The Birth Of Jesus Christ - Luke 2:1-7

Welcome:

So as we get started here this morning we will be continuing in the Gospel of Luke 2:1-7

The section of Scripture is titled “The Birth Of Jesus Christ”

So from our first chapter of Luke that we just walked through these past few months

If we can remember Characters such as Zechariah, Elizbaeth and Mary all whom knew Christ was soon to come.

Zechariah prophesying,

Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit as to testify of Christ Jesus who is soon to come.

And Mary being “concieved by the Holy Spirit”

There is no doubt about it, as Excitement starts fill the hearts of some; but soon the hearts of many!

As the long awaited Messiah and Lord is to be born into the world to rescue His people from sin.

Please stand for the reading of God’s Word

Luke 2:1-7 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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.”

Pray

Introduction:

I want us to start by unpacking (V.1 & V. 2) these two verses helping us understand the time and culture Jesus was born into.

And then from us knowing more about “this time” or “in those days” so we can know Jesus was born at the perfect time To bring hope and life to his people.

Lets Read Verse 1.

Luke 2:1 “In those days…a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”

A decree - being a a command (ultimately not an option; but something one must do)

And this command was coming from the most powerful empire. (The Roman Empire)

So this “decree…went out (came forth) from Caesar Augustus….”

Who was Caesar Augustus?

Roman Emperor From 31 BC - 14 AD

That’s right the Roman Empier; the empire that at one point in history thought they were unbeatable And untouchable

Rome became the most powerful state in the world by the first century BC, through a combination of military power, political flexibility, economic expansion (It was a powerhouse; daily gaining traction)

They were growing; and wanted more and more power; which indeed means that they would have to flex their power towards all groups of people.

Specifally in our text the Jew’s who were the people of God; those who were awaiting a hope!

Caesar Augustus

“Augustus - meaning the supreme, sublime and majestic one.” R.C.

Now right off the bat; we can notice Augustus’s; name meaning these term which were royal definitions.

Language that should only be used for God Almighty!

As the Jews of this day believed only God was worthy of such a titles.”

So this “decree” or command came from one of the most powerful rulers and emperors “in those days” both “supreme, sublime and majestic .

And so as the text first mentions a decree (a command) from the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus!

But what was this command from Caesar?

“that all the world should be registered.”

That “all…” in the greek meaning the whole or“everyone”

World - meaning all of the known, inhabited world that was subject to the civilization and governance of Rome.

“should be registered” in the greek meaning commit to writing or copy (registration being used for tax purposes)

And so for the Jews in this time *God’s People:

So What was happening?

“The Jews were coming under the dominion and taxation of a foreigin power.” J.C. Ryle

“Strangers were beginning to rule over them.” J.C. Ryle

Strangers who had power; and did not fear, nor worship the one True God and were not awaiting the Hope to come.

So who else is mentioned in our text?

Luke 2:2 “This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.”

Not that this was the first registration of the Roman Government which was assumed to be 9-6 BC

But this was the first registration… “When Quiruinous was governor of Syria.”

What do we need to know about Quiruinous?

Governor Quiruinous:

He was part of the highest class in Roman government

And he was appointed gov. Of Syria (which was in the Roman Province that included Judea)

And why is it important to mention under Quirunoius’s governing the city of Judea?

A Brief History of Quirnious and Judea:

Judea was becoming a troubling spot as small rebellions were constantly rising up under his rule and order, Why?

The people of Judea wanted a Jewish King, not a Roman Rule!

So Quirunoius was aware of the the city of Judea rising up against Rome In the past.

So if you are from the area of Judea asking to be registered; by Quirunoius you might of been one rebelling against the Roman government

As there has been history of uprising in Judea Over the Roman’s flexing their power.

Especially under the leadership of Quiruinous.

So what happened in this day when the Emperor commanded a registration; and the government carried it out?

Well what happens when our goverment issues a command to us? We follow it.

Only, now here me out. Only if it does not go against the Authority and Truth of Sacred Scripture.

If it’s not unbiblical (and the command or law given and does not violate the Christian conscience which should be captivated by God’s Word)

Well we should obey this law given to us by the government; as to demonstrate the love of Christ to those who do not yet know Him.

Because we have been put on this earth to be on mission; and it’s a great ministry opportunity to see Christians obey the law, if it does not go against the Bible or cross your conscience In the Holy Spirit.

“We are to be the best law abiding citizens their is until it goes directly against the Bible.”

Or violation of conscience; and our conscience’s as Christians bearing witness to Truth of God’s Word,so if we are in God’s Word we should be accurate in what would be violating Scripture and our consciences That would be coming from the government.

Luke 2:3 “And all went to be registered, each to his own town.”

And so begins the journey…

As we can see it says “all”

And “all”- meaning every kind of people (both Romans; and Jews and all who lived within the territory of Rome were to be registered)

And we can see it does not say some; it was a command for all

There was no Hesitation; as everyone began the journey back to their hometown; or for those who never left there hometown so they would register there.

But they would go and register; as it would be un-wise and unbiblical to not follow the rule of the land; If it did not contradict and step on Scripture (in a sense we can equate this being registered with taxes of today. It would be unwise for you not to pay taxes to the government right?)

So they had no unbiblical reason as to why they should not be registered

Romans 13:1-2 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”

Matthew 11:15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

And all…went to” in the greek meaning preceded too; made there way (wether they “feeling” good about it or not)

“be registered” - commit to writing and be enrolled to be taxed

“To be registered” Can be read in a few ways: I like how R.C. Sproul Sums it up in His commentary on Luke…

“A decree issued and executed by the emperor in Rome, that all people return to their cities of birth to be registered for the census in order to be taxed by the empire.” R.C. Sproul

To be registered played a crucial role in the administration of the peoples of an expanding Roman Empire, and was used to determine taxes.

Doesn’t sound ideal; but it had to be done; if not in this case the punishment was imprisonment or death; and really in this case how foolish of death this would be.

Or as they say, “there hills to die on;” I would say if you did not follow the decree what a shallow valley to die in.

But notice you couldn’t just register in any town. No it had to be “his own town...”

And now in our text enters Jospeh:

Luke 2:4-5 “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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

Now for the first time mentioned in Chapter 2 we see three of our characters from chapter 1 “Joseph, Mary and Jesus”

And what did Joesph, Mary and (Jesus who was still in the womb do? “also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth…”

Meaning all three of them left Galilee…

As inconvicent as it might of been; as of an un-ideal situation it might of been…

For Mary specifically, what a trip this must of been:

As Jospeh knowing Mary was close to giving birth; was not going to leave her side to go and be registered in His hometown

Which would of been from Galilee to Jerusalem about 84.64 miles

“Even though Roman Law did not require that a man bring his wife to register for the census.”

But we can see Joesph saw the seriousness of this decree to obey from the Roman Empire.

So they went from Galilee and headed to Nazareth…

…To Judea, to the city of David which is Called Bethlehem because he (Joseph as we know) was of the house and linage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”

Take Notice from our text:

Joseph, & Mary are in Judea now; which we had mentioned that Quirinius the governor at this time has in the past seen some rebellion rise in this area for those Jew’s wanting a Jewish King; not Roman rule.

So this is where the three were headed, to Judea, to the city of Bethlehem…

So what a trip this must of been for Mary, Joseph and Jesus:

I mean Mary is very pregnant and soon to give birth.

This registration probably didn’t seem convenient at all; but they must travel to his own town and so they did And Jospeh took the lead in this.

Because this registation wasn’t worth the fight and it wasn’t worth their life.

So while they are there “registering” something happens…

Luke 2:6 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.”

“The time” - time in greek meaning - at daybreak; or during the day period

“came for her to give birth”

And who is Mary pregnant with?

The Angel of the Lord and Zechariah; Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit

As we hear in Mary’s Magnificat “My soul Magnifies the Lord” - who was in her womb.

And in Zechariah’s prophecy

“the time came for her to give brith” - in the greek this means to bring into the world;

But who was to Be born into the world?

The time has come Just as God said it Would, in the exact place He said it would in Betlehem; Christ Jesus was to be born a Hope to the world.

If we know and connect here an OT prophecy, Micha 5:2 with this text mentioning Bethlehem In verse 4.

Micha speaks of this coming to pass. Mic 5:2 says“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth from me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”

That the people’s long awaited Messsiah and King would enter into the world in Bethlehem in Judea;

The one Christ that is the fullfillment of all prophecy in the OT and NT, is to be born in Bethlehem.

So the Augustu’s of the world would soon hear that their mirriage of majesty, is nothing compared to the glory of Jesus the King of King’s, True Majesty!

And let it be said against any ruler; such a our president; or the emperor in another country currently; so if He claims to be untouchable, majestic and splendid, He is a fool.

And His power will not protect him or her from hell. No if they do not repent and turn from sin they will be defeated and die in their sins.

So we pray for our leaders 1 Tim 2:1-3 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,”

How are you doing with praying for our leaders of high positions?

So what happened next, lets read verse 7?

Luke 2:7 “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.”

And we see “while they were there in (Bethlehem) “the time came”

So Mary actually did give birth to Jesus amidst all the chaos going around; and amidst the turmoil of registration from the Roman gov.

And traveling 84 miles; Amongst all the past rebellion in this area that in this time made it seem tense.

So she gave birth…

I want to speak to this: Because we see the time’s Jesus was born into: And I believe fear (From the enemy) in our day and age right Now has creeped into one of the most precious blessings a husband and wife can have:

Our culture and the world we live in; you often here the question raised “well why would I bring another kid into this wicked, world?

My answer to this is…

The reason we bring more children in this world; and the reason in seasons past when times were trying and chaotic people brought kids into the world, is because it’s a command from the Lord no matter the time.

Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply (only in good seaons where times are easy? No) and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.””

Psalm 127:3-5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

Let us not be so narrow minded; Paralyzed by the fear of this world that is dead in sin and lacking faith…

As to think God can not use our children and use them in such a time as this.

Is He using us now? Is His Church still alive? // Oh the gates of hell shall not prevail!

And so we see the text says “her firstborn” - The greek word for firstborn is - Pro-tot-ok-os -The firstborn of a father and mother.

Figuratively, the firstborn in the sense the chief One, the one highly and distinguished, the supreme one.

Christ is the only beloved Son of God; now being born into the world

Colossians 1:15 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

Hebrews 1:6 “And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.””

And what were the details of Jesus’s brith in verse 7?

Does it say He was wrapped in a nice blanket his grandmother made him?

Or a warm and cozy crib? No!

“And wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because their was no place for them in the inn.”

No warm clothes from home, no home, no crib and definitely no warm and comfortable space to be after brith

And this is how Jesus the Savior of the world entered the world; and ultimately this is how He lived in the world.

So Christ’s birth story started with a decree from Rome; to move the feet of the people to obey a command; to position Mary and Joseph in the right place to bring forth Christ Jesus the Savior and hope of the world lost in sin.

This morning from our text I have 3 Points for us:

God’s people admists worldly government rule, OBEYED:

If you are not aware; God is over government; therefore we submit to the laws of the land as it says: “they all went to be registered”

That “all…” in the greek meaning the whole or“everyone”

World - meaning all of the known, inhabited world that was subject to the civilization and governance of Rome.

Romans 13:1-2 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”

In their case if they were not registered; then they were either imprisoned or put to death, not a hill to die on.

We know in the past since rebellion came from this area of Judea from the people of God

So we still see they obeyed the law and government’s command To be registered. (Doesn’t mean they were happy about it; because they weren’t)

But as we said: if it does not contradict Scripture, then we are to submit. “Be subject to the governing authorities”

And if it does not go against our conscience; that is bearing witness to the truth of God’s Word; being revealed to us by the Holy Spirit

Then we should follow through with the command given by the government even if it means persecution and discomfort For us.

As to not reap judgment from the Lord.

Now if the command or decree contradicts Scripture:

Then yes; stand our ground in love; firmly rooted in Christ and if it calls for rebellion then we know we died for the only good cause and that’s standing and being persecuted for keeping God’s Word and our conscience’s undefiled.

Acts 24:16 “So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.”

1 Peter 3:16 “having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”

Psalm 37:8-9 “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.” Soo…

God’s people admists worldly government and rule OBEYED: if the decree wasn’t unbiblical or did not go against the the ChristIan Conscience; it was to be obeyed as to not incur judgement From God.

Point 2:

God’s people admists worldly government rule Kept Focus

Even in the midst of what was going on; registration, taxation, feeling the hand of Roman Rule (which probably gave no Jew A good feeling; as the emperor over Rome was sought to be majestic in power; and knowing that He was their leader on top of that)

We need to know from our text that even though the hand of the worldly government was over God’s people

The people of God did not shift their hope and faith in government, but kept it in God And His promise of a Savior to come.

How easy is it for us to lose focus on Christ?

We get so caught up wether someone is red or blue; and. And if they even are a Christian they are now an enemy it seems (what?)

We get so caught up on political positions; that we forget our position in Christ (we do lose focus in this time and age) more than we would like to admit.

It seems Christians these days are becoming politians and creating divisions; rather than becoming theologians sharing truth and keeping peace.

My encouragement to us admits worldly goverment and rule; keep your focus on Christ,who Has redeemed you from sin, who keeps you and who is coming back For you.

3 Point: God’s people admists worldly government rule Never Gave Up Hope!

Worldly Goverment is flawed; becuase of sin - just as all of this world is flawed and deteriorating and dying; just like you and I are; because of sin

So number one it’s not the government’s fault; it sins fault

But Jesus who was born Into the world, sent by the Father to rescue us from sin and the world by dying.

Thats right, we talk about His birth; we talk about His life; but we can not forget his death, burial and resurrection.

Christ died for us; the perfect Savior; born of a virgin; lived a perfect and sin free life; went to the cross; bore our sin and shame; dying on the crosss; spilling his blood for us; His righteous blood covering our sin; Him atoning for our sins; being burried in the tomb, and on the third day rising again declaring; having dealt with all sin, so we can become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. As we trust in Jesus who is alive and is over every ruler that has great power.

And He was their only Hope In these Days!

And Church He is our only Hope still today!

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

A call to us Christians this morning; may we daily seek to die to self that we might live to Christ and His ways!

May we not find our hope in government; political parties or American pride; but only in Christ Who is our only hope.

A call this morning to Repent and Turn from our wicked ways:

If our hope has been somewhere else; (as I’ve seen mine been) it’s absolutely a call for us to repent and turn from sin and be “refreshed by the Holy Spirit”

What is it for you that you need to confess and repent of? (I encourage you in the response song to repent, confess sin, have someone pray For you)

God’s people often lost focus; don’t think we are any different; but God being rich in mercy and kindness has drawn us back by the blood of His Son; and our sins are forGiven in Christ.

And if you are not a Christian; here me out. Government; as powerful as it seems; can not do what Christ can do for you, and that is save you from your sins:

Acts 3:19 “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,”

We asked ourself the question in the sermon? “well why would I bring another kid into this wicked, world? - those wanting to have children…

When the real question is why would God ever send His Perfect and one and only Son when He did? To a world that is broken and and full of sin and turmoil?

John 3:16-17 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Hope has come and His name is Jesus!

See their is a Punishment that await’s unbelivers:

Just as Those in this time in Rome who did not obey the decree were punished!

So those today who do not trust in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord will be punished forever; for their sins

Peoples who’s sins are not forgiven; will be punished. And your judgment will be worse than that of not obeying the government‘s command…

So what the people of God and the world needed to know is that; in Bethlehem a King was born this day; King of the Jews and the world to rescue His people from the world and their sin.

Isa 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Christ is born and the goverment shall be upon his shoulders now; He is in control; always has been and always will be!

So let us praise His Name For He has redeemed His people and given us HOPE!

Psalm 148:10-13 “Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.”