Revision as of 20:20, 12 December 2022

Theological Proposition/Focus: God has provided salvation that is freely available to all.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: We must accept God's offer of salvation regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

Introduction:

Need: We need to respond to Jesus

Preview: Today we are going to see that the offer of salvation may not be convenient, is available to all, and demands a response.

Setting the Stage:

Earlier we read Luke 2 and talked about some of the background, today we are going to look at Luke 2 and try to understand how it applies to each of us.

Body

The offer of salvation may not come at the most convenient time for you (1-7).

God has access to a much bigger picture than you or I (1-3).

I think there are times when we may forget that God is actually in control of every possible detail, even details that are occurring on a grand scale. Luke begins his narrative of the birth of Jesus by drawing a large picture.

The reference to Caesar Augustus and his census reminds us that God's timing includes details on a global scale.

The reference to everyone going to their own town reminds us that even though it seems that Caesar is control of people's lives, it is actually God in control.

God is in control of even the small details (4-5).

Let's look at just a few of the details that come out here.

A Home Town in Nazareth ensured Jesus was a "hick from the sticks" (Matthew 2:23)

That is Jesus was despised and rejected like the old prophets as described in Psalm 22:6-13; 69:8; Isa 53:2-3 while also being the branch of Isa. 11:2.

The trip to Bethlehem ensured Jesus fulfilled the details of Micah 5:2.

Joseph and Mary's family line ensured people would recognize Jesus as being a descendent of David.

Mary's status as betrothed and not married allowed for a virgin birth as predicted by Isaiah 7:14.

Image: Venn Diagram's

Do you remember Venn Diagram's from school. You know those diagrams where you draw a circle and say this circle represents all the things that are red in the world. This other circle represents all the hats in the world. This circle represents all women's clothing in the world and in the intersection we have women's red hats. That is how I picture some of these details that God was orchestrating. In Jesus God created one of the grandest Venn diagrams imaginable.

God's details are part of His plan and might not be convenient for you but they are still good (6-7).

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "what about Mary's quality of life?" I mean thin about it, she was ready to give birth, is asked to travel, and can't even find a proper place to rest. Look at some of the details...

Mary traveled despite being great with child.

This is Mary's first experience with child birth, she is far from being an expert.

The baby did not come out in royal grandeur ready to sit on the throne but rather had to be cared for being wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Mary had not of the modern comforts in her hospital room but rather was forced to give brith in the part of the house reserved for animals.

Mary and Joseph arrive "home" for Christmas only to learn that another relative outranks them and is staying in the room they thought they would have.

I am sorry to burst your bubble but the picture of Mary and Joseph arriving at a hotel being turned away is not realistic or really supported in the text.

In this period of time when a relative came into town the family made space for them. Actually the idea of a modern hotel is pretty unlikely here. Instead Joseph would have entered town, proclaimed his family line and relatives would have opened up their homes. The problem seems to be that another relative who outranks Joseph is occupying the space. To turn Joseph onto the street would be shameful and so Joseph and his bride are given space in the house, space that is normally used by the animals.

The point is that the birth of the Savior was anything but convenient for Mary and Joseph and seemingly insignificant historically, but it was part of God's plan.

MTR: Consider how have you allowed timing to interfere with your response to God's call for you?

The offer of salvation is available to all (8-14)

The shepherds were the most unlikely recipients of God's message.

The words of the message emphasize the significance of the event.

The sign of verification can be tested without specialized instruments.

Image: The Check Engine light

Have you ever had your check engine light come on? It is great right, it tells you something is going on that you need to address. However, the problem is that you need special equipment to know what it is saying. Then you have to be able to interpret the codes. Finally, you can start working on the car. Back when I used to evaluate vehicle emissions one of the requirements was that we evaluate the check engine light. I cannot tell you how many times the issue was simply that the person did not tighten their gas cap.

The marketing reveals the target audience.

Image: Marketing 101, target your marketing

MTR: Consider the proclamation have you accepted that salvation is available to you personally?=

The offer of salvation demands a response (15-20)

=The shepherds actions demonstrate their acceptance of reality (15-16)

Accepting reality requires more than just words but action.

The shepherds proclamation demonstrate their acceptance of the value of Jesus (17).

The people demonstrate the genuine of the shepherds response (18-19).

The shepherds departure reminds us of our ultimate goal (20).

Image: Failure to respond

Have you ever failed to respond when your spouse asked you a question?

MTR: Respond to the offer of salvation: accept, proclaim and glorify.