Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 3 – Luke 2:1-20

Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 3 – Luke 2:1-20The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)·       Caesar Augustus and the birth of Jesus – A contrast from Luke 2 (Note – Augustus meansexalted)o  Augustus ruled from a palace / Jesus was placed in an animal feeding trough shortly after being born.o  Earthly choirs sang praise to Augustus on his birthday / Heavenly choirs praised Jesus at his birth.o  Augustus was hailed as the bringer of the Pax Romana (Roman peace) / Heaven’s choir hailed Jesus as the bringer of true peace.o  Augustus was hailed as savior and lord / The Angel of the Lord announces Jesus as Savior and Lord.o  Augustus enjoyed the praise of the powerful / Angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, who were considered lowly and often were despised.·  Verse 1 “In those days” – We’re not given the exact date of Jesus’ birth.·  Verse 4 “Bethlehem” – In Micah 5:2, this city was prophesized to be the birth place ofthe Messiah. ·   Verses 4-5 – We see Joseph and Mary living obedient lives to God, yet their lives weren’t without difficulties. God didn’t soften the bumpy road to Bethlehem, but He provided strength for the couple. He didn’t provide a luxurious inn for Mary and Joseph, but provided a humble surrounding for the birth of Jesus. Following God’s will doesn’t guarantee a comfortablelife, but we can trust Him to guide us and to provide all that we need.· Verse 7 “in a manger” – In this time, stables were usually caves with a stone feeding trough (manger) carved into the rock walls. They were dingy, dark, and dirty. This isn’t the place the Jewish nation would imagine the Messiah being born, they would expect an extravagant palace. We shouldn’t limit our expectations of God – He is at work wherever is needed in our sin-darkened and dirty world.· In this scene we see Jesus as a baby, helpless and meek. But let’s keep Him there. Thislittle Baby lived an amazing life, died for us, rose from the grave, ascended into Heaven, and will one day return as the King of kings.  The Shepherds and the Angels (Luke 2:8-20)· Verse 8 “shepherds were staying out in the fields” – This shows the season could’ve been in the warmer months. The original Christmas may not have been in December!· Verse 9 “an angel of the Lord stood before them” – Why did shepherds receive the message of the Christ’s birth? They may have been more receptive to the message than the religious leaders. Shepherds were seen as dirty and low-class. This shows that message is for us all.· Verses 9-10 – The greatest event in history had just happened – the birth of the Messiah!The Jews had waited ages for this event, and when it happened it was announced to humble shepherds. The gospel (good news) is that Jesus comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He looks for a humble heart, not for extraordinary qualifications!· Verse 11 “the Messiah” – The Jews were anticipating a leader to save them from the Romangovernment or to deliver them from their physical ailments. Jesus, even though He did bring healings and established a spiritual kingdom, did a much greater work – He delivers from sin. He provides something beyond their expectations. People can often set their own agenda on Jesus and thus expect way too little. His work is much greater than anyone expected – He paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers much more than temporary political or physical changes, He offers us a new heart which will be ours for eternity.· Verse 11 – Some translations use “Christ” instead of “Messiah” in this verse. Christ is the Greek word for Messiah.