Jesus Christ Our Gift
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
Christmas is in 3 days. Don’t freak out. There are still stores open for last minute shoppers.
This is the time of year where giving gifts becomes a major focus.
Last night and Friday night we had our Christmas program. In that program we mentioned the wise men, or Magi, giving gifts. Some might think that is where the idea of giving gifts came from. But it’s not.
I would argue that the idea of giving gifts comes from God. Why? Because God gave us the greatest gift in the person of Jesus Christ.
In thinking about gifts and giving I thought of a man who, when he came to know Jesus, gave half of all he owned to the poor and repaid those he had cheated four times what he took. I’m talking about Zacchaeus (). This seems incredibly generous, a great gift even. But then I think about the poor widow who put her entire livelihood of two mites into the temple treasury (). To give all the money you have seems pretty extravagant. But then I think about Hannah who prayed with tears and anguished pleas for God to give her a son. When He did, she gave him back to the Lord and only saw him once a year from the time he was three (, ). What a sacrificial gift!
I consider the giving of these men and women and the faith required for these gifts and it can be convicting! tells us of a gift that is so much more generous, so much more extravagant, so much more sacrificial, that it makes these gifts pale in comparison. READ John 3:16.
God loved the world, and because of that love, He gave us His Son! This is what Christmas is all about. It’s not about presents, family, or even the joy of giving.
Christmas is about the birth of a Savior. It is about God becoming man. It is about the greatest gift of all.
This Christmas season we desire that every person hearing this message would receive the greatest gift of all.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift anyone can ever receive.
As we consider this morning, we will explore three reasons from this verse why Jesus is the greatest gift.
When we understand why Jesus is the greatest gift we will be challenged to receive Him.
Only through Jesus Christ can we have peace on earth, joy in the world, and goodwill toward men.
First of all, Jesus is the greatest gift because…
1. The Greatest Gift Is Unique
1. The Greatest Gift Is Unique
What if you were given the same gift for Christmas every year. Not like another of the same kind, but the exact same gift, repackaged and wrapped. Do you think that might get a little old? You might even think, “you know what, just don’t get me a gift this year”.
One of the things that makes a gift great is when it is unique.
Christ is the greatest gift ever given because there is no one like Him!
That is literally what the term “only begotten” speaks of.
It is the Greek word μονογενής (monogenēs) meaning only; one and only. Unique, radically distinctive and without equal.
That is a fitting description of Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ is radically distinctive and without equal! He is one of a kind. He is unique.
Very briefly I want to explore some of the reasons why Jesus is unique. First we will consider how Jesus is…
Unique In His Preexistence
“Preexistence” simply means that Jesus has always existed.
He existed in eternity past, exists in the present, and will exist for eternity future.
This reality is clearly laid out in Scripture. One of the clearest passages is , (S).
,
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
There is no one like Christ! He is God from eternity past! He enjoyed fellowship with the Father and the Spirit. Yet, He left all that and became a man! That is what Christmas is all about.
The fact that He became flesh brings us to a second reason for His uniqueness. Jesus is…
Unique In His Parentage
Jesus was born of a virgin having been conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is explicitly stated in (S).
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
This miraculous birth was prophesied in (S).
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
There has never been and never will be another like Jesus the Christ!
Being born of a virgin is enough of an impossible miracle, but to also be conceived by the Holy Spirit? That is incredibly unique!
Both were necessary for Him to be the Savior and Redeemer that He has become through His death, burial, and resurrection.
His unique parentage brings us to a third reason for His uniqueness. Jesus is…
Unique In His Person
The angel told Mary that he would be called the Son of God. In Jesus time, because a son was the heir of the father and the family line continued through him, an adult son was considered equal with the father ().
In his prophecy about who the Messiah would be, Isaiah makes some very clear statements. Look at (S).
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Jesus is the mighty God and the everlasting Father! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom.
As we have already seen in , Jesus is God! Because Jesus is God we find that He was also…
Unique In His Power
Jesus did things that no one else could do. Look up a few verses at .
2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
You can’t do these things without God being with you! When John the Baptist had a moment of doubt while in prison, Jesus sent him a message in (S).
22 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Not only did Jesus do things that no one else could do, He spoke as no one else ever has! (S).
45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” 46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”
No one spoke like this man. When He was only 12 years old He made the teachers marvel at His wisdom and understanding ()!
No one could match Jesus in His power to perform miracles and ability to speak truth.
The final reason Jesus is unique that we will consider this morning is that Jesus is…
Unique In His Passion
Turn to (p. 1298).
(p. 1298)
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
There is no comparison to what Christ has done for us! The agony that He endured for the sake of sinners, for those who were ungodly, without strength, and enemies of God is truly unique.
My mom collects horse figurines. If you were to go into her room and look above her window she has a special shelf for these horses. On that shelf full of beautiful, elegant horses in various postures is a wooden carving of an appaloosa (S). This carving is flat, it is badly painted, and it is fairly plain. Yet it has this place of honor because I made it for my mom when I was little. It is unique, one of a kind.
With some gifts it is both the giver and the gift that make it unique.
Christ is unique, not because of His imperfections or flaws, but because of His matchless perfection!
Christ is unique, not only because of who sent Him, but because of who He is!
Christ is unique because He is God manifest in the flesh!
Christ is unique because He was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life!
Christ is unique because He is equal with God!
Christ is unique because He has the power to raise the dead, heal the sick, and speak the hardest truths in love!
Christ is unique because He died in our place, bearing our sin, as the sacrificial Lamb of God!
His death satisfied God’s wrath and made a way for man to be reconciled to God!
Jesus Christ is one of a kind! He is the greatest gift that has ever been given because He is unique.
As we contemplate His uniqueness, Sing with me…
#134 “Emmanuel” (sing twice)
Jesus is the greatest gift because He is unique. Secondly, Jesus is the greatest gift because…
2. The Greatest Gift Is Extravagant
2. The Greatest Gift Is Extravagant
Have you ever gotten a gift that was so extravagant that it blew you away? For my 30th birthday Jess knew that I really wanted an Xbox. So she coordinated with everyone and we were able to get one! It was very extravagant to me.
According to , God gave us the most extravagant gift ever given.
He gave us His Son!
In Mary sings a song of praise. In that song she rejoices in God her Savior. That is who this baby was born to be; the Savior. We know that from his name, Jesus. Jesus means “Jehovah is Salvation”.
When the angel appeared to Joseph and told him how Mary was pregnant, the angel said these words in (S).
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
This is why Jesus was born! To save His people from their sins. This is why Jesus was given to the world. The greatest, most extravagant gift ever given!
This is why God the Son became a man, suffered, and died on the Cross.
In , when Simeon meets Jesus, he calls him God’s salvation (), and he speaks of Jesus’ coming death ().
We even see this reality pictured in the gifts of the wise men. What did they bring to Jesus? Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Why?
I want to read you a quote from a man named J. John. The name “wise men” has “nothing to do with academia. It’s not about intelligence. It’s about understanding. They understood. And when they arrived to where Christ was, they bowed down, worshiped him and gave him gifts… Gold, frankincense, myrrh. Now, why would you give – why would you give a child those gifts? Well, it’s symbolism. And behind the symbolism are profound truths, hence the fact that this group of people are called wise.
Gold in the Bible is a symbol of kingship. They had understood that Christ was The King. Not just ‘a’ king but The King. And in the words of the original script, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. In other words, the King of the entire universe, the entire cosmos. By giving gold, they are acknowledging His Kingship. By bowing down and worshipping Him, they’re saying, “We want to come under Your sovereign reign and rule.”
Frankincense in the Bible is a symbol of prayer. It’s a symbol of communication. They understood that the King had come to communicate with people. They were acknowledging that, and they were reciprocating. They were saying, ‘Well, we want to communicate with You.’
Myrrh in the Bible is a symbol of burial. It’s a symbol of death. They’d understood that the King had come into the world in order to give His life for us.”[1]
As we began this morning I mentioned Hannah who gave her son to serve the Lord.
Though Hannah demonstrates incredible faith in loaning Samuel to God for life, God’s gift of Jesus Christ is greater.
While Hannah gave her first son, she had more. God gave us His one and only Son! Nothing compares to this gift!
The most extravagant gift you could ever receive is nothing next to the gift of Christ!
declares… (S)
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
In seeking the redemption of sinners, God didn’t spare His Son! He delivered Him up! He gave Him to die for sin! What a gift!
In Peter reminds his readers… (S)
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Redemption cannot be purchased with money! It cannot come through human will or material possessions!
Redemption was purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ!
That is an extravagant gift!
God didn’t spare his Son, He delivered Him up that through his death we might be redeemed by His precious blood!
Christ is the greatest gift that could ever be given because He gave Himself for us.
Sing with me...
“Born To Die” (vv. 1-2)
Jesus is the greatest gift because He is unique and He is extravagant. Lastly, Jesus is the greatest gift because…
3. The Greatest Gift Is Transformative
3. The Greatest Gift Is Transformative
When I was 12 years old my parents gave me a gift that changed my life forever. They didn’t know it would be so life-changing, and in fact, for four years the gift lay forgotten in a box in my closet. When I was 16 I found this belt buckle they had given me, and I have been collecting them ever since. A great gift is a gift that changes your life.
Jesus changes your life.
Read with me again.
When we place our faith in the gift of Jesus Christ, when we believe in His death burial and resurrection, we receive eternal life!
In Jesus says this (S).
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Then the apostle John writes in (S).
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
Trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation brings eternal life! We pass from death to life!
Is that a transformation? Amen!
The Apostle John states here that the evidence of our regeneration is transformed living.
My ability to be confident in my salvation is directly connected to my obedience.
If I am disobedient, I may still be saved, but I won’t be confident.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift and He has brought about the greatest transformation.
I have passed from death to life!
Our transformation is further depicted in (S).
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
We are no longer what we once were! We have been brought near!
Probably the most well known passage on our transformation in Christ is (S).
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
When we trust Christ we are transformed by the power and grace of God!
We are no longer enemies, strangers, and far off.
We are adopted as children! Gifted by the Spirit! And given intimate fellowship with God Himself!
Our eternal destiny is changed! We will not perish, we have everlasting life!
The result of these transformations is to be transformed living.
The change in our eternal destination should generate a change in our behavior.
We no longer live for ourselves, we live for the glory of God!
In light of His sacrifice, we can do no less! Sing with me…
“Born To Die” (v. 3)
Turn with me to . This is a time for believers to remember the price that was paid. To be reminded of the penalty of sin. Taking part of communion does not save you. This is simply a way for us to be reminded of what Christ has done. If you know the Lord as savior this morning, please join us in bread and juice as we remember Jesus Christ. These are only symbols, they represent the body and blood of our Savior. Examination – verses 26-32
OBSERVANCE OF COMMUNION
OBSERVANCE OF COMMUNION
The Bread (His Body) vv. 23-24 “He Was Wounded” (Chorus Only)
The Cup (His Blood) v. 25 #190 “Are You Washed In The Blood?” (Chorus Only)
Conclusion
Conclusion
Don’t reject the greatest gift in existence!
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift because He is unique.
There has never been, nor ever will be, anyone like Christ!
He is unique in every aspect.
He is also the greatest gift because He is extravagant.
God gave us His one and only Son!
The God of all eternity, who spoke the world into existence, was born as a man and died a criminals death to purchase our redemption!
That is an extravagant gift!
Christ is the greatest gift because He transforms all who receive Him.
Every single believer becomes a new creature at salvation.
We are called to walk in newness of life.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift that could ever be given.
Will you accept Him?
If you have then let me ask you a different question.
How important is Jesus to you?
Is He important enough to obey?
Is He important enough to listen to?
May our dedication to Christ be evident to all this week.
May He be glorified in our lives as we walk in obedience to Him.
“Joy Has Dawned” (vv. 3-4)
[1] https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/unwrapping-the-real-christmas/. Accessed 12/19/19.
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife, who was with child.
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.