The Setting of the Stage
(Series on the Birth of Christ – Part 3)
Pastor Wilson Spencer
Liberty Baptist Church
December 18th, 2011
Luke 2:1-6 “1. And 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.) 3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4. And 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:) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”
Introduction: God is never early. God is never late. God is always, right on time. In His infinite omnipresence, He sees the past, the present and the future all at the same time. It’s always the present to Him, so timing is never a problem.
God also is omnipotent, (all powerful), and omniscient, (all knowing), so when He looked out before time began and saw that mankind would one day need a redeemer, it was no problem for Him to construct all the necessary components and arrange them in such a way that He would arrive on the scene at just the right moment with everything set up perfectly for His coming.
. The Place:
Palestine - The Holy Land - It had become cosmopolitan.
All roads led to Rome, so messengers could carry messages great distances with relative ease.
Roman Power (Strongest), Greek Language (Most comprehensive) & Jewish Religion (Purest)
. The Players:
Caesar Augustus (Octavian: Grand Nephew of Julius Caesar) - Emperor 27 B.C. - A.D. 14
Scattered Jews, anxiously awaiting their Messiah
Heathen peoples, Pagan peoples, burned out on false gods and phony worship
Joseph, a humble carpenter & Mary, an innocent young girl
. The Plot:
Caesar’s decree - (each Jew must be registered in the land of his original tribe)
Joseph and Mary were both of the tribe of Judah, so they left Nazareth for Bethlehem)
Prophecy was fulfilled:
Micah5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
Conclusion: Jesus came into the world at precisely the proper moment in history. His timing is always impeccable. He is never early and He's never late. Is He speaking to you this morning? If He is, don't delay. You may never have the opportunity again. (Invitation)
