Good News of Great Joy (Luke 2)

Good News of Great Joy Luke 2 Context • Luke is writing many years after the events occurred, but has a Christian friend in mind (1:3). • Luke’s goal is clear: to assure his believing friend of the factuality of events of Christ. • Luke’s method is also clear: leverage his extensive historical knowledge for writing an orderly and accurate account that could stand the scrutiny of skeptics. • Today’s Outline: 5 Striking Developments in Jesus’s Birth. Christmas is Thoroughly Historical • Notice how Luke roots the event in a real place you can visit today (Bethlehem), in the realm of the famous Emperor (Ceasar Augustus) of the most well-known Empire (Rome). • Luke isn’t content with that – he provides the names of puppet kings (Herod), governors (Quirinius), wellknown Temple attendants (Simeon, Anna), and the precise schedules of presiding priests (Zechariah, Abijah division). • So thorough were Luke’s historical details that students then and now can confirm the is details precisely. Christmas is for Humble People • Mary and Joseph were peasants (2:24) from the tiny village of Nazareth (likely >500; 4-10 acres total). • Shepherds were low in the social hierarchy of the time, commonly stereotyped as untrustworthy and rough; they often battled ritual uncleanness. • Jesus was literally born in a barn – no generational wealth to provide better accommodations for Mary’s delivery. • When Jewish leaders learned of the Messiah’s birth, their response was either paranoia or apparent indifference. Christmas Confronts Fear with Peace • Prior to Jesus’s birth, the only human reaction to these events was fear: Zechariah (1:12), Mary (1:29), neighbors of Zechariah and Elizabeth (1:65), Joseph (Matthew 1:20), shepherds (2:9). • The first human reaction to God in the wake of sin is fear (Genesis 3:10). • The Prince of peace abolishes fear by bringing peace (Isaiah 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7) – Luke mentions peace 3x (1:79, 2:24, and 2:29) Christmas is to be Joyful • Angels couch their message in joyful benediction. • Zechariah – “You shall have joy and gladness” (Luke 1:14) • Mary – “Greetings, O favored one!” (Luke 1:28) • Shepherds – “I bring you good news of great joy” (2:10) • Simeon – “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace!” (2:28) Christmas is Worship Mary – “my soul magnifies the Lord” (1:46) Zechariah – “Blessed by the Lord God of Israel” (1:67) Angels – “Glory to God in the highest!” (2:14) Shepherds – “returned glorifying and praising God” (1:20) • Simeon – “He took him up in his arms and blessed God” (2:28) • Anna – “she began to give thanks to God” (2:38) • Wise Men – “they fell down worshipped him” (Matthew 2:11) • • • • Biblical Applications • Examine your heart for traces of fear and suspicion toward God. • Join the throng of worshippers this holiday season. • Spread the good news of great joy which shall be for all people.