after leaving the warmth and comfort of the womb….

And needs to be comforted …..and swaddled!!

The thought - God gets swaddled …..God is comforted…..

GOD in the flesh…wears diapers.

HE weeps…and cries…

and experiences this world, just like you and me!!

The glory of God in the incarnation – God becoming flesh-

and coming in the frailty of human weakness!

And in v. 7 –

This is where we realize the Hollywood….

and traditional stories of Jesus’ birth get it wrong, don’t they?

I think most often we think of a MOTEL 6….

and they arrive to the front desk, to a desk clear saying, SORRY – no room for you!!

BUT it’s Not a Motel 6 –

no one has a room in their house in BETHLEHEM.

The Nativity scene has no inn keeper….and in fact the word translated as “inn”

“Inn” - guest room (Katayama)

In fact Luke uses this word again in Luke 22 –

when Jesus sends His disciples ahead of him…

Luke 22:10–11 ESV

10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’

Jewish Houses would have had 3 rooms at this time

- 4 if you were wealthy

One big room in the middle. The living room!

AND on end side of the house – separated by a wall,

and then is the “KATALYMA”

And then one the other side you’d have a half way

and the place you’d feed you chicken, goats, etc….

And it’s all right there,

so you wouldn’t have to go outside to care for the animals near by.

And the picture is there are so many people in Bethlehem.

BECAUSE OF THE CENSUS….

There is no room for them in anyone’s guest room.

EVERY one’s house is full cause all people are there.

AND they get the other side of the living room

where the animals usually are, And Mary gives birth….and places him in the manger.

And the word Luke uses there for “LAID HIM IN A MANGER”

Is the word for RECLINE….

She reclines Jesus in a manger.

Now, Luke uses this term two other places in his gospel….

and I believe this is an intentional use of the word here!

Luke 12:37 ESV

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.

THE master is coming; be watchful and

he will recline them and will come and serve them

(THE MASTER Girds up and serves those who recline at HIS table)

Then……Luke 13 – is a warning of being cast out….

When Jesus says you’re going to see Abraham and Issac and Jacob and

all the prophets comes and sit in the kingdom of GOD!! ….

but be warned least you be cast out!

And here is the picture of Luke 13:29

Luke 13:29 ESV

29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.

And here again, are the people of God – coming to recline at the table….

with Abraham and all the prophets!

To RECLINE at the table….and be served by the LORD!

And here is Luke giving us a glimpse –

The picture ONE who NOW reclines in a manager

will soon recline us and serve us!

And Jesus is laid in a manger….

Likely a feeding trough….it could have been even less than that…

It could have been just a hole in the ground.

THINK about it….THE true KING of the WORLD!!

Jesus wasn’t born in comfort, even in his own mother’s home!

He wasn’t born in royal majesty!!

Wasn’t surrounded by angels…

He wasn’t born in earthly power or authority!!

But rather in a backwoods town in the middle of nowhere,

that was crowded because of the decree of the Roman empire….

And the birth of Jesus means nothing to Rome….

it comes as what appears to be so insignificant by most accounts!

Born in a common house and in the worst room in the house,

where animals feed…

And here, Luke opens chapter 2….with the TALE of TWO KINGS!

ONE – display his power through DECREES

AND EDICTS!!

SITTING on an earthly throne in ROME

And the other….

Displaying his power through the frailty of a child….

Being swaddled by his mother….weak, vulnerable!

And the world was without room for HIM….

And YET – God was display His glory, in coming to earth!

In flesh and blood!

To deliver and save us from our sins!!

And the one who is reclined in the manager would soon,

serve us in the most glorious of ways!

In giving his own life for MY SIN….and your SIN….

and the SIN of the entire world!!

And only Jesus is fit for such a task!

Born in the likeness of men….MARY’s SON!

BUT also born as GOD in the FLESH – the SON of GOD!

But I could not get this image out of my mind this week…

That there is CEASAR AUGUSTUS – “LORD of ROME!!”

Picking up his CORONET…..

the iconic crown of the ROMAN EMPEROR….

made of soft BAY LEAVES, which would symbolize his rank, status, and power!!

And then to think – this Jesus, who is born in a lowly manger….

will one day pick up a ROMAN CROSS

and carry it on his back and he’s led away to be crucified!

And there on his head is another crown placed….not of BAYLEAVES….

And not one to signify power….but one intended to MOCK HIM!

A CROWN of THORNS – for the KING OF THE JEWS!!

The Romans would execute Jesus,

alongside the help of the JEWISH religious leaders….

As a means to keep the peace of the PAX ROMANA!!

And they displayed their power through a grueling death

and an embarrassing burial….in a borrowed tomb!!

So as to SAY –

Let it be known who THEY THINK…..RULES the WORLD! ….

And Luke – right here is CHAPTER 2….

SHOWS US…..

WHO EXACTLY is in control of ALL THINGS!!

It’s the sovereignLORD of HEAVEN!!

AND the TRUE king, is the child who is lying in the manger!!

The one who appears weak….

The one who appears so insignificant….

Who has come meek and mild, and humble!!

Rome is but a pawn in the God’s hand!

The decree of Ceasar is but the very means of God to accomplish his purposes!!

And weakness is the means of God’s strength and glory!!

CONCLUSION: -------

And so here you are living in 2025….

Thinking man, life seems chaotic….life seems hectic…

I don’t know if God can be trusted!!

I mean what about the smaller details!

I mean, what about all the powerful forces at work in world today!

I mean, there is a lot going on in the world!!

You’ve read the NEWS!!

EVERYONE is DECLARING – WHO IS IN CONTROL of THE GLOBE!!

And there is….

but even better is there is a MAJESTIC, GLORIOUS, ALL-POWERFUL,

SOVERIGN GOD….who governs and decrees all things!!

From the biggest of governments to the smallest details of our lives!!

And the greatest truth – is this God has come in flesh and blood

to save us from our sins!

He’s lived life in this broken world!

He’s experienced heartache- pain, rejection!

And is without sin!

And he’s given his life, being crucified on the CROSS for our sin!!

And AS ROME would try and FLEX their strength and might to the WORLD!

BY PUTTING JESUS TO DEATH!!

But the STORY didn’t end there did it!!

God was not done displaying His GLORY and His POWER!!

And in 3 days – THIS JESUS who was crucified!!

Was raised to life by the POWER of GOD!

DEFEATING  SIN, DEATH, HELL, and the GRAVE!

Extending to all who hope in him…..ETERNAL LIFE!!

Oh that you might repent of your sin and trust in CHRIST today!!

That you might look to Jesus as the TRUE KING HEAVEN and EARTH!!

we see that in Luke 2:1-7,

God displays His unmatched sovereignty over the rulers of the earth,

AND His power in ordaining every step of our lives,

and His glory through the humble frailty of the newborn King.

As the powerful decree of Caesar Augustus

sends Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem,

it is clear that even the most powerful rulers

are merely instruments in God's divine plan.

While Caesar Augustus's decree may have seemed like a mere political act,

it was, in reality, a divinely orchestrated event that set the stage

for the birth of the true King of Kings, Jesus Christ

God ordains the steps of His people,

and in the midst of it all, He displays His glory through the humbleChrist.

This story reminds us that God is at work in every detail of our lives,

governing all things for His glory and our good.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus,

let us remember that it is God’s sovereign hand that directs the course of history.

AND OUR LIVES each moment!

May we walk with awe and reverence before this sovereign King,

who rules not with the force of empires, but with the power of His love.

Sermon Summary: God governs and decrees all things for His own glory!

To Him be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.

A Tale of Two Kings

I. God displays sovereignty in governing the world and its “rulers” (v.1-3)

II. God displays power through ordaining our steps (v.4-5)

III. God displays His glory through human frailty (v.6-7)