The sign of Messiah [Luke 2a]

The sign of Messiah

Luke 2:1-14

Key verse 2:12

Introduction: Christmas season is the most favored festivity. It is well known to the entire world.  All Christians and even non Christians celebrate the Christmas. It is celebrating the day of birth of Jesus.  What is the true significance of Jesus’ birth? More specifically, what does Jesus’ birth mean to me? How can we find such meaning? As we go through Luke 2:1-14, I pray that we can find answer for these questions.  May God bless us to find true joy in this!

I.                    Jesus coming, the beginning of the kingdom of God [1-3]

Luke 2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

Jesus’ birth was occasioned in the time of Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Here I like to review the history of the world and God’s prophecy about coming kingdoms.

Since the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC by Babylonian invasion, Israel did not have their own country. Even after returning from exile, they were under the super powers; Babylonian empire was succeeded by Medo-Persian empire, and then Greek empire. In 48 BC, Julius Caesar of Rome defeated Ptolemy, the last kingdom of Greek empire. Finally Roman Empire annexed the land of Israel in 35 BC.

In 27 BC, Caesar August took control of the Empire and declared himself to be called ; Caius, Julius Caesar divi Filius [son of a god] Octavianus.

What does God’s prophecy tell us about the time of the coming kingdom of God? Coming of the Savior of Israel has been anticipated since many peoples of Israel were taken to exile. God revealed his plan to send the Savior of Israel to his prophets during this time of Exile. Among them was Daniel in Persia. Persian king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about an enormous human statue. This statue was about human empires that were yet to come in the entire history.  It began from Babylonian kingdom and continues to the fourth kingdom. During this fourth kingdom, God will begin a kingdom made not by man’s hand but by the hand of God. It is recorded in

Dan 2:40-

⁴⁰ Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron-- for iron breaks and smashes everything-- and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. ….⁴³ And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. ⁴⁴ "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. ⁴⁵ This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands-- a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. "The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy."

Simply the coming of the kingdom that will be set up by God will be during the period of this fourth kingdom.

It is well recognized that the four kingdoms that Daniel interpreted are the Babylonian empire, Medo-Persian empire and Greek empire and Roman empire. So we can discuss more about Roman Empire.

Roman Empire existed as a state in Roman Peninsula since about BC 250. In BC 100, Rome conquered the entire Mediterranean countries. During this time the power was shared by senates of Rome. But Caesar August took control of the power and declared himself the first emperor; calling as such. So what can we say about the time of Caesar Augustus?

1.      According the revelation given to Daniel, during the fourth kingdom Roman Empire, comes the time for God to set up a kingdom.  The time is ripe for coming of the king according to God’s prophecy given to Daniel.

2.      Caesar A, the first emperor that took control of Rome, rising empire, called himself a son of god and exercised his absolute authority over his people.  This means that the country is now well established as the empire with strength and has begun to embark an uncontested rule over the world.

3.      The first emperor issued a decree and this decree is the emblem of that authority and power.

In this darkest time—the time of no hope for restoration of God’s kingdom,

What can we say about the purpose of this census? Most likely it was a mean to tax people in order to build the empire. It is the expression of supreme authority of the power of the emperor.

What was the outcome of this decree on Joseph and Mary, the parent of baby Jesus?

II. Jesus is born King in the town of King David.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, the town of David. Though she was in late stage of her pregnancy, Joseph and Mary had no choice but to obey the decree of the Emperor.  So they traveled about 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. When they got there, many near and distant relatives and close family members were there. It was a unique situation. All clans of David got together in the town of David, Bethlehem. Such gathering seldom happens. It was like the year of Jubilee, meeting at every 50 year, during time of the Day of Atonement. But the atmosphere was totally different. They gathered by the oppression of Roman Emperor and no liberation or freedom or true ‘jubilee’ that God wanted to give his people. Rather somberness, sadness and hopelessness rule the feeling of the people.  In this situation, God was doing something, that would bring joy of true ‘jubilee’.

⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

When Caesar issued a decree, he never knew Mary’s pregnancy and his mind was filled with his own plan to make the empire bigger, and stronger. But when he issued the decree, it fell into the narrow window of time of Mary’s delivery of the baby in Bethlehem. Full term pregnancy is 40 weeks. Unusually the baby is delivered within 2 weeks before or after 40 week gestation. Caesar never intended to force Mary to deliver the baby at Bethlehem. But Mary delivered the baby while she was in Bethlehem..  Caesar did not know and did not intend to do this. Mary never imagined delivering the baby in the town of Bethlehem. Simply no one intended to orchestrate the delivery of the baby in the town of Bethlehem. But what did God say about this? God prophesied in Micah 5:2. 

Micah 5:2 "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."

What to make of this? It was God’s utmost wisdom and His will to declare that Jesus, the new born baby, is the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Nobody knew it. No one understood it. But God nailed down his truth in history. Also it looked as if Caesar August seemed to be in control of people’s lives. But it was not the emperor but God was. God prophesied that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem, the town of David, 700 year before. As God planned, Mary delivered the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. If there weren’t Caesar’s decree, Mary might have delivered in Nazareth, her home town.  This history attests that God is the one in control of history. Not Caesar, not any kings of the world! In this regard, it is very important to know and understand how God sent his son Jesus to this world. God speaks through history. What I mean is that God say through what he does. Action!

 ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Bethlehem was a very small town, may be few hundreds of people at best. Joseph got there the town was crowded with people of his clan. It was like the time of Jubilee when all of his people get together. At this time, and in this place, Jesus was born. But there was no room in the inn. All were occupied. Joseph was poor and could not afford expensive hotels. No one was willing to give a place for the baby to be born and stay. Mary delivered the baby and laid the baby in a manger, a feeding trough. Most likely Mary and Joseph were in a stable. At that time, the house has three rooms, one for family, the other for guests and the third for animals. All are side by side. This family, young and humble, did not have place in a guest room, not in the family room.  Normal lodging quarters for human being was all occupied and unavailable. But Jesus was born in the room for animals, the stable.  The stable is the place of animals. Why, the baby Jesus, the Son of God is born in such humble place?  As we have said, God was in control. So the baby born and placed in a manger is also God’s wisdom.  What does that wisdom tell us?

His birth is so humble one. No men gave a room. But the baby came and was among animals. No human being wants to be born like this.   Even beggars will hate to deliver their baby in such mean condition.

His birth was so inconspicuous that it looked as if no one knew his birth and no one understood the significance of his birth. The entire town was unaware of the birth of the Savior. The Baby, Jesus, was just another baby born in a poor young couple.

Simply his birth is ignored and none issue! On the earth Jesus’ birth was an insignificant event. Simply the truth and power, the essence of his being is hidden! They saw him but they did not see him. They saw him but no one understood him.

Nowadays Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world. Millions of people join in the joy of Jesus’ birth. But to many of them, true meaning of Jesus’ birth is hidden and unknown.

What did God think about this? What did God decide to do?

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

God sent an angel to a group of shepherds in the field nearby. The Glory of the Lord shone around them. God chose to reveal this good news to these shepherds. There were many in the town of David, the people of kingly line. God did not send his angel to any of them but these shepherds. They are low class and humble people. They do not boast their knowledge, no power or no authority. They know that they need someone to save the nation and save the people. God chose to reveal this secrete to these humble people. God showed them glory and gave them the message:  Today in this town, the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

The revelation is that Jesus is the Savior, the Lord! It is amazing news; the Christ is born. The Savior is born, the Lord is born! Yet to the eyes of ordinary, how can see the Savior in this baby?

In the baby in a manger, can you see the Savior? Can you see that this baby is the Christ, Can you see that this baby is the Lord? Simply it is hidden and men are ignorant. No man can see and understand unless God reveals!

How did God reveal?

III. The Sign of the birth of Messiah

¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

God didn’t say that if you go around the corner, find Mary and Joseph! They have a baby. That baby is the Savior!

But God gave them a sign! Sign is something that directs one to see a real thing that they were looking for. So the real thing is the Christ, Savior, and the Lord. The Sign is that a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. It is something different or even odd scene. First baby is wrapped in cloths, not with clothing. Simply they were so poor and the baby was simply wrapped with cloths. Also Manger is a trough used for animal feeding. It is not a tool or furniture used for man’s use. Also it is in a stable most likely since a manger is placed in a stable.

Baby and a manger is a strange combination. But this is exactly the sign of the king, Savior, the Lord!

How can this sign, baby in a manger, serve to indicate the coming king-Savior?

From the beginning of his life, God imprinted the true nature of his kingship and his work to save people. He left his glory and become one among man. But he was not even one among men but lower than man, in a manger. His humble birth signify what he is the king, how he can be the Savior. It characterize his Lord ship.

It is quite understandable that many crowding the Bethlehem did not know and understand the true significance of Jesus birth. We all look for meaning and significance in and among the glory and power, and authority. When one demonstrates the power, he is significant, when one is born in riches and affluence, he is significant. When one is born into power, he is significant. When a son is born to a king, the son is cared for with honor and dignity and respect, because he will surely be the next king. But no men see the power of humble and poor life. It is the sign of weakness and meaninglessness.  It tells us of powerlessness and lack of nobility. But God implanted the power in his humbleness!

When one looks for such power and such knowledge and such affluence, he cannot see the power of God! When one look for a comfort from richness of this world, he cannot see the power that is in Jesus!

How can a man see the king from the baby lying in a manger! But this is the sign of God given to all human races. Only, only humble men can see this sign. Only those who acknowledge God’s unsearchable wisdom and his truth can see the power of God in this baby Jesus.

Human power resides in glamor and authority, riches and power. But God imparts his power in the baby Jesus, lying in a manger.

Also this is how Jesus life began. This will be how he will lead his life. Eventually he gave his life on the cross for sinners. Truly he lived a humble life, life giving life.

Humble eyes can see the king in this baby Jesus lying in a manger. Those who look for power and glory and riches of this world cannot see the king in this baby Jesus. It is hidden in the bare eyes of sinful men!

But God way of thinking on the birth of Jesus is totally different. 

IV. The true impact of Jesus birth [13-14]

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴ "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

There came a great company of the heavenly host. They are heavenly hosts. They do not belong to the earth. They praised God. It was a big deal that Jesus is born and lying in a manger. To human eyes his birth is so insignificant and inconspicuous to the ordinary eyes of men. But in heaven though Jesus was lying in a manger, it is a great thing. It is a big deal. It is so big deal that a great company of heavenly host praised God. Think about the heaven where God is and before Him these great company praising God. We must sincerely appreciate the true meaning and impact of Jesus birth, no in what we can see, but in what God has implanted in the baby in a manger!

Now there were only Joseph, Mary and little baby lying in a manger.

Why was God so happy and why the whole company of heavenly hosts gives glory to God? We can find this answer in Heb.

Read Heb 10:5-7.

⁵ Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; ⁶ with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. ⁷ Then I said, 'Here I am-- it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, O God.'" ⁸ First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). ⁹ Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

God’s glory was shadowed by men’s rebellion and sin. They offered many sacrifices of animals. But their heart was still looming under the power of sin and rebellion. The proof of failure of human being is in the history of Israel. God provided them whatever they needed to serve God. But they utterly failed to keep the covenant. So they incurred God’s curse. They were taken exile. Even after returning from exile, they have not changed! What else men can do! Nothing is left!

But God needed to do something. The whole human race is at stake! The whole creation is in danger! The flood could not bring about changes in the hearts of people. God’s law could not bring about the righteousness and holiness that God is looking for.

 God needed someone to rectify this rebellion and to do something to bring about the changes of the mind of sinful men. Jesus, His only Son, volunteered to do this. He willingly offered his life to bring back men of rebellion and give glory to God.

So here he says, I have come to do your will. No men could and would do it! All failed. All God’s chosen failed and rebelled. But Jesus the Son of God chose to do it!

So there was a tremendous joy and relief in heaven as soon as Jesus came to be born as a baby. His lying in a manger reflects the spirit and will of the Son of God, who chose to do the will of God.

Also what does it mean that Jesus chose to do the will of God the Father? It brings tremendous impact on all sinners, the whole human race.  They can find remedy for their helpless situation in sin. Jesus brings God’s peace to the people on the earth. He does this by giving his own life as ransom for the sins of human race. By giving his life, Jesus reconciled man to God. Through Jesus Men have peace with God.

Jesus’ birth is a historical event. It is the first time whereby God is finally glorified fully. It makes the beginning of the real peace that human race has been looking for.

Christmas is a season of festivity. We rejoice and celebrate the Christmas in various ways.

His coming was the heavenly event. It marks the beginning of God’s glory. It marks the beginning of true peace for human race.

It is possible for those who can see and read the sign a baby lying in a manger.   This is the sign that God gave to the whole human race to see and understand coming Savior, the Lord and King!