Stories Of Christmas: Lesson 2

A. WHERE ELSE WOULD A KING BE BORN? LUKE 2:1-7

1. Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?

- Commanded by Caesar. “A decree went out from Caesar Augustus . . . so all went . . . everyone to his own city” (2:1, 3).

- Predicted. “But you Bethlehem . . . out of you will come . . . the One to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2).

- City of David. “God will give him (Jesus) the throne of David his father” (1:32).

2. In the sovereignty of God, why a stable?

- Identified with common people.

- To show Jesus was rejected at birth and death. “No room for them in the inn” (2:7).

3. What kind of birth did Jesus have?

- It was a virgin birth.

- It was a supernatural conception, i.e., incarnation, which means God becoming flesh. “Joseph . . . did not know her till she had brought forth her first-born son” (Matt. 1:25).

B. THE SHEPHERDS AND THE LAMB OF GOD. LUKE 2:8-20

1. Why did the angels choose to appear to shepherds?

- The only ones awake.

- Jesus is a shepherd. “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psa. 23:1).

- A lamb was the redemptive instrument. “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:25).

2. Why did the angels appear? “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14).

- To praise God.

- Heaven could not keep quiet.

- To announce Jesus’ mission. “Peace on earth, good will to men” (2:14).

3. Why did the shepherds go see the Baby Jesus?

- To confirm what they need. “Let us see this thing . . . which the Lord has made known to us” (2:15).

- To worship Jesus.

- To worship the Father. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God” (2:20).

C. AN UNUSUAL DEDICATION FOR AN UNUSUAL BABY, LUKE

2:21-35

1. Why did Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple?

- To obey the Old Testament law (2:22-23).

- To dedicate the child to God. “They brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” (2:22).

- For Mary’s sanctification. “To fulfill the law.”

2. Who was Simeon?

- He was commissioned to dedicate the Babe. “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (2:26).

- He was led to the Temple that day. “So he came by the Spirit into the Temple” (2:27).

- He prophesied Jesus’ ministry. “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles” (2:32).

- He blessed the couple and Jesus. “He (Simeon) blessed them” (2:34). To bless is to add value.

- He predicted Mary’s grief. “Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (2:35).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.