The Road To Bethlehem
Luke 2:1-4 (King James Version) Pastor Ken Crow
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
This morning what we are looking for can still be found in the events that occurred in Bethlehem, Judea over two thousand years ago.
Every one mentioned in the Christmas story of Luke and Matthew had their own reason or motivation to go to Bethlehem.
In other words they had their own route.
But no matter how or why they got there all that matters is that they got there!
Really the road to Bethlehem was their road to Jesus.
This morning getting to Jesus is the only answer we have.
Regardless of our road whether rocky or smooth, long or short our only hope is to get to Jesus for that encounter of worship .
For those on the road to Bethlehem it was not enough to hear the good news they had to experience the good news!
Let us take a look at some of those folks this morning.
1. Mary and Joseph.
Luke 2:4-6 (King James Version)
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
They had to get to the place that their blessing could be born.
It had been prophesied that the messiah would be born in the city of David .
Mary and Joseph was sure of their blessing.
But they had to get to the place where their Blessing would be born.
The only place this morning that our Blessing will be born is in the presence of Jesus according to God’s plan.
It will not be born by accident or good luck . A blessing from God is born as we follow his plan.
One thing that will absolutely hold us back is a closed mind to what God is trying to do!
Mary and Joseph were on the road to Bethlehem in order for their miracle to come to pass.
2. The Shepherds .
Luke 2:8-15 (King James Version)
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Now that the blessing was born these shepherds had to experience it!
They had to get close to this baby Jesus. They were not satisfied with just hearing about the good tidings of great joy , they wanted to have that encounter with the savior first hand.
Have you noticed when a baby is born people normally are not content to just come by and look. They want to hold that baby . Talk to that baby. See if they can get it to smile or chuckle. Maybe even give it a bottle and rock that baby to sleep.
This morning the answer to everything we have in our life is this experience of firsat hand contact with Jesus!
3. The Wise Men.
Matthew 2:1-12 (King James Version)
Matthew 2
1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
12And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The wise men were motivated to worship . If we are to receive the blessing we must be motivated in our heart to worship Jesus both personally and publicly.
Worshiping Jesus was the priority of the wise men .
11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Each one of us today may have different starting points but what matters is the destination. In the presence of The King. The Presence of Jesus.
God Bless and Amen.
