December 20, 2020 - Luke 2:1-20
December 20, 2020
Lessons Learned
Luke 2:1-19
1. The birth of Jesus was announced to:
Mary and Joseph by angels. Luke 1:26-27, Matthew 1:20
The shepherds by angels. Luke 2:8-13
The wise men by a star. Matthew 2:1-2
To anyone who would listen to the shepherds. Luke 2:17-18
Herod was told that a king had been born by the wise men. Matthew 2:3-6
2. Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem 700 years before His birth.
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.” Micah 5:2
3. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be a descendant of Jesse, David’s father, 700 years before His birth.
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1
4. Caesar is a title meaning ‘king’ or ‘emperor.’
5. Augustus was another name for Octavius, grand-nephew of Julius Caesar.
6. Jesus was born at the time appointed by God.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” Galatians 4:4
7. The purpose for Jesus to be born as a man.
“to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:5
8. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was approximately 90 miles.
9. Bethlehem means ‘house of bread.’ It is fitting for the Bread of Life to be born in the town whose name means ‘house of bread.’
10. The shepherds were the first evangelists.
11. God’s Son did not get any special treatment at His incarnation:
Considered to be born out of fornication.
His crib was a feeding trough.
Parent’s were poor.
Parents had to flee to Egypt to save his life.
Lived on the ‘wrong side of the tracks,’ Nazareth.
He was a carpenter by trade—he learned to work hard for a living.
12. Matthew gives us a look at the character of Joseph: Matthew 1:19
A. He was righteous means he lived by faith according to the light he had.
B. He was compassionate towards Mary, not wanting to make her a public example.
13. God chooses to use humble people that are willing to sacrifice their life for his purpose.
14. God continues to call people into his service.
15. “He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15
16. Looking to Jesus is the only way for people to effectively deal with their sin problem.
17. Salvation through Jesus is intended for all people.
18. Salvation does not come automatically. People retain the freedom to reject Him.
19. Application:
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfilled prophecy.
Jesus left the holy place of heaven to live in our world infected with the deadly ‘virus’ of sin.
Jesus left his home in heaven, so we could have a home in heaven. Greg Laurie
Jesus left his home in heaven, to make a home in your heart. Greg Laurie
God works out His will in His perfect timing.