Luke 2:1-7
Gospelcom Bible Gateway
"1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4Joseph 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, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And 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."
INTRODUCTION
I. Travel
A. It took 90 miles to Bethlehem or 10 days for Joseph and Mary
B. The average burrow traveled 20 miles per day but with a steep terrain, mountains and a pregnant wife it probably went 10 miles a day
C.Why did they travel to Bethlehem (The House of Bread)?
D. Food - Bread dipped in olive oil
E. 1290 below sea level to 2500 above sea level
II. Journey was over but the hardships weren't
A. Caravansary where caravans stopped
B. No room even in the caravansary so they went to a cave where they slept
C. Why was Jesus born in a smelly cave in a manger? Why not "Rome General Hospital?
I. Humility
A. Philippians 2:5-11
5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
B. What an example of humility to be born as a baby in a manager in the backwaters of the Roman Empire to a step father carpenter amongst cattle and farm animals.
C. THis place a birth befits one who was to live his life that way and then to die in and be buried in a borowed tomb
D. Was there ever a time in Jesus' life that He suddenly became God? Did He lay it aside and then pick it up at any time?
1. God in heaven
2. God in the womb in birth
3. God in life
4. God and death
5. God on the cross
6. The incarnation was the addition of humanity not subtraction of divinity
II. Incompatibility
A. There was no room for them in the inn
B. Jesus came to His own and His own received Him not
III. Accessibility
A. Shepherds heard it and checked it out.
B. Nothing is more accessible than a feeding trough in a cave
C. That accessibility to Jesus marked His whole life
D. The manger was a preview of "coming attractions. Just like all could come to the manger, ALL can come to the cross
Hebrews 10:19-22 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
IV. From Bethlehem to Bedlam - speaks of chaos, loud confusing life or moment . Which best describes your life?
APPLICATION:
Take a few moments to exam your life and if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus ask Him into your life. Confess your sins, and accept the gift of God in Christ taking your life from bedlam to Bethlehem.
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
MEMORY VERSE - Luke 2:8-20
"6So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And 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."
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!