The Certainty Of Christ Divine Nature
Luke 2:1-38
The word divine when it pertains to Christ means the attributes of the true God.
As we study the Lord Jesus Christ we will see many prophesies that will be fulfilled.
As foretold by Jacob many years earlier:
Gen 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Shiloh is generally understood as being the Messiah.
The truth of this prophesy is that the sceptre had departed from Judah because Israel was under the rule of Rome with Caesar Augustus ruler as emperor.
Cyrenius was governor of Syria and Judea was included as a province of Syria.
Herod was now King of Judah.
Judea was no longer ruled by one of it's own princes. Herod was an Idumean prince a descendant of Esau.
The promised land was no longer in the hands of Israel, but in the hands of Rome.
Even the Temple was controlled by Herod.
The priests of God were no longer the ministers of God but servants of the secular world.
The scepter had most definitely departed from Judah and it was time for Shiloh to come.
The Apostle Paul said it was the fullness of times!
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
We see that God says what He means and God means what He says!
Many more prophecies will be fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ because He is the fulfillment of God's will!
*****Luk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luk 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luk 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
We will see that taxation was used by God to fulfill His plan for the birth of the Messiah. God did not cause this taxing but God certainly made a use of it!
This emperor of Rome was arrogant enough to consider the lands and the properties seized by his military as the only part of the world worth having.
To him the world was only those lands under his control. We know that Rome never ruled the entire world at any one time!
Augustus considered himself to be a god and this was his world.
The name Augustus means "majesty".
Augustus began to rule a third of Rome in 44 BC when Julius Caesar was assassinated but had consolidated power under himself and had terminated the days of the Roman Republic around 27 BC.
Augustus Caesar ruled a mostly peaceful kingdom from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD.
He was a great builder of roads and commerce which brought on taxation and he sent out a decree throughout all the lands of Rome.
This decree caused every man to register in the place of their birth.
What had God prophesied:
Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The scribes that reported to King Herod clearly understood this to be the truth of God:
Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Mat 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
The common people of Judea clearly understood this to be true:
Joh 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
There can be no doubt that the hand of God was involved in this decree!
*****Luk 2:4 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:)
Luk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Luk 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Despite the plans of man this taxation led to the fulfillment of the Scriptures!
The city of Nazareth was located in the area of Galilee and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to a city of the area of Judaea.
The Scriptures make it very clear Joseph was of the lineage of David.
The Scriptures make it very clear that Mary was great with child.
The Scriptures make it very clear that Mary was still espoused to Joseph and the marriage had not taken place. Joseph and Mary had not yet consummated their marriage.
Mat 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The Scriptures make it very clear that the birth of Christ would take place in Bethlehem as the days of Mary would be fulfilled during this time.
It should also be obvious that Joseph and Mary would have been in Bethlehem if not for this decree.
We can see that it is God who will overrule when it comes to His plans.
We should never forget that the salvation plan of God is His plan and He wants us to be a part of His plan and not any plan of our own or some salvation plan concocted by some other human!
King David had been born in Bethlehem and therefore it was necessary that the Son of David be born in Bethlehem.
And Jesus was so born.
*****Luk 2:7 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.
Prophesy was fulfilled:
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Immanuel still means "God With Us"!
God had left the riches and the glories of Heaven to be born in a smelly stable.
God was laid in in a feeding trough, a manger.
Even in His humble beginning the Messiah was rejected by mankind. There was no room for Him then and there is no room for Jesus in our world today as He is still rejected as the Messiah by most of this world.
Even if someone had cared for a young mother, room should have been made for her but even that was not the case.
Kind of reminds us of our world today that ignore the needs of young mothers and entice them into abortion!
The Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ was born in poverty.
If Joseph had any money he could have gotten a room.
God intended that this His birth take place away from people, all alone. It was this young mother who had just given birth to this child that wrapped baby Jesus up in those swaddling clothes.
It was Mary who laid baby Jesus in that feed trough and not on the ground.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was born into a corrupt world full of sin, full of selfishness, full of greed, and full of unkindness.
We see an innkeeper was so caught up in worldly things that he would not even help a young mother about to bare a child!
On a sad note, we can see that all the world missed the first coming of Christ when it was totally unnecessary.
And many will miss the second coming of Christ to get His church when it is also completely unnecessary!
Luk 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
It was the angels that told the world that a Savior had been born.
*****Luk 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was an angel that informed the world that a Savior had been born but he did not go to the King or to any ruler but to these lowly shepherds.
Bethlehem-Ephratah was a place that provided many of the sheep for the sacrifices of the Temple.
Bethlehem-Ephratah would also be the place to provide the sacrifice of Jehovah, the perfect Lamb of God!
Many people reject the idea that angels would even appear to shepherds because shepherds could seldom be found worshiping God.
The job of the shepherd was 7 days a week.
The reputation of a shepherd was lowly and the religious people of that day snubbed them and mostly ignored them.
This Scripture also leads us to believe that the birth of Christ was not in December as is celebrated in our day but the fact remains that our Savior was born just as the Bible says.
Shepherds were despised because they were unable to attend services at the Temple and they could not keep the oral laws of the Pharisees and the ceremonial laws of washing and cleansing.
The truth of the Scriptures is that God first gave the "good news" to those that most all the world considered to be sinners.
In fact the "Shekinah Glory" of God had at last returned to this earth!
Isa 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
Isa 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
The angel proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.
The angel encouraged the shepherds to to visit the baby Jesus.
The angle gave these shepherds a sign they would find our Savior wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
God's message has always been that He came to save sinners:
Luk 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
Luk 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
So the first announcement of His coming was given to sinners!
Joh 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.
Jesus was born at the exact right time and the exact right place to fulfill all the Word of God!
Jesus was not born to become our Savior, Jesus was born our Savior!
Jesus is Christ the Lord!
Jesus is the Anointed of Jehovah!
The title "Christ" means the union of the two natures of Jesus, His Divine nature and His human nature!
The God-Man!
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
And suddenly there was an angelic host.
*****Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Suddenly there was a multitude of angels that joined with the angel that gave the message to these shepherds.
The Bible says that there are more angels than we have the ability to count.
Daniel said these words:
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
That word "host" means an army of angels.
God gave these lowly shepherds a peek into the spiritual world.
These angels did two things.
1) They cried out giving glory to the God that made them.
2) They cried out in peace and goodwill for all mankind.
Peace can only come to those who are reconciled to God.
God knew that the problem of sin needed to be solved not temporarily but permanently!
The only way to solve this human problem was the birth of our Savior, according to the Scriptures.
Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Joh 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The Lord Jesus Christ would be born exactly as the Scripture had said!
It was choice time for these lowly shepherds. Would they believe what this angel had said or not?
*****Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
We see that these shepherds did believe.
We see that they immediately decided to go into Bethlehem. They even felt an urgency to go!
We see they did believe these angels were the messengers of God because the Lord had made this thing known to them and they went with haste.
*****Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Luk 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
They went with haste and they found that things were just as the angel had told them.
They found Mary and Joseph.
They found the Lord, the Messiah, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
When they had seen the truth they began to tell others what the angel and said and the signs they had seen.
They had been spoken to by God's messenger.
They had witnessed the heavenly host.
They had seen the Shekinah Glory of God and Heavens bright glory.
They had found the babe just as the angel had said, lying in a manger.
They certainly had much to tell others!
A simple carpenter and a carpenter's wife had brought forth the Savior.
They certainly had some "good news"!
But Mary weighed all the things in her mind of all she had seen and all she had been told by the angel Gabriel.
*****Luk 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
This young mother had witnessed the awesome power of her God.
Mary realized that this babe she had so carefully laid in a manger was not only a child that would depend on her for his nourishment but this babe was also the awesome God who had performed all the things she had witnessed.
Mary had given birth to the Messiah!
Mary, not much more than a child herself, still had never known a man, was still unmarried by the laws of the Jews, had suffered through the rumors that had been told of her.
She had suffered the doubt of Joseph and her parents, the tiring trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the smelly stable, a visit from some shepherds who told her an amazing story of angels proclaiming the glory of God, and she could only sit down and absorb all that had happened to her.
All Mary could do was to remain her humble self, and trust God, for God was in control of these things and she was only a vessel to be used by Him!
The Bible says:
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
But those shepherds could not remain quiet.
*****Luk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
These shepherds who had not taken the time to get close to the Lord all their days, now left to go back to their flocks praising God.
The truth is if you ever meet the Savior, you will leave a change person!
These shepherds also found that what God said He would do, would then come to pass!
These shepherds realized that they had seen the Savior!
God had spoken.
They had received His message.
They obeyed and they met the Messiah.
The promised Savior had now been born!
They certainly had reason to praise God!
The day that Jesus Christ was born into this earth was the beginning of a new day in the history of this world!
Christianity is positive truth because it is based on historical facts from Moses to Jesus Christ, from Christ to the last Church Age and then on to eternity.
All those that become born to Jesus Christ will all become new creatures in a new world!
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
The days of Jesus on this earth then proceeded to pass by.
*****Luk 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Circumcision was the seal of the "gospel covenant" made by God with Abraham and was a covenant of faith!
We know that to Moses, God had made a covenant of works which was not a legal covenant.
Jesus taught the Jews with these words:
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
As science has now proven, it is on the eighth day that the coagulant in the blood of an infant normally reach their optimum effectiveness, but God knew this all along.
Jesus Christ was circumcised to fulfill the law.
Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The Messiah was then named Jesus, which means "Savior".
It had been the angel Gabriel who had the instruction to name the babe Jesus.
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mat 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
This thing was done in Bethlehem because Mary could not go to the Temple until she went through her time of purification.
*****Luk 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
Luk 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
First Mary had to observe the 7 days of uncleanness:
Lev 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
Then before Mary could offer Jesus to the Lord, she had to observe 33 days of purification.
Lev 12:4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
Only after these 40 days were properly observed could Mary present her son Jesus to the Lord and bring a sacrifice for a burnt offering.
Lev 12:6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
It is the burnt offering that signified God's acceptance of the offerer, Mary, in anticipation of the shed blood of Jesus.
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
This was the ceremony of dedication of the child to the Lord.
A male child was presented in the Temple when the family was close to Jerusalem.
The Lord Jesus was subject to all the legal requirements of the law because, He was made of woman under the law! (Gal 4:4)
The Lord Jesus was subject to all the legal requirements of the law because, he was made like unto His brethren.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
The Lord Jesus said He had not come to destroy the law but only to fulfill the law.
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Then Jesus said the law was fulfilled with love:
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Just how poor were Joseph and Mary?
Joseph despite being of royal lineage was a very poor man!
*****Luk 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
What we see is that it was a deliberate choice of God to have a poor family bear His Son!
2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The proper offering was a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or a dove for a sin offering.
The poor were allowed to bring a second pigeon or dove!
We see that no matter our circumstances in this life, Christ Jesus has already gone through that thing, even poverty!
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The Lord Jesus Christ can relate to any problem that comes upon us.
Even while the dedication of the Lord was taking place we see that God was still working in other lives.
*****Luk 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Luk 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luk 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
We meet Simeon who was a just and devout man.
Just means he was righteous, Simeon did things the right way!
Devout means that Simeon and a reverent fear of the Lord.
Simeon had developed a personal relationship with the Lord!
Simeon knew it was possible for the Messiah to come in his own lifetime, in fact according to the prophet Daniel the Messiah was due at any moment.
This is also true for the Second Coming of Christ!
Simeon found consolation in the baby Jesus!
The truth is there is no other place and no other being where consolation can be found but Christ Jesus!
Simeon was a man led by the Holy Spirit!
Because Simeon walked so close to the Lord, Simeon was given a special promise.
At some point the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
Great things happen to those who trust in the Lord!
The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple so that promise could be fulfilled.
If we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, He will always lead us to Jesus, who is the answer to every prayer!
Simeon became one of the few humans that were given the privilege of holding God in his own arms!
If your name is written down in the Lamb's Book of Life, then you to will one day come face to face with the Lord God Almighty!
*****Luk 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luk 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Abraham told Isaac that "God would provide Himself a Lamb" and that fulfillment was in Jesus Christ!
All the prophets looked forward to this day!
Simeon did not hesitate, he knew for certain his Savior and once he had embraced his Savior who would be the source of true peace to the entire world.
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
This child of God was especially prepared to be God's Savior!
Act 2:23 Him, "being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God", ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Simeon confessed that the child Jesus is God's salvation.
In order to know the salvation of God we must all confess, "before men", that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's salvation plan through whom God will save the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is not only the Savior of Israel but also to the Gentiles.
Gentiles are all those who are not Jews!
Jesus Christ came to be the Light of the entire world!
Jesus Christ is God's method to reveal the Revelation of God, to reveal the truth, the way, and the life to all men!
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus Christ is the glory of Israel!
In fact Jesus Christ is the glory of all people no matter their nationality!
Isa 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Rom 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
And Joseph and Mary marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him!
Joseph and Mary both had been told many things about Jesus and all things would prove to be true but they marvelled that a total stranger whom they had never met could say all these things.
Many of these things were to give this young family strength for those days ahead.
*****Luk 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Luk 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
There are 4 signs associated with the birth of Christ Jesus.
1) The sign of the virgin birth. (Isa 7:14)
2) The sign of the guiding star. (Matt 2:2)
3) The sign of the swaddling clothes. (Luk 2:12)
4) The sign of the stumbling stone.
The Lord Jesus in Scripture was to be the "stone of stumbling" but also the "chief cornerstone"!
We know that many of those in our world choose a path other than God and they will stumble and fall over Jesus Christ because He is the only pathway to God!
We also know that many have risen to the truth and have realized the it is Jesus Christ who is the only cornerstone of salvation!
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Jesus Christ causes each and everyone of us to make a choice!
The truth is that Jesus Christ has always been opposed and we know He was eventually murdered.
Jesus Christ was first a sign of God's love!
Jesus Christ will soon return to bring God's judgment!
Most of mankind do not want that kind of God, they simply want a God they can put on a shelf and take Him down as they please in times of trouble.
Mankind wants only a God whose love will endure all our sins with no repercussions.
They do not want a God who requires sacrificial love!
Mankind simply wants a license to sin and not a God who makes demands of righteousness!
The truth is, a sword pierced the soul of Mary the day the Lord Jesus sacrificed Himself in order that we can live.
The cross brought pain to the loving mother of Christ Jesus, while the death of Christ was to reveal all the thoughts in each man's heart!
Mankind either sees the love of God and surrenders to the "Grace" of God or he will look upon the cross as something repulsive.
All mankind's greatest struggle is to admit that we are all a sinful people!
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
And then came Anna.
*****Luk 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Luk 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Nothing is known of Anna except what we read in these Scripture.
It seems that Anna became a prophetess this very day she met the Lord Jesus Christ.
She also had been a virgin before her marriage which lasted only 7 years.
From that time forward Anna had remained a servant of God.
Anna had never lost hope all her 84 years of age.
She still believed and she never remarried but she still waited on the Messiah.
Anna never ceased to worship, night or day!
Anna was a woman to whom her God meant everything!
Anna also knew the child Jesus instantly and gave thanks that she had seen Him and she began to witness to all those that sought redemption and came to the Temple.
Salvation was not in the Temple, salvation is in the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of the Temple.
God says:
Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
We will never get to hold the baby Jesus in our arms as did Simeon but we all once we have a personal relationship with the Lord are to proclaim His name!
The truth is God uses ordinary people in His plan of salvation.
God does not want us to make our own plans of salvation, God just wants us to be a part of His plan!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
Luke 2:1-38
The word divine when it pertains to Christ means the attributes of the true God.
As we study the Lord Jesus Christ we will see many prophesies that will be fulfilled.
As foretold by Jacob many years earlier:
Gen 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Shiloh is generally understood as being the Messiah.
The truth of this prophesy is that the sceptre had departed from Judah because Israel was under the rule of Rome with Caesar Augustus ruler as emperor.
Cyrenius was governor of Syria and Judea was included as a province of Syria.
Herod was now King of Judah.
Judea was no longer ruled by one of it's own princes. Herod was an Idumean prince a descendant of Esau.
The promised land was no longer in the hands of Israel, but in the hands of Rome.
Even the Temple was controlled by Herod.
The priests of God were no longer the ministers of God but servants of the secular world.
The scepter had most definitely departed from Judah and it was time for Shiloh to come.
The Apostle Paul said it was the fullness of times!
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
We see that God says what He means and God means what He says!
Many more prophecies will be fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ because He is the fulfillment of God's will!
*****Luk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luk 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luk 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
We will see that taxation was used by God to fulfill His plan for the birth of the Messiah. God did not cause this taxing but God certainly made a use of it!
This emperor of Rome was arrogant enough to consider the lands and the properties seized by his military as the only part of the world worth having.
To him the world was only those lands under his control. We know that Rome never ruled the entire world at any one time!
Augustus considered himself to be a god and this was his world.
The name Augustus means "majesty".
Augustus began to rule a third of Rome in 44 BC when Julius Caesar was assassinated but had consolidated power under himself and had terminated the days of the Roman Republic around 27 BC.
Augustus Caesar ruled a mostly peaceful kingdom from 27 BC until he died in 14 AD.
He was a great builder of roads and commerce which brought on taxation and he sent out a decree throughout all the lands of Rome.
This decree caused every man to register in the place of their birth.
What had God prophesied:
Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The scribes that reported to King Herod clearly understood this to be the truth of God:
Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Mat 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
The common people of Judea clearly understood this to be true:
Joh 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
There can be no doubt that the hand of God was involved in this decree!
*****Luk 2:4 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:)
Luk 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Luk 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Despite the plans of man this taxation led to the fulfillment of the Scriptures!
The city of Nazareth was located in the area of Galilee and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to a city of the area of Judaea.
The Scriptures make it very clear Joseph was of the lineage of David.
The Scriptures make it very clear that Mary was great with child.
The Scriptures make it very clear that Mary was still espoused to Joseph and the marriage had not taken place. Joseph and Mary had not yet consummated their marriage.
Mat 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The Scriptures make it very clear that the birth of Christ would take place in Bethlehem as the days of Mary would be fulfilled during this time.
It should also be obvious that Joseph and Mary would have been in Bethlehem if not for this decree.
We can see that it is God who will overrule when it comes to His plans.
We should never forget that the salvation plan of God is His plan and He wants us to be a part of His plan and not any plan of our own or some salvation plan concocted by some other human!
King David had been born in Bethlehem and therefore it was necessary that the Son of David be born in Bethlehem.
And Jesus was so born.
*****Luk 2:7 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.
Prophesy was fulfilled:
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Immanuel still means "God With Us"!
God had left the riches and the glories of Heaven to be born in a smelly stable.
God was laid in in a feeding trough, a manger.
Even in His humble beginning the Messiah was rejected by mankind. There was no room for Him then and there is no room for Jesus in our world today as He is still rejected as the Messiah by most of this world.
Even if someone had cared for a young mother, room should have been made for her but even that was not the case.
Kind of reminds us of our world today that ignore the needs of young mothers and entice them into abortion!
The Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ was born in poverty.
If Joseph had any money he could have gotten a room.
God intended that this His birth take place away from people, all alone. It was this young mother who had just given birth to this child that wrapped baby Jesus up in those swaddling clothes.
It was Mary who laid baby Jesus in that feed trough and not on the ground.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was born into a corrupt world full of sin, full of selfishness, full of greed, and full of unkindness.
We see an innkeeper was so caught up in worldly things that he would not even help a young mother about to bare a child!
On a sad note, we can see that all the world missed the first coming of Christ when it was totally unnecessary.
And many will miss the second coming of Christ to get His church when it is also completely unnecessary!
Luk 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
It was the angels that told the world that a Savior had been born.
*****Luk 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
It was an angel that informed the world that a Savior had been born but he did not go to the King or to any ruler but to these lowly shepherds.
Bethlehem-Ephratah was a place that provided many of the sheep for the sacrifices of the Temple.
Bethlehem-Ephratah would also be the place to provide the sacrifice of Jehovah, the perfect Lamb of God!
Many people reject the idea that angels would even appear to shepherds because shepherds could seldom be found worshiping God.
The job of the shepherd was 7 days a week.
The reputation of a shepherd was lowly and the religious people of that day snubbed them and mostly ignored them.
This Scripture also leads us to believe that the birth of Christ was not in December as is celebrated in our day but the fact remains that our Savior was born just as the Bible says.
Shepherds were despised because they were unable to attend services at the Temple and they could not keep the oral laws of the Pharisees and the ceremonial laws of washing and cleansing.
The truth of the Scriptures is that God first gave the "good news" to those that most all the world considered to be sinners.
In fact the "Shekinah Glory" of God had at last returned to this earth!
Isa 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
Isa 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Isa 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
The angel proclaimed the birth of the Messiah.
The angel encouraged the shepherds to to visit the baby Jesus.
The angle gave these shepherds a sign they would find our Savior wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
God's message has always been that He came to save sinners:
Luk 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
Luk 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
So the first announcement of His coming was given to sinners!
Joh 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.
Jesus was born at the exact right time and the exact right place to fulfill all the Word of God!
Jesus was not born to become our Savior, Jesus was born our Savior!
Jesus is Christ the Lord!
Jesus is the Anointed of Jehovah!
The title "Christ" means the union of the two natures of Jesus, His Divine nature and His human nature!
The God-Man!
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
And suddenly there was an angelic host.
*****Luk 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luk 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Suddenly there was a multitude of angels that joined with the angel that gave the message to these shepherds.
The Bible says that there are more angels than we have the ability to count.
Daniel said these words:
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
That word "host" means an army of angels.
God gave these lowly shepherds a peek into the spiritual world.
These angels did two things.
1) They cried out giving glory to the God that made them.
2) They cried out in peace and goodwill for all mankind.
Peace can only come to those who are reconciled to God.
God knew that the problem of sin needed to be solved not temporarily but permanently!
The only way to solve this human problem was the birth of our Savior, according to the Scriptures.
Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Joh 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The Lord Jesus Christ would be born exactly as the Scripture had said!
It was choice time for these lowly shepherds. Would they believe what this angel had said or not?
*****Luk 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
We see that these shepherds did believe.
We see that they immediately decided to go into Bethlehem. They even felt an urgency to go!
We see they did believe these angels were the messengers of God because the Lord had made this thing known to them and they went with haste.
*****Luk 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luk 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
Luk 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
They went with haste and they found that things were just as the angel had told them.
They found Mary and Joseph.
They found the Lord, the Messiah, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
When they had seen the truth they began to tell others what the angel and said and the signs they had seen.
They had been spoken to by God's messenger.
They had witnessed the heavenly host.
They had seen the Shekinah Glory of God and Heavens bright glory.
They had found the babe just as the angel had said, lying in a manger.
They certainly had much to tell others!
A simple carpenter and a carpenter's wife had brought forth the Savior.
They certainly had some "good news"!
But Mary weighed all the things in her mind of all she had seen and all she had been told by the angel Gabriel.
*****Luk 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
This young mother had witnessed the awesome power of her God.
Mary realized that this babe she had so carefully laid in a manger was not only a child that would depend on her for his nourishment but this babe was also the awesome God who had performed all the things she had witnessed.
Mary had given birth to the Messiah!
Mary, not much more than a child herself, still had never known a man, was still unmarried by the laws of the Jews, had suffered through the rumors that had been told of her.
She had suffered the doubt of Joseph and her parents, the tiring trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the smelly stable, a visit from some shepherds who told her an amazing story of angels proclaiming the glory of God, and she could only sit down and absorb all that had happened to her.
All Mary could do was to remain her humble self, and trust God, for God was in control of these things and she was only a vessel to be used by Him!
The Bible says:
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
But those shepherds could not remain quiet.
*****Luk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
These shepherds who had not taken the time to get close to the Lord all their days, now left to go back to their flocks praising God.
The truth is if you ever meet the Savior, you will leave a change person!
These shepherds also found that what God said He would do, would then come to pass!
These shepherds realized that they had seen the Savior!
God had spoken.
They had received His message.
They obeyed and they met the Messiah.
The promised Savior had now been born!
They certainly had reason to praise God!
The day that Jesus Christ was born into this earth was the beginning of a new day in the history of this world!
Christianity is positive truth because it is based on historical facts from Moses to Jesus Christ, from Christ to the last Church Age and then on to eternity.
All those that become born to Jesus Christ will all become new creatures in a new world!
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
The days of Jesus on this earth then proceeded to pass by.
*****Luk 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Circumcision was the seal of the "gospel covenant" made by God with Abraham and was a covenant of faith!
We know that to Moses, God had made a covenant of works which was not a legal covenant.
Jesus taught the Jews with these words:
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
As science has now proven, it is on the eighth day that the coagulant in the blood of an infant normally reach their optimum effectiveness, but God knew this all along.
Jesus Christ was circumcised to fulfill the law.
Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The Messiah was then named Jesus, which means "Savior".
It had been the angel Gabriel who had the instruction to name the babe Jesus.
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mat 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
This thing was done in Bethlehem because Mary could not go to the Temple until she went through her time of purification.
*****Luk 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
Luk 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
First Mary had to observe the 7 days of uncleanness:
Lev 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
Then before Mary could offer Jesus to the Lord, she had to observe 33 days of purification.
Lev 12:4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
Only after these 40 days were properly observed could Mary present her son Jesus to the Lord and bring a sacrifice for a burnt offering.
Lev 12:6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
It is the burnt offering that signified God's acceptance of the offerer, Mary, in anticipation of the shed blood of Jesus.
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
This was the ceremony of dedication of the child to the Lord.
A male child was presented in the Temple when the family was close to Jerusalem.
The Lord Jesus was subject to all the legal requirements of the law because, He was made of woman under the law! (Gal 4:4)
The Lord Jesus was subject to all the legal requirements of the law because, he was made like unto His brethren.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
The Lord Jesus said He had not come to destroy the law but only to fulfill the law.
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Then Jesus said the law was fulfilled with love:
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Just how poor were Joseph and Mary?
Joseph despite being of royal lineage was a very poor man!
*****Luk 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
What we see is that it was a deliberate choice of God to have a poor family bear His Son!
2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The proper offering was a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or a dove for a sin offering.
The poor were allowed to bring a second pigeon or dove!
We see that no matter our circumstances in this life, Christ Jesus has already gone through that thing, even poverty!
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The Lord Jesus Christ can relate to any problem that comes upon us.
Even while the dedication of the Lord was taking place we see that God was still working in other lives.
*****Luk 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Luk 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Luk 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
We meet Simeon who was a just and devout man.
Just means he was righteous, Simeon did things the right way!
Devout means that Simeon and a reverent fear of the Lord.
Simeon had developed a personal relationship with the Lord!
Simeon knew it was possible for the Messiah to come in his own lifetime, in fact according to the prophet Daniel the Messiah was due at any moment.
This is also true for the Second Coming of Christ!
Simeon found consolation in the baby Jesus!
The truth is there is no other place and no other being where consolation can be found but Christ Jesus!
Simeon was a man led by the Holy Spirit!
Because Simeon walked so close to the Lord, Simeon was given a special promise.
At some point the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
Great things happen to those who trust in the Lord!
The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple so that promise could be fulfilled.
If we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, He will always lead us to Jesus, who is the answer to every prayer!
Simeon became one of the few humans that were given the privilege of holding God in his own arms!
If your name is written down in the Lamb's Book of Life, then you to will one day come face to face with the Lord God Almighty!
*****Luk 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luk 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Abraham told Isaac that "God would provide Himself a Lamb" and that fulfillment was in Jesus Christ!
All the prophets looked forward to this day!
Simeon did not hesitate, he knew for certain his Savior and once he had embraced his Savior who would be the source of true peace to the entire world.
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
This child of God was especially prepared to be God's Savior!
Act 2:23 Him, "being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God", ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Simeon confessed that the child Jesus is God's salvation.
In order to know the salvation of God we must all confess, "before men", that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's salvation plan through whom God will save the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who is not only the Savior of Israel but also to the Gentiles.
Gentiles are all those who are not Jews!
Jesus Christ came to be the Light of the entire world!
Jesus Christ is God's method to reveal the Revelation of God, to reveal the truth, the way, and the life to all men!
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus Christ is the glory of Israel!
In fact Jesus Christ is the glory of all people no matter their nationality!
Isa 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Rom 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
And Joseph and Mary marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him!
Joseph and Mary both had been told many things about Jesus and all things would prove to be true but they marvelled that a total stranger whom they had never met could say all these things.
Many of these things were to give this young family strength for those days ahead.
*****Luk 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Luk 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
There are 4 signs associated with the birth of Christ Jesus.
1) The sign of the virgin birth. (Isa 7:14)
2) The sign of the guiding star. (Matt 2:2)
3) The sign of the swaddling clothes. (Luk 2:12)
4) The sign of the stumbling stone.
The Lord Jesus in Scripture was to be the "stone of stumbling" but also the "chief cornerstone"!
We know that many of those in our world choose a path other than God and they will stumble and fall over Jesus Christ because He is the only pathway to God!
We also know that many have risen to the truth and have realized the it is Jesus Christ who is the only cornerstone of salvation!
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Jesus Christ causes each and everyone of us to make a choice!
The truth is that Jesus Christ has always been opposed and we know He was eventually murdered.
Jesus Christ was first a sign of God's love!
Jesus Christ will soon return to bring God's judgment!
Most of mankind do not want that kind of God, they simply want a God they can put on a shelf and take Him down as they please in times of trouble.
Mankind wants only a God whose love will endure all our sins with no repercussions.
They do not want a God who requires sacrificial love!
Mankind simply wants a license to sin and not a God who makes demands of righteousness!
The truth is, a sword pierced the soul of Mary the day the Lord Jesus sacrificed Himself in order that we can live.
The cross brought pain to the loving mother of Christ Jesus, while the death of Christ was to reveal all the thoughts in each man's heart!
Mankind either sees the love of God and surrenders to the "Grace" of God or he will look upon the cross as something repulsive.
All mankind's greatest struggle is to admit that we are all a sinful people!
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
And then came Anna.
*****Luk 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Luk 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Nothing is known of Anna except what we read in these Scripture.
It seems that Anna became a prophetess this very day she met the Lord Jesus Christ.
She also had been a virgin before her marriage which lasted only 7 years.
From that time forward Anna had remained a servant of God.
Anna had never lost hope all her 84 years of age.
She still believed and she never remarried but she still waited on the Messiah.
Anna never ceased to worship, night or day!
Anna was a woman to whom her God meant everything!
Anna also knew the child Jesus instantly and gave thanks that she had seen Him and she began to witness to all those that sought redemption and came to the Temple.
Salvation was not in the Temple, salvation is in the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of the Temple.
God says:
Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
We will never get to hold the baby Jesus in our arms as did Simeon but we all once we have a personal relationship with the Lord are to proclaim His name!
The truth is God uses ordinary people in His plan of salvation.
God does not want us to make our own plans of salvation, God just wants us to be a part of His plan!
Questions?
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