Called to Rejoice Luke 2:1-14 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

Transcription

1 Called to Rejoice Luke 2:1-14 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007 Devotional Scripture: Rom 10:8-21 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS REJOICE OVER JESUS' BIRTH (LUKE 2:1-7) Birth in the lineage of David (1-4) Lineage of David prophesied in the Scriptures (John 7:42) Lineage of David sworn by God (Ps 132:11) Lineage of David from the root of Jesse (Isa 11:1) Lineage of David that will be a righteous King (Jer 23:5) Lineage of David from the clan of Judah (Mic 5:2) Birth of a humble servant (5-7) Jesus is humble in heart (Matt 11:29) God chose Jesus as His servant (Isa 42:1-4) Jesus, as a servant, brought the light to the Gentiles (Isa 49:6) God's Spirit was upon His servant Jesus (Matt 12:18) Jesus became a servant to confirm God's promises (Rom 15:8) REJOICE OVER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF GOOD NEWS (LUKE 2:8-14) Announcement of joy (vs 8-10) Joy because God has come in the flesh (Isa 40:9) Joy because God has come to reign (Isa 52:7) Joy because of being in the presence of God (Ps 21:6) Joy through worship (Luke 24:52) Announcement of a Savior (vs 11-12) A Savior who brings repentance and forgiveness (Acts 5:31) A Savior of the Church (Eph 5:23) A Savior who destroyed death and brought immortality (2 Tim 1:10) A Savior of the world (1 John 4:14) A one and only Savior (Jude 25) Announced of peace and goodwill (vs 13-14) A peace greater than anything in the world (John 14:27) A peace that comes with having a Lord of all (Acts 10:36) A peace that comes from having a Savior who overcame the world (John 16:33) A peace provided us through justification (Rom 5:1) A peace provided us through reconciliation (Eph 2:14-18) A peace through Jesus' blood (Col 1:20) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR God set the stage for rejoicing (Luke 2:1-5) The Saviour is born! (Luke 2:6-7) Called to Rejoice Page 1 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

2 The angels brought joyful news to the world through the shepherds (Luke 2:8-12) All of heaven rejoiced at the news (Luke 2:13-14) THE JEWISH ASPECT FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The majority of the lesson came from both a previous SS Lesson dated 12/25/05. The lesson surveys the Call to Rejoice over the birth of Jesus. The study's aim is to show that the incarnation of the Son of God had both humble human and exalted Divine elements. The study's application is to celebrate and rejoice over the good news that our Savior Jesus has come and to convince people that Jesus came not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary We know that Scripture calls us to live lives of rejoicing. Consider Philippians 4:4 to Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! But often that s easier said than done! How do we maintain lives of joy when circumstances work against us? The key to being able to live lives of rejoicing is to remember what the Lord has done, what he is doing, and what he will do. What a powerful tool for empowering and stirring up faith! Rejoicing indeed can and should characterize every day of our lives. The God of Heaven who sent his Son to be born in Bethlehem still works in our lives! How could it be otherwise? Does it make any sense to claim that God doesn t really care much about us today even though he sent Jesus into the world to die on our behalf? The shepherds had joy at Jesus birth. With all the evidence of the Lord s care we have had since then, how can we not rejoice in the Lord always? Thirty years ago, the well-known movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind attempted to create the excitement and wonder that would attend the arrival of intelligent creatures from outer space. It is only one of many such movies and TV shows that have tried to imagine an extraterrestrial visitation. But what of a close encounter, an actual visitation, from the creator himself? What about such an event in real history, not just in science fiction? What would it be like if the greatest being of all came to our planet? What preparations would we make? What excitement would it cause? Such a visitation, of course, has actually happened. Jesus Christ, through whom the universe was created (John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2), arrived on our planet just over 2,000 years ago. He did not come in an armada of spaceships, nor was his coming greeted by world leaders. He came in a way that no one could have imagined: he made his close encounter by being born into the human race through the most humble of circumstances. Julius Caesar lived from 100 to 44 B.C. Before his assassination, he adopted Gaius Octavius as his son. However, the young man had to overcome dangerous foes before he could claim his place as the emperor of Rome. Following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in 31 B.C., the Roman senate conferred on Octavius the title Augustus, meaning the august one, in 27 B.C.. Until his death in A.D. 14, Caesar Augustus was one of the most powerful of earthly rulers. But earthly glory is fleeting. Jesus birth was little-noticed when Augustus was famous, but now that birth is world-known while Augustus is all but forgotten. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Rejoicing in the fallen world is a difficult assignment. In spite of Paul's exhortation to "rejoice evermore" (1 Thess. 5:16), we are troubled because we know things are not as they should be. Natural calamities continue to exact their toll. World peace eludes politicians as national, ethnic, and religious rivalries threaten to erupt into violence. Much of humanity lives in poverty or under oppression. We are saddened to see death stalking city streets and corruption defiling political offices. We grieve that false faiths are leading gullible souls astray while precious biblical truths are maligned. Even the atmosphere surrounding Christmas brings distress. We find ourselves sucked into a whirlwind of commercial madness, battling crowds and scrambling to mail our gifts on time. In spite of our best intentions, Jesus is crowded out by Called to Rejoice Page 2 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

3 sheer busyness. How can we rejoice? Let us hear the angel's message anew and rejoice with the shepherds. Two of the four Gospels tell of the conception and birth of Jesus. Matthew, writing primarily to the Jews, emphasized the ancestry of Joseph (the legal father of Jesus), the visit of the wise men months later, the flight into Egypt, and the family's return to Nazareth. Luke, a physician, took interest in the pregnancies of Elisabeth and Mary, the births of John and Jesus, the circumcision of Jesus, the adoration of Simeon and Anna in the temple, and Jesus' eventual trip to Nazareth. Watch people in public when a parent pushing a carriage with a baby comes by. Nothing seems to turn on smiles as much as this sight. During the Christmas season there appears to be a common interest in the Babe of Bethlehem. There is no threat, only admiration for the infant. However, the birth of Jesus was just the first step in a life of teaching, miracles, and an atoning death. This is what made the coming of Jesus a challenge to all men. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Rejoice over Jesus' Birth (Luke 2:1-7) 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Birth in the lineage of David (1-4) Lineage of David prophesied in the Scriptures (John 7:42) 42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" Lineage of David sworn by God (Ps 132:11) 11 The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne Lineage of David from the root of Jesse (Isa 11:1) 1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Lineage of David that will be a righteous King (Jer 23:5) 5 "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. Lineage of David from the clan of Judah (Mic 5:2) 2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Called to Rejoice Page 3 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

4 Birth of a humble servant (5-7) Jesus is humble in heart (Matt 11:29) 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. God chose Jesus as His servant (Isa 42:1-4) 1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope." Jesus, as a servant, brought the light to the Gentiles (Isa 49:6) 6 he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." God's Spirit was upon His servant Jesus (Matt 12:18) 18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. Jesus became a servant to confirm God's promises (Rom 15:8) 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs Rejoice over the Announcement of Good News (Luke 2:8-14) 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!" Announcement of joy (vs 8-10) Joy because God has come in the flesh (Isa 40:9) 9 You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" Joy because God has come to reign (Isa 52:7) 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Called to Rejoice Page 4 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

5 Joy because of being in the presence of God (Ps 21:6) 6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. Joy through worship (Luke 24:52) 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Announcement of a Savior (vs 11-12) A Savior who brings repentance and forgiveness (Acts 5:31) 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. A Savior of the Church (Eph 5:23) 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. A Savior who destroyed death and brought immortality (2 Tim 1:10) 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. A Savior of the world (1 John 4:14) 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. A one and only Savior (Jude 25) 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Announced of peace and goodwill (vs 13-14) A peace greater than anything in the world (John 14:27) 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. A peace that comes with having a Lord of all (Acts 10:36) 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. A peace that comes from having a Savior who overcame the world (John 16:33) 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." A peace provided us through justification (Rom 5:1) 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, A peace provided us through reconciliation (Eph 2:14-18) 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to Called to Rejoice Page 5 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

6 death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. A peace through Jesus' blood (Col 1:20) 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary With their words ringing in the ears of the shepherds, the angels departed and returned to Heaven. No heavenly messenger had ever proclaimed such a glad message. To the world had been born a Savior, Christ the Lord. We should join the humble shepherds in their excitement and amazement. This is a message that calls everyone to rejoice. The message of the birth in Bethlehem is far more than the mere sweetness of a baby. The real message of Christmas is the coming of the Son of God to live (and give) his life as the Son of Man. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). This is the miracle of the incarnation. Jesus came to have a close encounter, an intimate participation in our world. He came as a baby, helplessly swaddled in tight strips of cloth. He came as a human to face hunger and thirst, temptation and persecution. He wept real tears; he bled real blood; he died a real death on the cross; he gained a real resurrection. In all this, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:9). He has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus knew what it was to be a man. He came to earth to be Immanuel God with us (Matthew 1:23). Jesus came to live with us on earth so that one day we can live with God in Heaven. His close encounter with humanity makes possible our close encounter with God later. Revelation 21:3 foretells the day when, He will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Because of the messages of Christmas and Easter, we can look forward to the day when we shall join the angel s praise: Glory to God in the highest. Christmas calls us to rejoice in the coming of our Savior. Christmas calls us to rejoice in the gift of God s grace. Thought to Remember The gospel is still good news of great joy for all people. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Next to John 3:16, Luke 2:11 could be the most often quoted verse in the Bible. It certainly is a verse that tells the greatest good news the world has ever heard. Jesus, the Messiah, the Saviour of all, had been born. This message was delivered to some of the most unlikely of all people of that day: shepherds. You are probably aware that shepherds were often untrustworthy (they could not testify in court) and were looked down on by most people, especially the privileged. Yet it is interesting that the Jews of that day could not live without shepherds. Not only did shepherds care for animals that provided wool and meat; they also provided many of the sacrifices that God required. And it was to some ordinary shepherds that God had His angels tell the glad news of His Son's birth. Jesus was born in "the city of David." This identified it as Bethlehem. Bethlehem was the birthplace of Israel's greatest king. Jesus was also identified with David in another way: He was the Son of David. Because of Jesus' lineage (which is outlined in Luke 3), He was in the royal line. He was entitled to inherit the kingdom. This fact was made known later in Jesus' ministry. It is of note that the angel identified the birth of this One as "a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Here we see three of Jesus' titles, although it is also noteworthy that the angel did not tell the shepherds the name of this newborn. Jesus is a savior, and He is also the Saviour. This title implies that someone needs saving. Since Adam sinned and brought condemnation to the entire human race, that has been true. "Saviour" could also be translated "Deliverer." That speaks to the point of what salvation is. It is deliverance from sin. This involves not only the penalty of sin (deliverance from eternal hell) but also the power of sin (our ongoing sanctification). The title "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah." Both words Called to Rejoice Page 6 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

7 mean "the anointed one." First Peter 1:20 tells us that He was chosen from "before the foundation of the world" to provide salvation. The anointing also refers to the idea of anointing a king for his kingship. Jesus is King; so being the Anointed One is part of that. Finally, the angel said that Jesus is "the Lord." This is the most common title for Jesus, even today. The word itself can be translated as "sir" and is translated that way twenty-two times in the New Testament. But more often it is used of Jesus. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), this word "Lord" was always used when translating the name "Yahweh." This again points to the deity of Christ. The angel told the best news to the most seemingly undeserving of people. That gives us a very important challenge. There is no one who is undeserving of being told about Jesus. That is because we are all undeserving. No one deserves to know the good news that Jesus came into the world to save sinners. No one deserves to be saved. But God in His mercy has allowed us to know this news. So who are we to deny this news to others? May we all do what the angel did on that first Christmas: may we all tell someone about this glad news of salvation. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. All historical events carry out God's will, especially for His children (Luke 2:1-5; Eph. 1:11) 2. Unexpected changes bring new ways to serve God (Luke 2:6-7) 3. No one is too insignificant; God's will involves all of us, and our service may affect many others (vs. 8-9) 4. God has great blessings in store for us; so we can trust Him to guide us (vs. 10) 5. God wants us to learn to trust Him no matter what happens (vs ) 6. We glorify God with our enthusiasm toward Him (vs ) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Christians are called to rejoice. Our greatest reason for rejoicing is the birth of our Saviour, Jesus, into this world so that we might be saved from sin and judgment. God set the stage for rejoicing (Luke 2:1-5) History was about to be changed forever. The Gospel introduces us to the historical setting at the time of Jesus' birth. The Roman emperor Augustus was in power. He ordered a census of the whole Roman Empire at that time. Luke did add a footnote that this was the first census taken at the time Quirinius was the governor of the Roman province of Syria. In order for this census to take place, everyone was asked to go back immediately to his hometown so that his name could be recorded there. Everyone had to be accounted for. Joseph, the carpenter engaged to Mary, happened to be a descendant of King David; so they went back to Bethlehem of Judea to the village of Nazareth in Galilee for the census. The peasant girl Mary was pregnant, and this made the long journey hard on them. The Saviour is born! (Luke 2:6-7) It was during this time at Bethlehem that Mary's baby was born. It was Mary's first child. Since Mary had nowhere to place the little baby, she just wrapped Him in strips of cloth to keep Him warm and put Him in a manger, since there was no room in the wayside inn and therefore they had taken shelter in a stable. God had given them great cause for rejoicing at a time when they needed it most. The angels brought joyful news to the world through the shepherds (Luke 2:8-12) Outside the village of Bethlehem, some shepherds were watching their flocks at night in a field. It was an ordinary night like any other. Then an angel suddenly appeared to them, announcing the good news of the birth of the Messiah. The glory of the angelic visit filled the area with bright light, and they were very afraid. What could all this mean for them? The shepherds were terrified at the appearance of the angel, but he very quickly calmed their fears. Fear turned into joyful amazement. The angel announced that he was the bearer of good news of great joy. This good news was for the whole world. It was the promise of deliverance from sin. The promised Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, the city of David, just as it had been promised. They would be able to recognize the holy Christ Child because He would be lying in a manger wrapped in rags. The Messiah who had been so longed for had finally come! Salvation was about Called to Rejoice Page 7 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007

8 to become a reality. Jesus was indeed the Saviour they had been waiting for in accordance with biblical prophecy. All of heaven rejoiced at the news (Luke 2:13-14) After the angelic announcement was made to the lowly shepherds, a huge army of angels joined the first angel. The whole band of angels then praised God together. It was a resounding chorus of praise to the God they worshiped. They praised God in heaven and joyfully reaffirmed to the whole world the gift of His divine peace. This truly was good news! The Saviour was come! A new age was about to dawn on the face of the whole earth. It began with the birth of a baby in a stable. The favor of God had arrived to bless mankind. The Jewish Aspect from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Luke historically connects the birth of Jesus with "a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria)" (2:1-2). The Jews of Jesus' day would have had vivid recollections of taxes associated with Quirinius (the modern spelling of "Cyrenius"). Various ancient sources provide details concerning Quirinius, who was born around 51 B.C. He became a soldier and "distinguished himself in the Gaetulian war in North Africa" (16-15 B.C.) (Bromiley, gen. ed., "Quirinius," The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Eerdmans). He then achieved further military honors fighting in Asia Minor, was appointed proconsul in Asia in 3 B.C., and was governor of Syria only during A.D. 6 to 9. Quirinius ordered a census for the purpose of taxation shortly after assuming his office as governor of Syria. That this was done in A.D. 6 is shown by the declaration of Josephus that it was instituted in the thirty-seventh year after Augustus's victory over Mark Antony at Actium, which occurred in September, 31 B.C. (Antiquilies of the Jews 18.26). The taking of censuses was common in the Roman Empire. Documents from Egypt show conclusively that they were taken every fourteen years in that province under Roman rule until A.D. 230 (Robertson, Luke the Historian, Baker). Two Jewish leaders led a rebellion at this time (Josephus 18.1), a Pharisee named Saddok and "Judas of Galilee," whom Gamaliel mentioned in Acts 5:37. In the estimation of Saddok and Judas, the census and resulting taxation was the equivalent of slavery. As a result, they appealed to the Jews to rebel and gain their independence. At that time Judas "drew away much people after him," estimated in the thousands. The Roman army violently squashed the rebellion, and Judas of Galilee was killed in the battle. The oppressive taxation was a key factor in the rebellion against Quirinius's census. Many Jews also believed "that any human who ordered a census of Israel was placing himself in a position reserved for God alone, it was a blasphemous act" (Scott, Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament, Baker) (cf. Num. 1, 26; II Sam. 24). The census of Quirinius, therefore, would have been firmly ingrained in Jewish thinking even generations later. The wording of Luke 2:2 does create some difficulty, saying that "this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria." This seems to indicate that Jesus was born at the time of the census of Quirinius in A.D. 6. Herod the Great was still alive, however, when Jesus was born. Herod died between 29 March and 11 April 4 B.C. (Hoehner, "Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ," Bibliotheca Sacra, October 1973). Several solutions to this apparent inconsistency have been put forward. Perhaps the most satisfactory is found in the meaning of the word "first" in Luke 2:2. While it may mean the first in a list of several, it can also mean "before." In John 15:18, Jesus used this word when He said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." John A. Martin wrote that Luke thus meant that '"this was the census that took place before Quirinius was governor of Syria' (i.e. before A.D. 6)" (Walvoord and Zuck, eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor). Luke used a wellknown event in Jewish history to identify the time of Jesus' birth. Called to Rejoice Page 8 of 8 SS Lesson for 12/23/2007