The Journey Taken – Luke 2:1-7
As we enter this holiday season, many of us will take to the highway, the railway and even the air to visit our loved ones or complete some shopping. We will wait in lines. Get frustrated about the wait and the temperament of our fellow man. As you journey to all your festivities, I want to remind you of a few other journeys taken.
I. The Journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem
a. This was a journey of historical proportions.
Imagine how difficult it must’ve been for Joseph and Mary. Two young people starting out their life together with this unknown prospect of a new baby under miraculous circumstances. To leave their home at such a precarious time and travel to Bethlehem must have been an anxious time for both of them. Little did they know that the child that was soon to come would change the world forever.
b. This was a journey of uncertainty.
When they arrived in Bethlehem and found no room for them in the inn, I wonder if they thought there was no room for them anywhere. How would they make it? How will this new baby affect their life? They were on a journey and didn’t know what lie just around the next corner.
c. This was a journey of blessing.
When Mary gave birth to her first son, I’m sure that the concerns of tomorrow were far from their mind. A newborn is such a blessing. (Jackson Cole..)
II. The Journey of the shepherds – Lk. 2:8-16
a. This was a journey to see the Savior of Israel
For centuries the Israelites waited for a Savior. For centuries they were oppressed by tyrants and kings. Yet they hung on to a promise given by the prophet Micah – "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." (Micah 5:2). Now these lowly shepherds were given the greatest news of all time. The Savior they had longed for was here. This Savior didn’t arrive with a great throng of royalty, yet He was the King of kings. He wasn’t born in a palace as one would expect. They found the Savior of the world in a lowly stable surrounded by common barnyard animals and wrapped in mere rags. Still they rejoiced to see the fulfillment of this age old prophecy.
III. The Journey of the Wise men – Mt. 2:1&2, & 11.
a. There’s was a journey to enlightenment
These “wise men”, were looking for answers in the stars. They followed this special star to find the answers they were looking for. When they came to the place where the star was shining they found the answer they were seeking. Verse 11 says they worshipped Him with gifts and treasures.
IV. The Journey of the Messiah – Philippians 2:5-8
a. Jesus took a Journey to.
His journey took Him from the majesty of heaven to earth, to a cross, to a grave and ultimately to glory where He sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us. What a journey! Look at the steps He took – He was with God. He set aside His sovereign heritage and took the form of a servant. He took on the likeness of man that He might feel our infirmities. He humbled himself and became obedient to death on the cross to fulfill the plan of God. They placed Him in a borrowed tomb but the tomb and death could not hold Him.
V. The Journey we take
a. When we Journey to the cross we take a trip from darkness into the light
b. When we Journey to the cross we travel from a life of despair to a life filled with hope.
c. When we Journey to the cross we escape the bondage of sin to find the freedom of salvation
d. When we Journey to the cross we pass from death unto life.
Conclusion: A young man and woman began a journey over 2000 years ago, leaving home and family in Nazareth to travel about 70 miles to a small insignificant town in Judah. That journey led to the Savior. People are still taking that journey today. This Christmas season while you’re traveling about, take a moment to think about the most important journey you’ve taken – the one that took you to Jesus.
