The Journey For Jesus

Introduction: Throughout my life I have been approached with recommendations to go here and there for better things (i.e. landscape, experience, food, latest technology, etc.). As the saying is, “I am off to bigger and better things.”

This moment in History is not the telling of a story of a group of guys going to possibly see and experience bigger and better according to the world’s standards, but rather the glory of God on earth; the biggest and best thing that this world has ever experienced.

Will you continue journeying through life for just the good things or will you follow the Spirit today as He guides you to the BEST THING; Jesus Christ?

1) The Revelation Of Jesus (vv8-14)

A. What was given?

A Savior would be born (a child born a Son given)

This Savior can be found!

Where? Not in the Inn! (not welcome, payment)

In a place where all people of all walks of sin can find Him.

This Savior is the Prince of peace.

The shepherds were living under the “Pax Romana” (Roman peace) since 27B.C. (the absence of war / no assurance / relative peace)

Jesus came to rule with peace!

Quote: “While the emperor may give peace from way on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns more than even for outward peace.” (Stoic philosopher Epictetus)

B. From whom was it given?

Glory to God in the highest (salvation is a work of God from beginning to end)

The angels

Obedient angels do nothing outside of God’s command.

These angels were “sent” angels!

First there was Gabriel and then the host.

We love Him because He first loved us!

Hebrews 1:14

C. To whom was it given?

Shepherds

Considered the outcasts In Israel.

Their line of work made them “ceremonial” unclean and would not be allowed in the Temple.

Notice the fear in their heart.

Most of the time when angels appeared it was to warn about coming judgement from God.

Shepherds are brave men. This was real!

After hundreds of years, this was the first time God’s glory had returned to earth.

2 Corinthians 8:9

2) The Journey To Jesus (vv15-16)

A. It was an informed decision

Before a decision could ever be made, they had to be given the truth regarding what had happened.

You and I today have been given the truth about what has happened on “our” behalf!

Once the Holy Spirit places the truth in your heart and draws you unto Jesus, NOW is the moments to believe and receive!

Something to consider:

You and I not only have the revelation of what happened that night, but we have God’s COMPLETE REVELATION!

We will be held in greater judgment than those who lived without God’s complete revelation.

B. It was a personal decision

Ever since the beginning of time, man has been given the ability to choose.

Now, was the choice of the shepherds a result of how intelligent they were? NO! It was a result of the persuading ability of God!

Just like our justification, because of the persuading Spirit of God, we too make the decision to trust only in Jesus as our Savior.

The individual choice does not cease after one receives Christ. Once born in Christ, the choice is to live through Christ for Christ.

Simple question — What are you doing with what has been revealed to you in scripture?

C. It was a speedy decision

They left with haste.

Probably left their sheep with a hireling (no earthly job or pleasure was getting in their way of finding Jesus!)

Here is really where you witness faith in ACTION!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Jas 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

They wasted no time when the angels left them.

The swiftness of their feet spoke of the confidence they had in God’s revelation.

Your behavior is determined by what you believe!

If the shepherds remained in the field with the sheep, would they be doing a bad thing? NO. Just not the BEST THING!!!

Like the Apostle said, “I know in whom I have believed.”

3) The Proclamation of Jesus (vv17-20)

A. The witness of the Shepherds

No angels needed there!

Their witness was based upon who they found.

Son of God, their Savior, the light, eternal peace, hope, joy, purpose, the manifested love of the Father.

Notice: They were never instructed by the angels to broadcast this amazing miracle.

When a believer’s heart is immersed in Jesus, so will their lives be.

They demonstrate to us the very objective to witnessing:

Many wondered = to be very amazed

Mary “kept” and “pondered”

“kept” = to store up mentally for later use

“pondered” = to reflect deeply upon

There is no question why God had favour on Mary.

Here lies the solution to the perpetual shallowness and disobedience of Christians today!

B. The worship of the Shepherds

Follow the verbs here:

Notice where they were heading; where the came from.

In other words, God has placed you in a place for more than paying taxed. He has placed you where people need to hear about this “wondrous” miracle of Jesus’ birth.

They made every step and every mile count as they returned to their every day responsibilities.

Illustration: Some make their steps count for calories and charity. God wants you to make them count for the Gospel!

Conclusion: There has always been a two-fold journey for Jesus; Journeying for Jesus to receive Him and journey for Jesus because of Him. What journey is God’s Spirit leading your heart to make today? Have you ever believed upon and confessed Jesus as your personal Savior? Are you choosing to dedicate to live each day only for Jesus? What will you do with Jesus today?