THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Luke 2:4-20
Introduction:
1. There are a number of lessons connected with the birth of
Jesus. Also, Matt. 1:18-25; 2:1-12.
2. God's word places emphasis upon the death of Jesus; its
value to mankind. Yet, without the birth of Jesus the other
accomplishments would not have come about.
3. Note briefly the events of his birth.
4. These present some lessons to be learned.
A. (Lk. 2:7) THE WORLD MISSES A GREAT BLESSING WHEN IT MAKES NO
PLACE FOR JESUS:
1. "there was no room for them in the inn." Jesus was crowded
out, placed in a manger. Isn't it sad that those in the inn
did not know who He was.
2. Even more tragic is the fact that so few truly know who He
is today. The one who leaves Christ out of their lives is
indeed spiritually bankrupt. So likewise the family, the
community, nation.
3. Eph. 2:1-3, 11-12; 2 Pet. 2:10-19--How sad a picture. One
without Christ in their life.
4. Are you allowing Christ to come in and permeate your life?
5. How much room does Christ have in my life??? Yours???
B. (Lk. 2:8-14) TRUTH IS OFTEN DISCOVERED FIRST BY THE HUMBLE:
1. The angels did not appear to the chief priest, to the
rulers, but to the lowly shepherds in the field. This event,
which was of such great concern to the hosts of heaven, went
unnoticed by the world. They were interested in other
things.
2. The world looks upon things differently than does Jehovah.
(1. Look at the baptism taught by John. It was from God,
but it was rejected by many. Lk. 7:30; Mt. 21:24-27.
(2. Jesus, a man approved of God; yet they nailed Him to
the cross. Acts 2:22-23; John 1:11.
(3. Christ established the church, His family; but the
world speaks evil of it. Acts 28:22.
3. The common people heard Jesus "gladly." Mark 12:37.
4. 1 Cor. 1:18-29--It is not the mighty, the wise, the
"successful" who listen to and accept the gospel.
5. The pride and pretentiousness of religious leaders often
stand in their way; The world does not want a Saviour born
in a manger. They want their long flowing, colorful robes;
their orchestras and lavish productions. The simple story of
the cross is too bland, too staid.
C. (Lk. 2:10) WE SHOULD NEVER BE AFRAID TO HEAR THE TRUTH.
1. Even though the message was about the Messiah and the good
news, the shepherds were "sore afraid." The angels had to
calm them with, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people"
(vs 10). Naturally, this scene would produce some
apprehensions; but when the truth is learned, there should
be no fear to accept it.
2. Note the apostle Paul (Gal. 1:16) "Straightway (immediately)
I conferred not with flesh and blood..." Can you not feel
the fear of this man, when the booming voice of Heaven drove
him to the ground (Acts 9:3-4)? But, as soon as he learned
the truth of Christ, he moved to accept and obey it.
3. It is tragic that the false teachers and religions of our
day have led so many to be suspicious and skeptical of the
gospel, that they will not accept the truth of Christ Jesus.
4. Truly, we must verify what is being taught. 1 Jn. 4:1;
Gal. 1:8; 2 John 9-11.
5. But, when we find the truth, we must be willing to accept
it. Obey it.
6. Never allow the prejudices of man to make us afraid to read
the Bible, to accept the truth therein.
7. It seems that there are those who reason: "Don't confuse me
with the facts, my mind is made up."
D. (2:11,12) IF WE WOULD FIND JESUS WE MUST FOLLOW HEAVENLY
DIRECTIONS:
1. The shepherds were told that they would find the child "in
the city of David," "wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying
in a manger."
2. (vs 15,16) "NOW"--They heeded the instructions and "came
with haste." They found exactly what they had been told.
3. Their faith led them to follow the instructions. They did
not look for another city, nor did they go to the inn.
4. Human logic or reasoning would not have lead them to the
correct place. "A king born in a manger." Who can believe
that??
5. Christ is not hidden from the honest heart. But, so often
the prejudices and pre-conceived ideas of man, blind his
reasoning.
6. Jehovah has given us Heavenly instructions. He has spoken
loud and clear. We need to follow them. Do not allow human
reasoning to blind you.
E. (Lk. 2:15-16) GOOD IMPULSES MUST BE PUT INTO ACTION IF WE WOULD
EXPERIENCE GOOD RESULTS:
1. These shepherds made a decision. "Let us go..." vs 15.
2. "They came with haste..." as already noticed. Had they not
acted in compliance with their knowledge, they would not
have found the child.
3. Lk 15:18-20--The Prodigal Son. "I will arise and go..."
"And he arose and went..." He wasted no time in following
his impulses. He now understood his mistakes, his needs,
and where his salvation was. In His Father's house.
4. Compare that attitude with the attitude of Felix in
Acts 24:24-27. One can put off obeying Christ so long that
the heart becomes calloused, and rejection becomes easy.
5. It is so easy for man to have good intentions to obey the
gospel, or to become more active as a Christian; yet, they
are no more than good intentions. All the while, we allow
the things of the life to crowd Jesus out of our lives.
F. (Lk. 2:17-18, 20) WHEN ONE DISCOVERS CHRIST, WE NEED TO PASS THAT
INFORMATION ON TO OTHERS. TELL OTHERS OF THE CHRIST.
1. They did not hesitate to tell the story of the Christ to all
who would listen. They told "all the things that they had
heard and seen."
2. May we never underestimate the importance of Christ Jesus in
the lives of mankind. Let us also never underestimate the
effect that our lives have upon others around us. Each
Christian must become a teacher of the Christ.
3. Could it be possible that we have deceived ourselves into
thinking that I cannot teach the gospel, that must be left
to the preacher, to someone trained in these matters.
4. God chose the lowly shepherd to announce the coming of the
Messiah, rather than the religious leaders of the day.
5. Truth is essential to the salvation of others, and it makes
no difference who becomes the spokesman for Christ.
CONCLUSION:
1. The world has never been the same since Christ entered upon
the scene. His birth brought the eternal plan of Jehovah
unto mankind. (Eph. 3:10, 11). Salvation is now available;
within the reach of all who will believe in Him and accept
His terms.
2. Lk. 6:46--"Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things
which I say." Note: John 12:44-48.
3. What effect does the birth of this One have on your life?
4. Will you not respond to the Heavenly directions;
instructions?
5. Become and Be what the Lord desires of you.
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