One Kingdom Meets Another

Rome’s Kingdom at work Luke 2:1-4

A. The decree from Caesar Augustus that all the inhabit earth be counted.

1. The first census under Quirinius v.2

2. Everyone was on their way to their OWN CITY. v.3

B. Joseph leaves Nazareth to:

1. Judea 2 Samuel 5:7-10

2 Samuel 5:7–10 NASB95

7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David. 8 David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” Therefore they say, “The blind or the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 So David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. 10 David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him.

2. The City of David 2 Samuel 5:7-10

2 Samuel 5:7–10 NASB95

7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David. 8 David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” Therefore they say, “The blind or the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 So David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. 10 David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him.

3. Bethlehem Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 NASB95

2 “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

4. Because he was of the house and family of David Matthew 1:2-16

NOTE: There are no accidents here! God is weaving His Kingdom plan into the kingdom of this World. He chose these locations and times. Rome thinks they are ruling and keeping track of all their inhabitants while God is initiating the next phase of His Kingdom Plan.

C. God’s Kingdom At Work v.5-7

1. Joseph registers with Mary

a. who he is engaged to

b. Who is with child

NOTE: Just a few months ago this marriage was on the rocks. Joseph thought Mary cheated and Mary was beside her self because an angel came and said she would be made pregnant by a divine act of God.

These two young kids from Nazareth have come a long way, not just from Nazareth to Judea but

from the Physical world view they lived in they had entered a spiritual heavenly world view that only few would recognize.

ILLUST: The reason they are still married and Mary is pregnant is because they said yes to being a part of God’s Kingdom Plan.

And Now, here under Roman command they were simply doing what they needed to do while God was bringing His kingdom into it.

2. The days were completed for her to give birth V.6

3. She gave birth to her firstborn son. V.7

a. she wraps Him in cloths

NOTE: Normal oriental custom to swaddle a baby with a square cloth and then bandages to hold it together (Int. standard Bible Encyc.) According to Exekiel 16:4 if a child did not have this cloth it meant it had been abandoned.

ILLUST: Sometimes our circumstances look really weak or ugly but God never abandons His own.

b. She laid Him in a manager

NOTE: This is a feeding trough where the animals would eat. Interesting how later in Jesus Ministry He refers to Himself as the bread of life and if anyone eats of Him they would live forever. These are spiritual words of Jesus but the picture is of a Kingdom that would sustain forever all those who are willing to trust in God who became flesh.

c. Why a manger? Because there was no room for them in the Inn.

NOTE: I think it’s clear that there was no room for them is an illustration that there is not enough room for God’s Kingdom and the Worlds Kingdom to coexist in an individual’s heart.

ILLUST: God’s Kingdom Came down some 2000 years ago in fulfillment of prophecy and a promise that God made to us as humans.

He said that He would come and take our place in death so that all those who recognize they have sinned and desire to be free from sin can trust in Jesus and live in His eternal Kingdom.

This Kingdom continues to function through His people here on earth but its base of operation is in the spiritual realm Where Christ is alive and seated on His throne.

He is going to come again to fulfil the last chapter and to put an end to every other kingdom and establish His forever.

My Question today is as we remember Jesus coming as a baby, have you made the choice to trust Him with your life so you will be ready when He comes again?

CLOSE:

Matthew 24:29–31 NASB95

29 “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

Matthew 24:34–35 NASB95

34 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

Matthew 24:24–25 NASB95

24 “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25 “Behold, I have told you in advance.

Matthew 24:42 NASB95

42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 24:44 NASB95

44 “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.