Trevor S. Ferguson
December 26, 2010
Luke 2:6-11 (KJV)
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. INTRODUCTION
The Christmas season is a time in which we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to us today. Much has been written about the birth of Jesus, but it is important that we go back to the bible for the biblical account as gleaned from eye witnesses of the actual events. Today I will reflect on the account of Jesus’ birth written by Luke as well as other scriptures to show how Jesus can transform our lives if we make room for HimEXPOSITION
Luke presents a brief but informative account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in Luke chapter 2. This includes the following:
o Jesus was born during the period in which Caesar Augustus had given a decree for a census to be taken in all of the Roman Empire – providing a reference to the historical timing of Jesus’ birth
o Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David – as prophesied by Micah (5:2) and other prophets
o Joseph was of the lineage of David - as the legal father of Jesus, Jesus was of the line of David and had authentic claim to being the Messiah
o When Jesus was born he was placed in a manger ( a feeding trough for animals) because there was no room in the inn – the circumstances at his birth was far from ideal but this did not reduce its significance
o In verse 11 the angels declared that Jesus was born as Saviour and Messiah
The rest of Chapter 2 relates the effect of the birth of Jesus had on people and situations. Luke singled out two persons for special mention: Simeon and Anna
o Simeon – an old man, moved by the Holy Ghost, to whom the Holy Ghost had revealed that he should not die before seeing the Messiah. He spent his time in the temple, waiting for the consolation of Israel. When he saw Jesus being presented in the temple he recognized him as the promised Messiah
o Simeon’s life was transformed from a posture of waiting to one of rejoicing as He declared “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation”
o Anna – an old woman and a prophetess at least eighty-four years old, who spent her time in fasting and prayer night and day. When she saw Jesus her posture was changed to one of thanksgiving and proclamation as she spoke about the birth of Jesus to all who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem
The transforming effect of Jesus was not limited to the time of his birth. Throughout his earthly ministry he touched many lives and many persons had transforming experiences which changed their lives forever. Let us look briefly at three such transformations:
Peter – fisherman to a fisher of men (Luke 5:1-11)
Peter was a busy fisherman. He had to spend long nights at sea to ensure that his family had food to eat.With all these needs however he made room for Jesus when he asked them to lend him his boat so that he could teach the people. Afterward he obeyed when Jesus suggested that he should launch out into the deep and let down his nets. The end result was a miraculous draught of fishes. His life was changed forever!
Zacchaeus – from dishonest tax collector to benevolent believer (Luke 19:1-10)
Although Zacchaeus was rich in material things, his life was empty, he was despised by his own people for his corporation with the Romans in collecting taxes, and to make matters worse his dishonesty in collecting more tax than was due made him an outcast. No one would go to his house.When he heard of Jesus however he overcame the his physical limitations due to his short height, climbing up into a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus. Jesus saw his effort and did what no one else would do – made a visit to Zacchaeus’s house. Zacchaeus’ life was transformed – his benevolence expressed in giving half of his possessions to the poor and his repentant spirit in the restoration of the excess taxes he had collected. His life was changed forever
The woman of Samaria – from a woman of low standing and poor reputation to an evangelist
The woman of Samaria had many things going against her. Her Samaritan heritage made her an outcast among the Jews; her inability to maintain stable relationships made her more of an outcast. She had already gone through 5 failed marriages and now had probably given up on marriage and just started to live with a man. Having taken the time to reason with Jesus and acknowledging her sinful state before him, her life was also transformed. She became a witness of the wonderful works of Jesus and spread the word in the city of Samaria.Her life too was changed forever!!
APPLICATION
The lives of the persons just mentioned were generally cluttered by the cares of this life and situations with which many of us can identify today.
Peter’s life was busy with long hours at sea as he sought to make a living for his family; Zacchaeus was busy accumulating wealth and the Samaritan woman was cluttered with emotional turmoil
All these persons however had their lives changed when they made time for Jesus. Their lives were never the same.
Similarly for someone today; your life may be cumbered with the cares or challenges of this life and you often can’t find time for Jesus. Jesus wants you to make a commitment to follow Him today!!
Note that some action is required - Peter had to launch out into the deep, Zacchaeus had to allow Jesus into his house; the woman of Samaria had to confess that she was living in sin.
You need to take some action today. You need to acknowledge to yourself that you need Jesus. You also need to repent of your sins, accept water baptism in the name of Jesus and seek for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Make room for Jesus today. Your life will never be the same.
