This sermon explores God's divine messengers, the majesty of Jesus' birth, and the relationship between John and Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Key
Good morning, beloved family of God. It is a beautiful day that the Lord has made, and we are here to rejoice and be glad in it. We gather not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters, united in the love of Christ, bound by the grace that has been so lavishly bestowed upon us. We are here to seek His face, to bask in His presence, and to learn from His Word.
In the words of the esteemed Charles Spurgeon, "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." So let us not just read the Word, but let it read us, let it change us, let it mold us more into the image of Christ.
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the Gospel of Luke, chapters 1 through 3. Let us read together [read text].
Let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of life and the privilege to gather in your name. As we open your Word, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to receive your truth. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you, our Rock and our Redeemer. Illuminate our understanding, Lord, that we may see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. We pray all these in the precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Today, we will focus on three main points from these chapters. We will look at the messengers manifested by God, the majesty of Jesus' birth, and the meaningful relationship of John and Jesus. As we ponder these truths, may they not just be information to our minds, but transformation to our hearts. May we not just know about God, but truly know God. And may our lives be a reflection of the truth, beauty, and goodness found in His Word. Are we ready to receive what the Lord has for us today? I believe we are. So, let's begin.
In the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel, we see a fascinating display of divine orchestration. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, sends forth messengers to prepare the way for the coming of His Son. These messengers come in various forms, each playing a unique role in the grand narrative of redemption.
The first of these messengers is the angel Gabriel, a heavenly being sent directly from the presence of God. Gabriel is tasked with delivering the news of the impending births of John the Baptist and Jesus. His appearance to Zechariah and Mary is a divine revelation, a glimpse into God's plan of salvation. Gabriel's messages are filled with hope and promise, signaling the dawn of a new era in God's relationship with humanity.
Next, we encounter Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist. Despite their old age and years of childlessness, they are chosen by God to bring forth a son who would play a pivotal role in the coming of the Messiah. Their obedience and faith, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances, serve as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. Their lives bear witness to the truth that nothing is impossible with God.
Then there is John the Baptist himself, the forerunner of Christ. John's life and ministry are characterized by a singular focus on preparing the way for Jesus. He lives in the wilderness, preaches a message of repentance, and baptizes in the Jordan River. His role is not to draw attention to himself, but to point others to Jesus. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness, making straight the paths for the Lord.
Finally, we have Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary's role as a messenger is not to deliver a verbal message; instead, she carries within her the Word made flesh. Her willingness to accept the angel's message and her humble submission to God's will are instrumental in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Through her, the Savior of the world is brought forth.
These messengers, in their various roles, help set the stage for the arrival of Jesus. They are integral parts of God's plan, each contributing in their own way to the fulfillment of God's promises. Their lives and their actions serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and His sovereign control over the course of history. Each thread, each individual life, is woven together in a way that points to the coming of Jesus. They remind us that God is always at work, even when we can't see the bigger picture.
Transition. Through these messengers, God is revealing His heart to His people. He is showing them that He is a God who keeps His promises, a God who is actively involved in the lives of His people, a God who is preparing the way for the coming of His Son. These messengers are not just delivering news; they are embodying the hope and promise of God's salvation.
As we turn our attention to the birth of Jesus, we are met with a narrative that is nothing short of majestic ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
Sermon Central
