SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). Introduction.
(2). Information.
(3). Description.
SERMON BODY:
(1). Introduction.
ill:
• The story is told of a little 4-year-old girl called Sophie.
• Who despite several reprimands kept telling lies?
• It seemed she was constantly spinning tall tales.
• So, her mother was becoming more and more embarrassed by her behaviour,
• This wasn’t an overactive imagination; it was out and outlying.
• So, the mother decided to tell her the story of the boy who cried wolf.
• “The boy kept telling the villagers a wolf was about to attack, but there was no wolf at all”
• Sophie’s mum explained.
• “Wasn’t he naughty?”
• Sophie replied very seriously; “Oh yes!”
• Sophie’s mum continued the story:
• “And then one day there really was a wolf,
• And he cried out loud to warn the people,
• But everyone thought he was lying, and the wolf ate him up. Silly hey?”
• She looked down hopefully to see if Sophie had got the point.
• 4-year-old Sophie was deep in thought.
• Then Sophie replied, “I was eaten by a wolf once!”
• TRANSITION: The truth is important,
• And if you have been watching the news or reading the papers the last few days,
• It would seem that the truth is something that Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson,
• The British Prime Minister & his friends,
• Do not seem to know or understand the common meaning of the word!
• Sadly, once again the prime minister's relationship with the truth is under intense scrutiny,
• As he once again refuses to give full explanations on certain issues.
• The fact it has been the lead story in the news of the past few days,
• Is a reminder that truth is important,
• And if truth is important in politics, then it is far more important in religion,
• This morning we are looking at Jesus – Truth in the Christmas story:
Note:
• If you stick to the Biblical text, then you have no problem with the truth!
• Archeology, historical criticism and time will reveal if it is fact or fiction.
• But when we allow traditions and the imagination of song & Carol writers,
• To interpret the story, then that is when the myth and the fiction creeps in,
• And it changes the truth into…we might say white lies, or a half-truth – but lies!
• Now I am not out this morning to rob anyone of the wonder of Christmas,
• But let’s look again at the story and separate some fact from fiction.
Ill:
• I thought for the first part of my talk we could learn via a quiz,
• A mixture of serious and lighter questions.
• We can do it as a true or false questions,
• And I will take a few minutes to explain or teach via the answers.
(2). Information (via Teaching/quiz).
(1). True or False - there are no records of Joseph speaking in the Christmas
story?
• Answer: True.
• I'm sure he said something, but there is absolutely no record of him speaking at all.
• There are no records of Joseph speaking anywhere in Scripture.
• He is a man of action, not words.
• Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story.
• We sing of the virgin and child, the angels, the shepherds and the wise men.
• But as far as I can remember there are very few, if any Christmas carol that mention Joseph!
• Although the Bible doesn’t record any words from the mouth of Joseph,
• His life is an example of the life we should lead.
• Joseph was a man of simple faith and instant obedience to God.
• He was a man who did not care for his reputation, what others thought of him,
• But was more concerned with what God thought of him!
(2). True or False - the wise men were three kings from the orient?
• Answer: False
• The wise men were not kings and we do not know how many of them there were.
• Matthew chapter 2 verse 1-12
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem”
(Verse 1)
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
(Verse 11)
(a).
• Over time, church traditions (5th century) have assigned them names:
• Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar.
• But that is all tradition not the Biblical text.
(b).
• Sure, these Eastern visitors brought three gifts,
• People assume three gifts means three Magi,
• But we are not told how many of them there were.
• And they probably travelled in large groups for protection and safety.
(c).
• And they definitely weren't kings. They were Magi.
• From the Greek word translated in English as “wise men” or “Magi”,
• We get our English word “magician”.
• But these ‘Magi’ are not magicians as we would think of today.
• They were not experts at sleight of hand, and they pulled no rabbit out of their hats.
• The word “Magi” in Bible times.
• Referred to those who were experts in philosophy, medicine and natural science.
• ill: In Bible days you didn’t ‘Google’ for an answer.
• You looked to the Magi (specially trained wise men) to come up with an answer.
• These Magi (Wise Men) were literally walking encyclopaedias.
• Their one job in life was to learn, learn, learn.
• Then when called upon by their king or queen.
• They were required to give an appropriate answer or solution to the problem.
ill:
• Biblical example of wise men or ‘Magi’ was Daniel (of the Lion’s den fame).
• He was captured and taken to Babylon with his three friends.
• Shadrach; Meshach and Abednego (i.e., my shack, your shack and a bungalow)
• And we are told they were chosen because they were….
“Selected only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,”
“Those that were well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace.
Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon”.
• According to National Geographic and many Bible scholars,
• The kingdoms to the east would've included Persia and Babylon
• Babylon would give to us the Daniel link to the Hebrew prophecies/scriptures,
• And may explain while they were looking for a Jewish baby,
• And on arrival worshipped this child – The Messiah!
(3). True or False – The star did not appear above the stable?
• Answer: True.
• It appeared above the house where Joseph's family was living,
• (Matthew chapter 2 verses 9-11).
• The star is only referenced explicitly in five verses of one chapter of the gospel.
• In Matthew Chapter 2 says:
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'"
(Verses 9-10)
"Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared."
(Verse 7)
"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."
(Verses 9-10)
• Matthew never says that they followed a star.
• He says they saw a star.
(a).
• Many Christians believe the star was a miraculous sign.
• Some theologians claimed that the star fulfilled a prophecy, known as the Star Prophecy.
• (Numbers Chapter 24, Verse 17)
(b).
• Astronomers have made several attempts to link the star to unusual celestial events,
• Such as a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn or Jupiter and Venus,
• Aa comet, or a supernova (an exploding star).
(c).
• The word "star" at the time,
• Would have had more meaning than we currently ascribe to it,
• It would literally mean, “an orb of light”,
• This interpretation does not tie the star to a recorded astronomical event,
• And may be reminiscent of
• Where God lead his people in the wilderness with a pillar of light.
• Exodus chapter 13 verse 21
“By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.”
(4). True or False – Mary rode a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem?
• Answer: False.
• Although the most common image of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem,
• Features a pregnant Mary riding a donkey, while Joseph is leading the way on foot.
• A donkey does not appear anywhere in the Biblical account.
• The first mention of a donkey is in, The Protoevangelium of James,
• Which was written in the 2nd century.
• It is a non-biblical account of Mary’s life.
“And there was an order from the Emperor Augustus, that all in Bethlehem of Judæa should be enrolled. And Joseph said: “I shall enroll my sons, but what shall I do with this maiden? How shall I enroll her? As my wife? I am ashamed. As my daughter then? But all the sons of Israel know that she is not my daughter.” “The day of the Lord shall itself bring it to pass as the Lord will.” And he saddled the ass and set her upon it; and his son led it, and Joseph followed.”
• Most modern biblical scholars say that it is more likely that,
• Mary & Joseph travelled in a caravan of people.
• Not the motor home but a large group of other migrant people.
• The threat of bandits and robbers,
• Often forced solitary travellers to join trade caravans for protection.
(5). True or False – Both Joseph and Mary were told what to name the baby?
• Answer: True.
• Matthew chapter 1 verse 21 and Luke chapter 1 verse 31.
• Babies were always named by their father.
• As God himself was the Father of Jesus, he gives the baby his name.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.””
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
Ill:
• Salvation story – 74-year-old Richard Wilbanks,
• Jumps into a pond after his 3-month-old puppy Gunner was snatched by an alligator,
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/wnyghAjzu1Q
• Question: Would you jump in to save a dog?
• (Maybe it depends if it was your dog or not.)
• Question: Would you jump in to save a child?
(6). True or False – Shepherding was considered a very noble occupation?
• Answer: False.
• In first century, B.C.,
• Shepherding was close to what we would consider car park attendants.
• (It was not considered a good career move – job for the youngest member of the family.
• Shepherds were unable to remain ritually pure according to Pharisaic laws,
• And so were considered unclean.
• Yet God chose them for His birth announcement.
• Some have said to contrast with the Magi (wise & noble),
• God chose ordinary working-class shepherds (the lowest of the low),
• To see the most important birth of all time (maybe some truth in that)
Quote: (Luke chapter 2 verses 8-15)
“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 that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
We know from the text:
• It was likely close to springtime,
• The time in which shepherds were out in the fields.
• Shepherds who looked after the flocks of sheep outside Bethlehem,
• Bred those sheep for sacrifice in the temple,
• So spiritually speaking the shepherd’s involvement was fill of symbolism.
• So, who is better on this occasion,
• To see God’s ‘lamb’ who one day would be sacrificed for the sins of the world?
(7). The Christmas story is found in all of the four Gospels
• Answer: False.
• Only Matthew & Luke’s gospels contain the nativity narrative.
Ill:
• Although the gospels can be read and enjoyed by everyone,
• Never forget that they were written with a certain audience in mind,
• And each of the four gospels have a specific theme running with them:
e.g., Matthew wrote primarily to his fellow Jews saying.
• "This is the Messiah" - "The King of the Jews, so worship him".
• We see that in his record of the Christmas narrative,
• Matthew chapter 2 verse 11.
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
e.g., Mark wrote primarily to Roman reader (Rome ruled the world at this time):
• His message is simple, "This is the servant of God" - "Follow him".
• There is no birth story or genealogy in Mark’s gospel.
• Because who cares about the background of a servant, a slave?
• All you care about regarding a servant is, is he a good servant,
• So, Mark pictures Jesus as the obedient servant of God,
• A man of action!
• One of the key words in Mark’s account is the word, “immediately” or “straightway”
• Key verse: Mark chapter 10 verses 43-45
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you
must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
e.g., Luke wrote primarily for the Greek/Gentile mind (Theophilus a Gentile man of some position):
• His theme is "This is a man among men, perfect humanity" - "Emulate, copy him".
• He traces the ancestry of Jesus back to Adam, the first man.
• Luke emphasizes Jesus as the perfect Son of man,
• Key verse Luke chapter 19 verse 10.
• “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.””
e.g., John’s gospel has been called a universal Gospel, a gospel for everyone.
• His message is clear and simple, "This is God" - "Believe in him".
• We see that in the very first verse of his book.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• There is no birth story or genealogy in John’s gospel.
• Because Jesus has always existed, the ternal Son, the second person of the Godhead.
• John makes it very clear that the conception and birth of Jesus,
• Were not the start of Jesus!
• He has always existed but chose to enter his own creation.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.
(Verse 14)
• The incarnation refers literally to the in-fleshing of the eternal Son of God,
• Jesus “putting on our flesh and blood” and becoming fully human
• The doctrine of the incarnation claims that the eternal second person of the Trinity,
• Took on humanity in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
• And was born into this world after a full-term pregnancy.
• Became does not mean that he ceased to be God the Son.
• In becoming man, he did not forsake his divine nature, as if that were even an option.
• Rather, he became man by taking on human nature in addition to his divine nature.
Ill:
• Sir Robert Mayer, was a great patron of music,
• He was patron of Britain's most famous youth concerts, which bear his name,
• Generations of English youngsters, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles,
• Became acquainted with classical music through his patronage.
• On his 100th birthday, a reception was held to honor Sir Robert Mayer,
• At the gathering the elderly British socialite Lady Diana Cooper started chatting.
• The lady she was talking to looked familiar, but she could not place her,
• Her failing eyesight prevented her from recognizing her fellow guest,
• Until she decided to get up close and gaze!
• She might not have recognized the face but the magnificent diamonds gleaming back,
• Instantly revealed her the person was.
• She was talking to Queen Elizabeth!
• Overcome with embarrassment, Lady Diana Cooper curtsied and stammered,
• “Ma’am, oh, ma’am, I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t recognize you without your crown!”
• TRANSITION: I am sure you can make the application yourselves.
• John chapter 1 verses 10-11 put it,
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
(3). Description.
Note: Twice in this chapter Jesus is described as being, “full of grace and truth”.
• Verse 14b: “the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the father, full of grace and truth.”
• Verse 17: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
• Jesus embodies a fullness of truth and grace.
• He’s the only person in history who has done it perfectly.
Grace and truth are two things are closely connected with salvation.
GRACE:
• The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God,
• We use the expression God’s saving GRACE.
• That is, it is a gift that no-one could ever earn.
• The word “believes”, (Greek ‘pisteu’)” is used 98 times in John’s gospel,
• We are called to believe not behave to be saved, it is a gift not something we can earn!
TRUTH:
• Salvation is also believing God’s TRUTH.
• We must believe that salvation is found in Christ and him alone.
• e.g., John chapter 14 verse 6.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the father except through me.”
Note:
• Truth without grace is hard,
• The Law given through Moses (vs 18) is true, but it is also hard,
• It is rigid and legalistic and without compassion because it merely condemns.
• But grace without truth is also problematic.
• Compassion without standards leaves people to abuse grace.
Ill:
• The German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
• Wrote a book in 1937 called, ‘The Cost of Discipleship.’
• In that book, Bonhoeffer came up with the term “cheap grace”
• And he defined “cheap grace” this way.
“The preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.”
• Bonhoffer draws to the attention of the Christian world,
• That so often we want the benefits of Christianity without the costs involved.
• Hence, the adjective cheap to describe God’s grace.
• TRANSITION: God’s grace is never cheap! Even though it is free,
• Like Jesus it is tied, like a Siamese twin to truth.
• And what the Law of Moses could not do for humanity,
• The person of Jesus Christ can and has.
• The Law condemned but Jesus offers forgiveness to condemned people!
Quote:
• Theologian J.C. Ryle eloquently writes of the grace and truth,
• That came together in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ:
"This constant undivided union of two perfect natures in Christ's Person is exactly that which gives infinite value to His mediation and qualifies Him to be the very Mediator that sinners need. Our Mediator is One who can sympathize with us, because He is very MAN. And yet, at the same time, He is One who can deal with the Father for us on equal terms, because He is very GOD."
• Truth demands justice!
• But forgiveness is grace in action!
Ill:
• If you want to see these two truths in action,
• The story of the adulterous woman in John chapter 8 illustrates them.
• The Jewish leaders claimed to be following the Law (the truth).
• And the Law required that both the man and woman be stoned for this sin.
• They only brought the woman to Jesus,
• Which suggests that this was a set-up to trap Jesus and not really about the Law.
• They say to Jesus,
• “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
• The response of Jesus is majestic,
• He simply bends down and writes in the sand,
• Have you ever wondered what he wrote?
• I like to think he wrote words like, “Pride, envy, gossip, hate, liar etc.”
• Then Jesus turned to the leaders and said,
• ““Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.””
• “At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time,
• the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.”
• When the others were gone,
• There were no longer two witnesses to condemn this woman, she is free,
• But Jesus says to her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
• In this incident we see Jesus demonstrating grace and truth in a perfect combination.
• And I love the fact that Jesus is FULL of it.
• He always has more than enough!
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=KkJQLWeZArTE7DbrgnH4MgTObsCbRhpX
SERMON VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/tX6pBg99FDU
