Text: Luke 2:1-7
This is the second in a series of lessons examining some great days in history – not in secular history, but days of spiritual importance. In this second lesson, we’re going to be discussing the day of Jesus’ birth. Though it may seem like a big jump from the first day (creation), we are not skipping the Old Testament. The Old Testament is the foundation for this lesson.
The Background
- The fall (Genesis 3:1-7) – the creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), but now the ground would be “cursed” (Genesis 3:17); Adam and Eve lost fellowship with God (Genesis 3:8, 24) and access to the tree of life (Genesis 3:22); in response to this, God prophesied of the coming of Christ (Genesis 3:15)
- The promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:18) – all nations would be blessed through his seed; this looked forward to Christ (Acts 3:24-26; Galatians 3:16); He would be born into this world to fulfill this promise (Galatians 4:4-5)
- Preserving a remnant (Jeremiah 23:1-6) – the OT is a history of God’s dealings with the descendants of Abraham; they were often punished for disobedience, yet they were not completely destroyed; a remnant was preserved so that the promise to send Christ could be fulfilled
The Events on That Day
- Jesus was born into humble circumstances (Luke 2:7, 15-16) – left the riches of heaven, but not for the riches on earth; this would have still been significant (cf. Matthew 16:26; 6:19-21); left the riches of heaven for a humble life here (Luke 2:4-7; Micah 5:2; Luke 2:39; John 1:46; Luke 9:58)
- Prophecies concerning Jesus – to Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:30-33; Matthew 1:20-23); to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-12); to those in the temple (Luke 2:25-32, 36-38)
- Honor was given to Jesus – from the wise men (Matthew 2:1-2, 11)
Key Lessons
- God’s promise – as we noticed in last lesson, the plan to send Jesus predated Creation (Revelation 13:8); but the promise was first given in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15); also given to Abraham (Genesis 22:18); other prophecies (Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2); God keeps His promises (Romans 15:4; Hebrews 6:13-19) so we can trust Him
- God’s love – motivated Him to send Jesus (John 3:16); sin ruined man’s relationship with God (Genesis 3:8, 23-24) and man continues to sin (Romans 3:23; 5:12); rather than rejecting us forever, God wants to save us (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9); sending Jesus to die for us demonstrates His great love for us (Romans 5:8)
- Jesus’ humanity – partook of flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14), although He was still God in the flesh (Colossians 2:9); left us a perfect example (1 Peter 2:21-22); proved that He can sympathize with us (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15)
