Christmas 2022 Sermons

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series “Simeon’s and Anna’s Story” Luke 2:22-38

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series

Simeon’s and Anna’s Story

Luke 2:22-38

Introduction

Back in the 1970’s a research team of psychologists from Stanford University performed an experiment on a group of 4-year-olds that they called, “the marshmallow test.” The kids would be placed in a room—one at a time—with a psychologist who had a bag of marshmallows. The psychologist would ask the child a series of questions or give him certain tasks to do. If the child answered the question or performed the task well, they would get a marshmallow as a reward.

But the real test came with a pre-arranged knock on the door of the room about a half hour later. The researcher would get up and stick his head out of the door, and then he would come back to the table and say to the child, “I’ve got to go run an errand. I’m going to leave a marshmallow here on the table in front of you. If you don’t eat the marshmallow while I’m gone, then when I get back you will get two. But if you eat the marshmallow, it’s the only one you’re going to get.”

Well, the moments that followed were tough for these kids. I’m sure they were, to put it in Thomas Paine’s words, “…the times that try children’s souls.” I mean the marshmallow test is the ultimate soul test for any 4-year-old in that it embodies the constant battle they wage between impulse and restraint, desire and control, gratification and delay. These kids would develop all kinds of strategies to help enable them to wait. They’d sing songs. They’d tell themselves stories. They’d sit on their hands. One little guy actually licked the table around the marshmallow, thinking that perhaps the flavor had somehow spilled over onto the surrounding wood.

But the amazing thing about this marshmallow test is what it revealed about the direction these kids would take later on in life. You see, the research team tracked these kids into adolescence and then into adulthood. They found that those who were able to wait as 4-year-olds grew up to be more socially competent, better able to cope with stress, and less likely to give up under pressure than those who could not wait. The non-waiters—the “marshmallow-grabbers” —grew up to be more stubborn and indecisive, more easily upset by frustration, and more resentful about not getting enough. Most amazingly, the “marshmallow wait-ers” had higher SAT scores that averaged 210 points higher than the group of marshmallow-grabbers. Moreover, years later the study showed the marshmallow-grabbers were still unable to delay gratification. Their poor impulse control was much more likely to lead to delinquency, substance abuse, and divorce.

Well, the truth is all of us struggle with waiting. In fact our inability to control our impulses—our refusal to wait and trust—lies close to the core of human sinfulness. I mean it’s been that way since Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve first took that bite from the forbidden “marshmallow” in the Garden of Eden.

“Simeon and Anna are representatives of real piety in this time of spiritual death and deadness.”[1]

And they had been waiting for a very long time.

Prayer

A Humble Couple Present (vv. 22-24)

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”[2]

Our first introduction to Mary, Joseph and Jesus as a family is their carrying out the law. “Jesus came from a family that sought to honor God.”[3] All that Joseph and Mary are doing with regard to the law indicate how seriously Judaism took approaching God in worship and how prepared a heart and soul should have as they address God.[4]

“The law of Moses regarded the woman who had given birth to a child as ceremonially unclean, in the case of a son, for forty days; after which certain purification rites, involving sacrifice, were to be perform, before she could be regarded as ritually clean.”[5]

There was also another ceremony appointed for a first-born son on such an occasion, both mother and child are meant when it says, “their purification,” and these must take place publicly in the temple. We see something similar to this in 1 Sam. 1:24-28 where instead of redeeming her first born son back, Hannah gives up her son Samuel to the Lord, and he serves in the temple with Eli. Mary and Joseph don’t give the redeeming offering, “for the child was not redeemed but rather consecrated to the service of God.”[6]

(v. 24) ““a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” The law required a lamb, but of your were poor and could not afford this, then you could offer “a pair of turtledoves or two pigeons.” Christianity begins with a couple who were living in poverty. Jesus would have grown up in a family who were poor.

At the end of Jesus’ time on earth, while hanging from the cross, He is concerned for his mother’s care, and turns to the disciple John and says, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to ahis own home” (John 19:26-27).

In Luke 1:46-48 Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.” She was not being self-depreciating; their family was genuinely of humble estate. The gifts offered from the Magi of “gold and frankincense and myrrh” had not yet arrived (Matt. 2:11).

So Mary and Joseph are following the law (purifying themselves), to prepare themselves to be the parents of the Savior, they are presenting Him to the God at the temple, and God Prepares two of His representatives to be the hands that receive the Savior.

A Faithful Man of God Receives the Savior (vv. 25-35)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.[7] 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,

Simeon is described to us as being “righteous and devout,” and that the Holy Spirit was upon him, and led him to the temple that day, because we are to believe what he says about Jesus. The focus is not on Simeon, but what Simeon would say about Jesus. This man was told by God that he would not die, until he had seen the “Lord’s Christ.”

Paul expresses a similar attitude in Philippians 1:21-23 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Here is a servant who only wishes to do what God has called him to do.

28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

(v. 28) “he took him up in his arms and blessed God,” and then in v. 34 “And Simeon blessed them” The word used here refers to an arm being bent to receive something. Simeon is physically receiving Jesus, doing something with his hands toward God, and then toward Mary and Joseph – while he is praying and blessing.

Notice Simeon’s words, because he understands two things about this Messiah that Mary and Joseph are hearing for the second time, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (one) The salvation that He would bring would be for everyone, Jew and Gentile. This treasure to the Jewish people would be a gift for all of mankind.

(v. 29) “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;” – The word used here for Lord in the original language is not the one normally used. Instead, this word focuses on the relationship between Lord to the servant – a master freeing his slave. Simeon’s release is beginning. “Now” after so long, the servant is freed. Death for Simeon is near, and it is welcomed, like sleep for a laboring man.

(v. 30) “for my eyes have seen your salvation 31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,” – What does a person want to see before they die? Today we call it a “bucket list.” A person may want to see their name remembered on a plaque or building, they may want to see their family prosperous, but for Simeon, who was righteous and devout wanted to see the unfolding of God’s promise for His people. He wanted to look upon the face of the Savior of the world.

“Simeon does not say, however, that he has seen the Messiah but rather that his eyes have seen God’s salvation (v.30). To see Jesus is to see salvation embodied in him. . .”[8]

(v. 34) “this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel,” – (two) Jesus would preach and people would fall in repentance and bow down before God because of their sin, then they would rise up in praise, excitement, because of their pardon from sin, their being justified before God, and adopted as His children.

In another sense, “the fall” “was to happen to the worldly, proud, self-righteous – like the Scribes and Pharisees. While those who were lowly, prayerful, those who sought God, Jesus would rise them up to true dignity, happiness, and glory.

“The falling of some and the rising of others is what is meant. He will be a stumbling block to some who love darkness more than light, he will cause the rising of others.”[9] Judas despairs, Peter repents: one robber blasphemes, the other confesses.” (Plummer). Like a magnet Jesus attracts and repels.

“and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” – Simeon is telling Mary that when people encounter the Savior their hearts will be revealed. The word used for sword here is the same word used of Goliath’s sword (1 Sam. 17:51).[10]

Jesus will strike or pierce people’s hearts – with a Goliath size sword. Matthew 9:4 “And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?”

(35a) is a parenthesis because it is an aside comment made specifically to Mary. Simeon is telling Mary that Jesus’ ministry is also going to cause her pain. That Goliath sized sword will go through her heart.

It won’t be very long before they make their pilgrimage to the temple where Jesus stays and they return home, (Luke 2:41 ff.), Jesus would be rejected and even hated by the religious leaders of his day, people will try to stone him, throw him off a cliff, and even the family itself will fear for Jesus’ mental state (Mark 3:21).

Simeon is warning Mary that the salvation of mankind and the part that she will play will cost her something. Salvation through Christ is free, but if you want to be apart of the Great Commission to see others saved, then know that you can count on a giant Goliath sized spear going through your heart – you will not escape pain.

Who Simeon was is not known; all that we know about this man is what is mentioned here in these few sentences. There is an inscription on a tombstone, in a soldier’s graveyard in Virginia that reads, “who they were no man knows, what they were all men know.” “Simeon was a God-fearing Old Testament believer, an earnest believer in the Messianic hope, and fervently desiring its fulfillment.”[11]

Simeon is the representative of all the genuine true God-fearing believers who prayed and worshipped, studied God’s Word, and sought to be faithful to Him – and now he is able to see God’s faithfulness and the fulfilment of the Scriptures. Two worlds coming together.

A Devoted Woman of God Praises the Savior (vv. 36-38)

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna[12], the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Anna is presented to us by telling us who her father was, her tribe (which makes Simeon stand out even more), and that she had lived most of her life a widow after being married for seven years. There is a good chance that she is over 100, and is known for her ministry of intercession. She is constantly in the temple praying, fasting, and worshipping the Lord.

(v. 37 b) “She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.” Women were not allowed to spend the night at the temple, so another way to understand this is, “Anna was always at the temple.”

The word for prophetess is used only here and in Rev. 2:20, and in Old Greek it means one who interprets oracles.[13] “Anna possessed divine insight into things normally hidden from ordinary people, and hence was able to recognize who the child in the temple was and then to proclaim his significance to those who were interested.”[14]

Notice that Simeon, was waiting “for the consolation of Israel” (v. 25), and Anna was “waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (v. 38). Comfort from the pains of sin, and deliverance from the shackles of sin. They had waited so long to be free, experience true peace, and have that pain soothed by a Savior.

______________________

[1] Archibald Thomas Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Volume 2 (Nashville, Tennessee; Broadman Press, 1932) 27.

[2] Leviticus 12

[3] Darell Bock, The NIV Application Commentary, Luke (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Zondervan Publishing, 1996) 92.

[4] John 4:24 “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

[5] George R. Bliss, Mark and Luke, An American Commentary on the New Testament (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; Judson Press, 1950) 50.

[6] Howard Marshall, The Gospel of Luke, A Commentary on the Greek Text (Grand Rapids, Michigan; William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1978) 117.

[7] Nunc Dimittis

[8] Frank E. Gaebelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8 (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Zondervan Publishing House, 1984) 849.

[9] Robertson, 29. Isa. 8:14; Matt. 21:42,44; Romans 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:16; John 3:19; Rom. 6:4, 9; Eph. 2:6.

[10] Robertson, 29.

[11] Marcus Dods, The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume One (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Grand Rapids Book Manufacturing, 1967) 475.

[12] The Hebrew equivalent would be Hannah. (Marshall, 123).

[13] Robertson, 30.

[14] Marshall, 123.

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series “Mary’s Story” Luke 1:26-45

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series

Mary’s Story

Luke 1:26-45

Introduction

God’s Plan For Mary (vv. 26-33)

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”3 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

The sixth month refers to Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, not the sixth month of the year. God’s plan for Elizabeth, Zachariah, and John the Baptist have already been in place for six months. God had already began the process of birthing the one who would run ahead of Jesus in the desert.

Gabriel was sent to a virgin named Mary who was engaged to a man named Joseph. Their marriage process was slightly different than our own today. A father would seek to find a wife for his son. Once a girl was found the son’s approval was sought and then a dowry was paid to the father of the bride since he was losing a daughter and a valuable helper.

A written agreement was drawn up and the couple were considered to be married; but there was no sexual contact during this “engagement” time. The engagement could not be broken except in instances of adultery. But if this were the case then there would be great shame on the part of the offender.

Time would pass and there would be a religious ceremony and then the couple would consummate the marriage. It was between the engagement and the ceremony that Gabriel appears before Mary.

“Greetings, O favored one,” – Luke is careful to let us know that this favor is not because Mary had any kind of special holiness in her life. There was nothing about her life that would have earned this type of privileged responsibility. God in His grace and mercy just chose her.

God in his grace and mercy has a very special plan for each of our lives as well. God desires to use us to do great things for His name. Mary is an example to us of a person who was called by God to do something wonderful and she did it faithfully. Let’s look to see how Mary sought to carry out her calling.

She Knew God Was With Her

“the Lord is with you!” – This is not a wish that God would be with her, but a statement of fact – The Lord is with you. kurios meaning supreme in authority, the controller. The God who was with her was supreme, He was in control, He who has all authority would be with her. Not just in the beginning – but all the way through.

She would need to know that the Lord is with when she was to approach Joseph and tell him that she is pregnant. She would need to know that God is with her when she would have to travel from Nazareth to Jerusalem while she would be “great with child.” She would need to know that God is with her when she has to deliver this child in a filthy stable.

She would need to know the Lord was with her when she learns that Herod desired to kill her child – and as she escaped to Egypt. She would have to know that the Lord was with her when the child would become a man – she would watch as he would lay down his tool belt and leave for a public ministry. She would have to let him go.

She would have to know that the Lord was with her as she watched as he would be rejected, spit upon, cursed, ripped to pieces by a Roman cat-of-nine-tails. Mary would have clung to these precious words “the Lord is with you!” as she watched her precious Son hang on an old rugged cross for the sins of the world.

As she heard him cry out, “IT IS FINISHED!” and sink into death. She would have to know that the Lord was with her as she looked into the face of her dead son, beaten beyond recognition, wiping his face and body of blood, wrapping his body in cloth and lying his limp body into a tomb. She would need these words from Gabriel.

Notice that Mary is not afraid at Gabriel’s presence, but it his words that cause her to be afraid. These words should cause us to cry out in joy “The Lord is with you!” These words should also drive us to our knees in prayer because if God has called us to accomplish great things for Him, things that can be accomplished only by “The Lord being with us” – then there will be great heartache and circumstances that require us to call out to Him and to cling to His Word.

Matthew 1:22-23 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.”

Not only would The Lord be with Mary but “God is with us.” Just as Mary would have clung to the words “The Lord is with you,” We can rejoice that God is with us. The Son of the Most High Stepped out of heaven and would come to be among us – to be with us.

John 1:1, 14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, . . .”

She Knew God Called Her To Do Something Great

Gabriel gives several things that describe the son she was to name Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Whereas John would be known as a great man, the difference between John and Jesus is that His greatness would be related to His being the Son of God. Jesus was God in the flesh, who came from heaven to dwell with us.

This child that she would give birth to, would be a king; But he would be different than Saul, David, Solomon, or any other earthly king – “And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end,” Not only would he be a king, but His reign will be for all of eternity.

Responses To Christ

Matthew 27:27-31 “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.”

Revelation 19:11-16 “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Here are the two responses that people would have to the Son of God. One of mockery, and falsely following the King; or one of standing in awe and reverent fear of the Son of God.

The shepherds ran and told their town about what they had seen and heard, they later returned to worship and praise the Christ child. The Magi from the west came over long distances and brought gifts fit for a king. What is your response to Christ; a mocking bow or reverential following?

God’s Plan For Mary Was Impossible – for her (vv. 34-38)

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Where Zechariah in the previous verses had wanted more proof from Gabriel that his message was going to come true, Mary asks about how this would come about (since she was a virgin.)

She is seeking to know more about God’s plan because she did not understand. The only explanation she gets is “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” God will make it so. There are several things in the Bible that we cannot fully understand or explain.

We do not know how God created the world – only that he did. We have, for example, God the Father sending and angel, The Holy Spirit directing the pregnancy, and the Son Jesus being brought into the world – the Trinity is something difficult to grasp but none the less true.

This Jesus would be fully God and fully man at the same time. How do these things happen? God. Not a blind faith, but a faith upon the evidence revealed to us and taking Him at His Word. “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

She recognizes that she is a servant of the Lord, and He has the right to do with her anything He desires. But she is a servant of one where nothing is impossible. A servant follows her master.

Your life may not where you thought it would end up, give it to God “For nothing is impossible with God.” No matter how damaged the marriage, no matter how wayward the child, no matter how little in the checking account, “For nothing is impossible with God.” no matter how strong the urge, no matter whether you see how it will work out or not “For nothing is impossible with God”

If God can make a virgin girl become pregnant, if He came shape time and space to orchestrate a star for shepherds and Magi to see and move it at will, if God can fulfill hundreds of prophecy regarding Jesus’ birth and life, if he can give Zechariah and Elizabeth a child in their old age, than he can surely handle anything you desire to lay at his feet.

There will be a time in your life when God will desire to use you to be a part of something amazing, beyond anything you ever could have imagined – and He may just say, “follow me into the impossible.” Our response must be like Mary’s; “Lord, I don’t know how you are going to do this, but here I am. . . “let it be to me according to your word.” God is the God of the impossible.

Mary Raced To See Elizabeth (vv. 39-45)

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Immediately after discovering God’s plan for her life, she got ready and went to celebrate with Elizabeth and her miraculous pregnancy. The angel had told Mary that God had allowed Elizabeth to have a child. So she goes to see it for herself. One impossibility coming together with another impossibility.

How is it that we have been so blessed by God in so many ways? Hebrews 10:25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” God is always working impossibilities in the lives of those who say, “let it be to me according to your word.” God desires that we meet together to share these things and encourage each other.

Elizabeth says, “And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Whereas before they would have met and talked about the mundane things of life, even seeing their relationship as casual.

But now she feels honored, “favored” that Mary would come by. Oh, how their conversations would change – what would the two ladies who had experienced the impossible say to each other? Let us meet and discuss the things of God regularly.

Conclusion

The fact that God would gives us an opportunity to receive Christ and how God made the impossible possible is the wonder of Christmas. In order for God to work in your life; realize that He is with you. He has directed you here this morning – because for His love and desire to do great things through you.

Secondly, realize that it is impossible for you to go to heaven or do great things – without God. That is why Jesus was born into the world, to save us from our sins. What is impossible for us, is possible for an almighty God.

This morning if you would like to ask Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins, you can say a prayer something like this:

Dear Jesus I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. Amen.

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series “The Wise Men’s Story” Matthew 2:1-12

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series

The Wise Men’s Story

Matthew 2:1-12

Introduction

The guiding light of the star was a point of reference for the searching Magi. It pointed the way and helped them to navigate to the destination of their journey. In our contemporary society, what will be our spiritual point of reference? Which star will those who continue to search follow?

This morning we are going to see that those who seek God will find Him, He will make a way for them to come to know Him. This morning we answer the question, “How Do We Find God?” Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”

Prayer –

Look For God While He Can Be Found (vv. 1-2)

Now after Jesus was born[1] in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king[2], behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

“The main purpose is to show the reception given by the world to the new-born Messianic-King. Homage from afar, hostility at home; foreshadowing the fortunes of the new faith; reception by the Gentiles, rejection by the Jews.”[3]

God, in His mercy, wanted the world to know Jesus and He wanted the world to know how to find him. Today we see that there were men (Magi) who were seeking God, they looked for truth beyond the clouds and observed the stars, and the stars pointed the way to “king of the Jews.”

It is not explained to us, but this group of “wise men from the east,” were watching the skies for a sign, they knew that a God king had been born, and they were desiring to worship Him. But, When we look at the OT and see where God’s people were carried off into captivity (Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc.) because of their sin, we think to ourselves, what a waste. But God’s people would have taken their copies of Scripture with them – forced missionaries are still missionaries.

Romans 1 also tells us that mankind can easily become so focused on the creation and not think that it points to creator Himself. He knew that the world was consumed with the worship of the stars, and looking to them for guidance. So as the creator of the stars, He moved them to get mankind’s attention.

Today we would call this a miracle, where the normal way the universe works, is superseded by the all-powerful hand of God. He guided a star that men were looking to, and moved the star over to the one who would give them what they truly were looking for.

Moses when he was in the desert, was keeping his sheep and as he was going along a path he saw a strange sight. It was a bush that was on fire, yet feeling the heat and seeing the light – the leaves did not burn, it was not damaged in any way. So Moses was intrigued and went to take a look – and there on that spot God spoke to Him. Moses’ life changed forever that day.

It makes sense that a king would be found in a palace. But we are going to see that this king Messiah, Savior, is different than anyone had expected. He will constantly turn everything upside down. Also, there is a false king, sitting on the throne, where the true king should be sitting – but that will be made right.

Not much is known about the Magi other than they were a group of men who were seeking truth, knowledge, and God. They had a belief system that mingled astrology with astronomy; religion with science. Myth with Mystery. They had heard of stories of a special king who would come.

These men were not followers of Christ, but they were seeking something. They were looking for something to fill the vacuum in their lives that science, myth, religion, and riches could not.

This morning if you are here searching for truth, and wanting more than you have ever experienced to fill the void in your soul let me point you to the light that God sent to the world – His name is Jesus, and God moved heaven and earth so that you could meet Him.

Look For Him No Matter Where it Leads (vv. 3-8)

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

The priests and teachers give a paraphrase of an Old Testament reference (Micah 5:2) for where the Messiah, the promised king, the Savior would come from. This prophecy gives the town of Bethlehem, but there is something special about Bethlehem. It was despised and thought very lowly of.

But the priests and teachers of the law add “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; What was once thought lowly of, now is a city of honor and love. The Savior of mankind was born in Bethlehem.

I don’t know what people think about you, I don’t know what your reputation is, I don’t know what you even think about yourself. But when Jesus comes into your life – all that changes. You are by no means least among people. You become a child of the king, you become forgiven of sin, you get to start over.

Now the priests and teachers could have stopped at (v. 6) “. . . rulers of Judah,” but they went on to say, (v. 6) “for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” Herod was not a shepherd. A good shepherd guided the sheep with gentleness and love. A Shepherd was willing to sacrifice his own life for the sheep. A shepherd fought off wild animals that would divide and hurt the flock. This genuine king of the Jews would rule, as a king should – as a shepherd.

Herod taxed and worked the people heavily. When the people discovered that the Magi were seeking the true king of the Jews, it says, “[Herod] was troubled (disturbed), and all Jerusalem with him.” The people were terrified of Herod. There is only one way to make sure that no one challenges Herod’s rule – kill all of them.

This is why Herod asks the Magi secretly when did they see the star. If they saw it two years ago – then kill every male child two and under. It was done secretly so that none would escape.

The star is moving all throughout the story. It moved or shown to get the Magi’s attention. It moved from the palace to the house where Jesus was – but why did God direct the star to stop at Herod’s palace? Why not just direct them straight to the house?

Herod has to come into the story. Herod is an evil king. He killed wives, children, advisors – anyone, at any time that he viewed as being competition – he killed. The Ceasar Augustus gave a famous line that he would rather be Herod’s pig than Herod’s son – he would live longer. The birth of Jesus exposed Herod as a counterfeit king of God’s people.

There are two people who are being called “King of the Jews,” one was placed over the government by man (Rome), and the other was placed on earth as king by God.

God has to show that His son Jesus is the true, “King of the Jews.” What we see with the birth of Jesus is a radical change from how things were done. God stops the star over the Jerusalem palace and the house with Jesus because you have to choose one or the other.

Jesus’ birth sparked a time of turning the world on it’s head – which king should we follow? Which god/God should we bow down to? Jesus’ life directly challenges the powers of this world. Jesus’ birth forces the world to make a choice. You either have passionate love Him or have passionate disdain for Him. If you are somewhere in the middle, then you don’t understand what the gospels are saying.

The star did not stop half way between the palace and the house, it did not say to the Magi – “this is the stop for you guys who want to hang out between the false king, and the real king – this is a safe spot in case you are wrong.” You can live a life that is pleasing to the world and to God – you don’t have to choose – just stay in the middle.

Two kingdoms war against each other on earth. One is led by Herods and Caesars; the other by Jesus Christ. One is built on war, oppression, power, self-interest, and control; the other on love, faith, hope, freedom, grace, compassion, and truth. One demanded sacrifice; the other offered it in our place.

Jesus’ birth demands that we make a choice between the two kingdoms. Christmas is more than buying and getting stuff. It’s more than catching up with family, or sitting next to a warm fire, or decorating your home. Christmas is a celebration of the fact that we get to choose a new king. There is another option to oppression, fear, guilt, and dread. We can choose a king who gives us freedom, love, and forgiveness.

Also notice in (v. 6) “for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people” – “In Hebrews 13:20 Jesus is called “the great shepherd of the sheep.” Jesus calls himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Peter call Christ “the chief shepherd” (1 Peter 2:25). “The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd” (Rev. 7:17). Jesus told Peter to “shepherd” the lambs (John 21:16). Our word pastor means shepherd.”[4] Which king will you choose?

Do More Than Just Look (vv. 9-12)

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures[5], they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned win a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

When the Magi found what they had been looking for after all this time, there was joy in their heart. There was success in their searching! The Magi at last find the true king, they have two responses. They bowed down before Jesus and worshipped him and they presented him with gifts out of their treasures.

Worship

To worship is to “give worth” to something or someone. When a person bows down, they are attributing honor and respect to the person they are bowing before. It shows an attitude of reverence, respect, and humility.

Gifts From the Treasury

A treasury is a place for the storing and keeping of precious and valuable items. Notice it says, “Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” They seemed to have lots of things they treasured, even enough to keep in treasure boxes, and upon seeing Jesus they dig through the treasures and present three specific gifts.

If you were to rummage through your treasure box, what would you give to Jesus as a gift? The Magi recognized who Jesus was, with their gifts. Gold for royalty, a priest with incense, and myrrh was an embalming perfume – he would die for the sins of the world. The only thing Jesus truly finds of value is your heart and a recognition of who He is – Our Savior.

These men seem to know and understand who Jesus was – why did they go home? They were warned in a dream of Herod’s wrath – they had to leave. Moses could not stay at the burning bush, Daniel’s three friends couldn’t stay in the fiery furnace, and the Magi could not stay at Jesus’ feet – there always comes a time when we are drawn to Christ, we meet him, and then we are sent off.

Conclusion

In order for the Magi to see the star they have to be looking. In order to see where the star leads they had to follow it – they couldn’t stay in the east and at the same time find the Savior. In order to worship the Savior, they have to bow before Him. In order to determine what to give the true king, they had to know the king.

This morning God has shown you a great light, Jesus, are you interested in following Him. It requires that you bow your heart before Him. Another way to think of this is to realize that you are a sinner “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Also, Recognize that you are separated from God by your sin. “. . . the soul that sinneth, it shall surely die.” Ezekiel 18:4

Realize that the reason Jesus was born on Christmas was to come and die as a sacrifice for our sins. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all.” Isa. 53:6

If you are interested in receiving this free gift, you can pray this prayer with me: “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose again from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life.”

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[1] Josephus shows that Herod died in BC 4. He was first Governor of Galilee, but had been king of Judea since BC 40 (by Antony and Octavius).

[2] Herod “discouraged Messianic hopes, and, now that they have revived in spite of him, he must deal with them, and his first step is to consult the experts in as quiet a way as possible, to ascertain the whereabouts of the new-born child; it is not a historical question he submits to the experts as to where the Christ has been born, or shall be, but a theological one: where, according to the accepted tradition, is His birthplace? Hence present tense.” W. Robertson Nicoll, Editor, The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume 1 (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Grand Rapids Book Manufacturing, 1967) 71.

[3] (quoting Bruce) Archibald Thomas Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Volume 1 (Nashville, Tennessee; Broadman Press, 1930) 14.

[4] Robertson, 18.

[5] Another translation could be “caskets.”

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series “The Shepherd’s Story” Luke 2:8-20

Christmas Stories: Christmas Sermon Series

The Shepherd’s Story

Luke 2:8-20

Introduction

In his 2014 Wall Street Journal bestseller, Talk Like Ted, Carmine Gallo discusses why Ted Talks are so popular, and why some in particular go viral and others do not. And if I were to give you the cliff notes version, it essentially says, when you present information to an audience tell stories, and how presenters should “master the art of storytelling.” Jesus was a master story teller, and he told stories often (the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, The Sower, etc.)

Today the Shepherds will tell us their story from Luke 2, and how God did something amazing in their presence, and used them for something wonderful. We are also going to discover, that like the shepherds and their story, God desires to show you something amazing today and use you and your story to change the world.

Prayer

I. God’s Favor Given to Shepherds (vv. 8-14)

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The word “And” signifies for us that there was something that came before this passage. In the preceding verses we see that a census was issued by the Roman emperor, so Mary and Joseph have to travel to their ancestral home, Bethlehem. And upon arriving can find no place to stay except a barn, Jesus was born and laid in a manger.

While Christ’s birth is drawing to a close, angels are dispatched to tell a group of people about this very special child’s birth. This is the most important event that had ever or will ever take place on this planet. The very first people to hear of Christ’s birth were shepherds.

Shepherds did not live in luxurious homes, they did not carry many possessions, and as we find them here often have the few things they can carry and devote themselves to the care of their sheep. On this night, they are awake, and are living outside, and watching their sheep at night against predators, they were “keeping watch over their flock by night.”[1]

What was it about these shepherds that made them worthy of such honor? The answer is found in verse 14, there will be “peace among those with whom he is pleased” God did some awesome things that night just because he wanted to favor some shepherds who were sleeping in a field, watching their sheep. God had it in His heart to favor these men.

There is nothing that indicates they were super-shepherds, or that they had in any way earned or deserved this outpouring of God’s favor – but let’s look at how God favored them.

A. God Sends A Heavenly Messenger

First God sends them a heavenly messenger, and when they see this messenger Luke tells us that they were very afraid. It says an “an angel of the Lord appeared to them.” In just about every instance where an angel appears before a person, they are struck with fear.

B. God Gives A Heavenly Appearing

“and the glory of the Lord shone around them” We see the glory of the Lord in Exodus 16:7,10 where in a cloud the people could look upon His glory and God provided manna and quail for the Israelites to eat after they had complained.

In Exodus 24:17 God fills the top of Mt. Sinai with smoke and blasts of thunder. It appeared “as a devouring fire.” In Exodus 40:34 the Israelites had completed the Tabernacle and God’s presence entered it and appeared as a cloud, and as pillars of smoke and fire.

If you combine an angel and God’s glory shining around them, what you get is some very scared shepherds – why are they afraid? Because when sinful mankind comes into the presence of a holy God or even His messengers, our sinfulness stands in stark contrast to God’s holiness.

All of our misgivings, flaws, evil deeds – everything is exposed, all of who we truly are is seen by God’s eye, and man’s natural response is to try and hide as best they can, we fall to our face before a consuming fire and close our eyes to try and shut out God’s glory. But there is no place to go.

The shepherds are scared because they know that they are sinful the fear of a holy God causes them to shutter. At this moment, when they are scared to death, the messenger speaks.

C. God Gives A Heavenly Message (vv. 10b-12)

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

He begins by saying don’t be afraid – I bring you some good news. The good news of the gospel, a way is given to them for them to be forgiven of their sin and a way for them to be able to stand before God, not in fear, but in worship and love. The messenger was giving these shepherds the most important news that has ever been told. Not only was this good news for them, the good news is “for all the people.”

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior” – In the book of 2 Samuel when the prophet Samuel went to anoint a new king for his people God told him to go to Jesse’s house, and it was his youngest son David whose head would be anointed.

David had to be brought in from watching the sheep. Later when appealing to king Saul to allow him to fight Goliath, David gives examples where he had defended his sheep from bear and lion. Not only does Jesus being born in Bethlehem fulfill prophecy, but it also describes to his people what this Christ will be like. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

The Savior would be just like them, except without sin. They were sleeping out in field, Jesus was lying in manger. They were shepherds of sheep, Jesus was the Good Shepherd. They had a humble lifestyle, Jesus emptied himself of glory and became a man, a suffering savior, and was described as having “no place to lay his head.”

Bethlehem was a tiny town, the Savior’s lineage would come through a little shepherd boy named David, and the eventual good news would be given first to a group of unknown shepherds. God delights in pouring His favor on the young, the little, the weak, and the unknown.

“a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” What is a Savior? What are they being saved from? Jesus who would grow in wisdom and stature, would teach as one who had authority, he would perform miracles to prove what He said was true. He would die on a Roman cross and He would rise again three days later – he did all these things as a Savior.

The law shows us that all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s requirement to go to heaven. We have all lied, stolen, dishonored our parents, thought lustful thoughts, been angry with someone – any one of these eternally separates us from God – He is holy and we are sinful. And we stand before God guilty of committing sin, and we have no way of getting rid of it.

Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus by dying on the cross saved us by taking the punishment that we deserved.

God tells the shepherds in His grace and mercy how to find this child – who is the Savior of the world. “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” This same grace and mercy is held out to us as well, He tells us clearly that this good news is for us as well today – we, like the shepherds, are given clear instructions as to how we can be saved from our sins.

D. A Heavenly Host (vv. 13-14)

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

“In heaven God’s glory, on earth God’s peace.”[2] God favors these shepherds by sending a heavenly messenger, shining His glory upon them, giving them the most important message ever given, and then to top it off, a vast number of angels sing a praise and worship song and they have a worship service – right there in the pasture. Good news leads them to praise God.

Mary and Joseph had an angel appear to them on separate occasions, God spoke to Joseph in a dream. But for this unknown group of shepherds, God gives them favor, upon favor, upon favor, upon favor. Blessing, upon blessing. What do you do when God offers such grace, forgiveness, mercy and love?

They knew that they were a sinful bunch, but they had received the good news of God. This morning you too can meet the Savior of the world, he no longer can be found in a manger, because having defeated death, hell, and the Enemy – he sits at the right hand of the Father and is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

II. Now What? (vv. 15-20)

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

A. Go and See (v. 15b-16)

Many times we try to define faith and we make too complicated. Faith is simply taking God at His Word. The shepherds had just been given a message – There is a Savior, you can meet Him, Here’s how you will recognize Him. The step of faith for the shepherds was to go to Bethlehem. “And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”

The step of faith that God requires us to take is not to run to a nearby barn, but Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” God offers us forgiveness and salvation as a gift – the step we take is to receive or reject this good news as a gift. (Christmas gift around the tree)

B. Go and Tell (v. 17-18)

There was something within this group of shepherds that told them that they simply could not go back to the pasture to watch the sheep. They knew they had to tell others the good news – they had a story to tell. The town was amazed – but what the Bible doesn’t say is how the town responded. Did they go and see the Christ child? Did anyone who went offer them a place to stay?

C. Treasure and Ponder (v. 19)

Mary had just given birth in a very difficult place to deliver a child. A barn is filthy. Was there clean water? Did they have blankets? Mary would have been exhausted from labor, pushing and the pain of delivery. She would have looked a mess.

Sometimes God takes us through things were all we can is just sit there and take it all in. She had just delivered the Savior of the world. He was healthy and there weren’t any complications. Animals were nearby, shepherds were arriving, soon townspeople would be getting there. Later magi from the east would be arriving.

But you know what? People weren’t coming to see her or Joseph – they were coming to see Jesus. You cannot dress up the gospel – it is what it is. Life is messy, the way God dealt with our sin was messy, ministry often times is messy, life many times is messy. But if we point people to Christ – it really doesn’t matter what we look like.

What if Mary had turned people away – “no you can’t come in right now, Mary is resting.” “no one come into the barn right now, Mary is putting on her makeup.” When people came to the door she only had to point to the manger. Jesus was the main attraction.

Many times we as Christians think it’s all about us, and how we look to the world – as though we must be perfect and put together before the lost, and lonely, and seeking can come in – all we have to do is point to Christ.

Conclusion

This morning I want to invite you to think about your story – he invites all people to enter into a relationship with him. The Bible says that “He wants none to perish.” If you would like to meet the Savior of the world, today, you can say a prayer and invite Him into your life – you can say something like this,

“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins, I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.” In Jesus’ Name.”

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[1] Protecting them from the lion and the bear, 1 Samuel 17:34-35.

[2] Herschel Hobbs, An Exposition of The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Baker Books, 1972) 53.