The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown. Luke 2:1-7

Transcription

1 The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown Luke 2:1-7 Luke 2:1-7 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 1

2 Luke 2:1-7, continued 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:1-7, continued 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 2

3 Introduction: Christmas is the time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.Today we will take a closer look at how the cradle leads us to the cross, and how the cross leads us to the crown. I. Back to Text-Verse by Verse Verse 1 God can use taxes and a census to orchestrate a predetermined prophecy and plan. Verse 2 This was an actual historic event (when Cyreniuswas governor of Syria). 3

4 I. Verse by Verse, continued Verses 3-4 The tribes of Israel traveled to their prescribed areas. It was like going to your county voting precinct. This was a very crowded city (like Race Weekend!) Verse 5 Mary was due at any moment. Verses 6-7 The time of birth arrived. Christ was born and laid in a manger. II. Christ A. Cradle-the purpose of Jesus Christ s birth. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 4

5 Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his namejesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayestthat I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hearethmy voice. By looking at the purpose and reason of Christ s birth, this truth leads us from the cradle to the cross! 5

6 B. Cross Romans 5:8 But God commendethhis love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. B. Cross 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constrainethus; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 6

7 Through the Cross (from Short Daily Devotions ). Jesus gives Himself as a ransom. Jesus forgives our trespasses. Jesus erases our debt. Jesus liberates us from sin. Jesus frees us from our futile ways. Jesus reconciles us to God. Jesus reconciles hostility between people. Jesus reconciles all things on heaven and earth to Himself. Jesus pays our penalty and removes our guilt. Jesus appeases God s wrath and justice. Jesus upholds God s righteousness. 7

8 Jesus secures our redemption for eternity. Jesus models the ultimate denial of self. Jesus displays God s power for our salvation. C. Crown At the cradle, He was in the stall of an animal. At the cross, He wore a crown of thorns, But when He comes again, it will be Commander in Chief of the Armies of Heaven! Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 8

9 Revelation 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.his eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. Revelation 19:11-16, continued And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.and out of his mouth goetha sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: 9

10 Revelation 19:11-16, continued and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeththe winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,king Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. III. Christian A. Cradle-the new birth of a follower of Jesus Christ. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 10

11 III. Christian B. Cross -The cross is much more than just an instrument to get us to heaven. It is the means of living in victory while on this earth. Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. III. Christian C. Crown-casting our awards and accolades at the foot of the throne. Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that livethfor ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honourand power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 11

12 In Closing: At Christmas, let us reverse the tide. Let us have an understanding of how important and pivotal Christmas truly is! May it shape and influence how we live all year long! In Closing: Hebrews 2:9-18(New Living Translation) 9 What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position a little lower than the angels ; and because he suffered death for us, he is now crowned with glory and honor. Yes, by God s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. 10 God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. 12

13 In Closing: Hebrews 2:9-18(New Living Translation) And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. 11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. 12 For he said to God, I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. In Closing: Hebrews 2:9-18(New Living Translation) I will praise you among your assembled people. 13 He also said, I will put my trust in him, that is, I and the children God has given me. 14 Because God s children are human beings made of flesh and blood the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who hadthe power of death. 13

14 In Closing: Hebrews 2:9-18(New Living Translation) 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. 16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. In Closing: Hebrews 2:9-18(New Living Translation) Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. 14

15 Invitation For Salvation. John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. To Embrace the Cross. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Invitation To Cast our Crowns. Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Let us Pray. 15