Today, a Savior Has Been Born to You

Luke 2:1-20    

Key Verses 2:10-11

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the  town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

This passage is about an historical narrative of the birth of Jesus. We can learn many things based on this passage such as. 

(1) God’s sovereignty. 

(2) Historical background of the birth of Jesus.

(3) The Good news of great joy.

(4) Who Jesus is: Savior, Christ, and Lord.

May God grant us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know God’s sovereignty and who Jesus is. Through the knowledge of God and Jesus we want to praise and glorify Him all the more and joyfully preach the good news of great joy to all people. 

 

1. Read verses 1-3. What did Caesar Augustus do in those days? (1) Who was the governor of Syria at that time? (2) What did everyone do after the decree was issued? (3) 

1-1) Read verses 1-3. 

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

1-2) What did Caesar Augustus do in those days? (1) 

a) In those days: In the time of Herod king of Judea (Lk 1:5) 

b) Caesar Augustus: (Ruler of Rome: 31 B.C. to 14 A.D)

i) Caesar: a title like king.  Augustus: a title: meaning is “highly exalted or esteemed”

ii) Name: Gaius Octavius; adapted son of Julius Caesar.

iii) He extended the Roman Empire and became the first Emperor of Rome.

iv) He brought prosperity and peace called “Pax Romana” (The Roman Peace)

v) He built massive Roman roads.

c) The reasons why he issue a ‘decree’.

i) To Caesar: Decree shows the power of Caesar. 

1) To tax everyone in the Roman Empire.

2) To draw young men into the military service.

ii) To God: Decree shows the sovereignty of God. 

God used Caesar to fulfill the prophecy of Micah. (Micah 5:2)  

God showed us His sovereignty. (Psalm 103:19)

1-3) Who was the governor of Syria at that time? (2) 

a) "Quirinius" 

He was governor of Syria twice.

He acted as a special representative of the Emperor from 12 B.C to A.D. 16 

b) The first census that took place: (8 B.C-6 A.D)

These Roman censuses took many years to complete, possibly up to 14 years

A second census is mentioned in Acts 5:37 

1-4) What did everyone do after the decree was issued? (3)  

a) "Everyone" went to his own town to register. 

The power of Rome affected everyone and everywhere. 

b) We can sense the sovereignty of God in this. 

In normal situation, probably, Joseph would not have a long journey with pregnant wife. 

But God used Caesar to issue the decree and this moved Joseph and Mary. 

Caesar Augustus prepared the way for Jesus without knowing it. 

2. Read verses 4-7. Where did Joseph go up with Mary? (4,5) What happened while they were in Bethlehem? (6, 7a) What did she do with her son? (7b) What were their accommodations for the birth of Jesus? (7c) 

2-1) Read verses 4-7. 

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

2-2) Where did Joseph go up with Mary? (4,5)

a) Nazareth to Bethlehem; About 70 miles travel.

b) Expecting a child: Must be tough journey for both of them. 

2-3) What happened while they were in Bethlehem? (6, 7a) 

a) She gave birth to her firstborn a son. 

Later, she had other children. (Matt 12:46-47, 13:55-56; John 7:35)

b) Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2)

Author Luke did not quotes the prophecy of Micah. 

But he shows us how God orchestrated the birth of Messiah in Bethlehem.

c) Sovereignty of God (Power and Accuracy)

God caused all things to fulfill His good purpose exactly and precisely. 

The prophecy of Micah was fulfilled using Caesar Augustus. (Prov 21:1)

2-4) What did she do with her son? (7b) 

a) She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. 

Wrapping a new born baby is a custom in Israel at that time. 

Absence of cloths was a sign of poverty or parental neglect. (Ezek 16:4)

b) Manger: A feeding trough for domestic animals. (Isa. 1:3; Pro. 14:4)

c) Placing a new born baby in a manger is very unusual. 

Probably, a manger was relatively safer and cleaner than other place. 

That’s why Mary put her son in it. 

2-5) What were their accommodations for the birth of Jesus? (7c) 

a) Inn (kataluma: guest room, inn, lodging place) 

Used for inn, which provide lodging for travelers.

b) Location of Jesus’ birth 

i) Traditional assumption: 

Jesus was born in a room on the lowest level of the home. 

The lowest level room is usually shared with animals. 

ii) General assumption: Jesus was born in a stable. 

iii) Justin Martyr (150 A.D.) Jesus was born in a cave which was used for animals. 

c) Author’s motive to mention of “no room for them in the inn” shows (Assumption)

i) The real historical situation at that time. (Historical fact)

. Simply, Inn was crowded; many travelers from all Israel need a place to sleep. 

Jesus was placed in a manger because there was no room for them in inn. 

ii) How humble Jesus was (Humility of God/Jesus)

God allowed His son to be born in a humble place and humble way. 

Jesus was lowly demoted from the king of the universe to a baby in a manger.

iii) Reflects the hearts of people at that time. (Indifferent hearts of people) 

They did not have a room in their heart to accept a woman in labor. 

Because they were oppressed by Roman’s rule. 

They became self-centered, selfish and lack of compassion. 

3. Read verses 8-12. Who were there in the fields at night? (8) Who appeared to them? (9) How? (9) What was the angel’s greeting? (10) Who has been born? (11) What was the sign of the Christ? (12) Why is this ‘good news of great joy for all people’? (Mt 1:21; Jn 1:29) 

3-1) Read verses 8-12. 

8 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 of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

3-2) Who were there in the fields at night? (8) 

a) Shepherds watch over their flocks at night.

Since Bethlehem was close to Jerusalem, many sheep was tendered for the sacrifice. 

All year long, shepherds watch over their flocks at night even winter. 

b) Shepherd; Considered as religious and social outcasts.

Their testimony was not acceptable in court because they were religiously unclean and

            some of them were robbers. But the message was given to them.

3-3) Who appeared to them? How? (9) 

a) An angel of the Lord appeared to them. 

Possibly, the angel who appeared to Zacharias (Lk 1:11) appeared to shepherds.  

b) The glory of the Lord shone around them. 

The glorious personal presence of YHWH (Exo16:7,10; 24:16; 40:34-38; Num16:19). 

c) They were terrified [Greek phrase: literally "they feared a great fear."] 

d) Why did an angel appear to shepherds who were poor and uneducated?

God chose the foolish/weak/lowly things of the world 

to shame the wise/the strong/the esteemed . (1 Cor 1:27-28)

e) Why did Luke write about shepherds? 

If this book is man-made, no one wants to use shepherds as witness of birth of Jesus. 

Because shepherds’ testimony was not acceptable in the court. 

Luke wrote this because it was a real historical fact.

3-4) What was the angel’s greeting? (10)

a) Do not be afraid: angelic greeting to frightened people. (Lk1:13,30) 

b) Bring you good news of great joy

Heb: euaggelizó: to announce good news. (preaching the gospel)

c) for all the people: Gospel is for all people (Gen. 3:15; 12:3; Ex. 19:5-6) 

3-5) Who has been born? (11) 

a) Today: Indicates the new beginning of our life. (Lk 4:21, 5:26, 19:9, 23:43) 

The day of salvation is always ‘today’: always ‘now’ (2 Cor 6:2)

b) A Savior has been born to you

i) Savior: deliverer: used for YHWH (Lk 1:47, Isa. 43:3; 49:26) 

ii) People desperately need a savior from their sins. (Matt 1:21)

c) Christ (Greek: the anointed one): Messiah (Hebrew; the anointed one)

It refers to the Coming King (Psalm 2:2; 18:50; 84:9; 89:49-51; 132:10,17) 

d) Lord (Greek: kurios)

General: mister, sir, master, owner, husband 

OT (Hebrew: adon): name for God: translated into the Greek word ‘kurios.’ (Lord).

NT authors used this term to describe the full deity of Christ. (Jn 9:36, Acts 10:36)

e) “Jesus is Lord”. (Acts 2:36 Rom10:9-13; I Cor12:3; Phil 2:11)

It is the public confession of faith and a baptismal formula of the early church.

3-6) What was the sign of the Christ? (12) 

a) A baby (Isa 7:14) wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Wrapped in cloths; common thing

Lying in a manger; very unusual thing.

3-7) Why is this ‘good news of great joy for all people’? (Mt 1:21; Jn 1:29) 

Mt 1:21: 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.”

Jn 1:29: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

a) To understand this good news. 

People must be aware that all people are in wrath of God and in judgment of God.

Without knowing their terrible situations, (condemned and doomed forever)

They will not understand that this is good news.

b) People’s (our) situation

i) Nature of God: holy (Isa 6:3), just (2 Thes 1:6), righteous (Psa 11:7). 

love (1Jn 4:8), merciful, (Deut 4:31) and gracious (Psa 86:15).  

ii) Sinfulness of Men: 

All people sinned (Rom 3:23) and under the wrath of God. (Rom 1:18)

iii) Consequences of Sin

Death (Rom 6:23, Jn 8:24) and eternal judgment (Heb 9:27)

iv) God’s Solution for Sin.

Sinless person must die shedding blood on sinners behalf. (Heb 9:22) 

Jesus who has no sin (1Jn 3:5) died on the cross for our sins. (1 Cor 15:3)

Whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life. (Jn 3:16)

4. Read verses 13-20. What did a great company of the heavenly host do and say? (13,14)

What did the shepherds do when the angels had left them? (15,16) How did Mary and others respond to what the shepherds said? (17-19) After witnessing to what they had heard and seen, what did the shepherds do when they returned? (20)

4-1) Read verses 13-20.  

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor 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.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

4-2) What did a great company of the heavenly host do and say? (13,14)

a) "Glory to God in the highest" 

i) Glory is given to God: For sending His Son to save people from their sin (good news)

    is the glory to God.

ii) God is worthy of glory from all creations, especially His redeemed children.

 

b) Peace to men on whom his favor rests

i) Peace with God is absolutely necessary. 

Because we are under wrath of God, in eternal judgment of God. 

ii) Peace is given to men on whom God’s favor rests. (God’s choice)  

Not all, or everyone; but men whom God favors. 

c) Baby Jesus brought the glory to God and peace to men. 

How majestic God is who sent His one and only son, Jesus.

What a great joy to have a Savor who redeems us from our sins. 

What a great joy to have a heavenly peace here on earth and forever. 

d) Tension between v10 and v14 

i) Good news is given for all the people.  (v10) (Jn 3:16, I Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9)

They must choose it. (Human decision) 

[Some parts of] Scripture teach Human decision for salvation. 

Bible commands to repent (Acts3:19, 17:30) and believe in Jesus. (Acts16:31) 

We must repent of sins and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

ii) Peace will be given to men on whom God’s favor rests. (v14) 

Salvation is totally the work of God. (God’s sovereignty)

[Some parts of] Scripture teach God’s election for salvation. 

God chose some [not all] before the creation of the world. (Eph 1:4)  

God chose, (Jn 15:15) draws, (Jn 6:44) gives life (Jn 14:6) and preserves us. (Jn 10:28) 

New Birth is not the result of human decision but God’s decision (Jn 1:13) 

iii) Believers embrace both biblical teachings although it is impossible to understand it. 

We, believers, believe in both truths without destroying any of them. 

If we emphasize one of them only, we will disobey the scripture. 

How can we harmonize these seemingly opposite teachings in the Bible?

We accept what the Scripture says and we ask God’s wisdom. 

4-3) What did the shepherds do when the angels had left them? (15,16)

a) Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened. 

A Baby lying in a manger is very unusual thing. 

This might prompt them to go and check it out. 

b) They found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 

What they saw was exactly what the angel had said. 

4-4) How did Mary and others respond to what the shepherds said? (17-19)

a) “All who heard it”:

People were amazed at that the shepherds said to them. 

But they did not treasure it because it is from shepherds, unreliable people in general. 

b) Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Lk2:51) 

i) Suddenly she had to come to Bethlehem.

ii) She had to deliver a baby in unexpected place. 

iii) Total strangers told about angelic message. 

She might think that God works through all kinds of people and events.

This kind of thinking might increase her faith in God and His sovereignty.  

4-5) After witnessing to what they had heard and seen, what did the shepherds do when they returned? (20)

a) Glorifying and praising God.  

i) New life is characterized by glorifying and praising God for what He has done. 

We must give glory to God for what He has done for us. 

ii) Glorifying God/ Praising God (Lk 5:25)

Ultimate duty of men and natural response of men for God’s works.

In Conclusion, God is sovereign. God is in control over everything. God sent his one and only son Jesus as our Savior, Christ, and Lord. Because of his death on the cross, our sins are forgiven. Because of His perfect life here on earth, we, believers are righteous before God. That’s why this is a good new of great joy. May God richly bless us to repent of our sins and humbly accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior so that we can glorify, praise Him, and have a peace with Him forever.