Divine Humility: The Birth of Our Savior

 

Summary

The narrative of Christ's birth, as recounted in Luke 2:1-20, is a profound testament to the intersection of divine purpose and human history. This passage, often revisited during the Advent season, never loses its power to inspire awe and reflection. It begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus, a historical figure of immense power, yet it is the birth of a child in a humble manger that marks the true turning point in history. This child, wrapped in swaddling cloths, is the King of Kings, the Savior, and the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies and divine decrees set in eternity.

The story unfolds with Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, a journey dictated by earthly laws but orchestrated by divine will. The humility of Jesus' birth, with no room at the inn, contrasts sharply with the grandeur of the Roman Empire, highlighting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. The shepherds, considered lowly by societal standards, are the first to receive the angelic announcement of the Savior's birth. This divine revelation, accompanied by the Shekinah glory, transforms their fear into joy and compels them to share the good news with others.

The narrative emphasizes the dual nature of Christ's coming—humiliation and exaltation. While Jesus enters the world in humble circumstances, the heavenly host's proclamation of "Glory to God in the highest" underscores the divine glory accompanying His birth. The shepherds' response, one of immediate action and proclamation, serves as a model for how we should respond to the gospel. Meanwhile, Mary’s quiet pondering of these events invites us to reflect deeply on the mysteries of God's work in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The birth of Jesus is set against the backdrop of real historical events, underscoring the truth that God's redemptive plan unfolds within the fabric of human history. This narrative is not a fairy tale but a profound reality that intersects with our world. [07:05]

- The humility of Christ's birth, juxtaposed with the power of the Roman Empire, reveals the nature of God's kingdom, where true greatness is found in servitude and humility. This challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power and success. [10:05]

- The shepherds, despite their lowly status, are chosen to receive the angelic announcement, illustrating that God's message of salvation is for all people, regardless of social standing. This inclusivity is a hallmark of the gospel. [17:22]

- The angel's message to the shepherds, "Fear not," is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding us that God's presence and promises dispel fear. In a world filled with uncertainty, this assurance is a source of profound peace. [22:40]

- Mary's pondering of the events surrounding Jesus' birth invites us to reflect deeply on God's work in our lives. Her example encourages us to treasure and meditate on the mysteries of faith, allowing them to shape our understanding and actions. [33:24]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to Luke's Narrative
[01:05] - The Decree of Caesar Augustus
[02:13] - The Birth of Jesus
[03:19] - The Angelic Announcement
[04:44] - The Shepherds' Response
[06:20] - Historical Context of the Narrative
[07:33] - The Three Kings
[09:10] - Divine Decree and Fulfillment
[11:58] - The True August One
[13:04] - Joseph and Mary's Journey
[15:00] - Humiliation and Exaltation
[17:22] - The Shepherds' Encounter
[19:16] - The Shekinah Glory
[22:40] - Fear Not: The Angel's Message
[27:10] - The Birth of the Savior
[31:17] - The Shepherds' Proclamation
[33:24] - Mary's Pondering
[35:20] - The Christian's Response
[36:11] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:1-20

Observation Questions:
1. What historical figures are mentioned in Luke 2:1-20, and how do they contribute to the narrative of Jesus' birth? [06:38]
2. How does the setting of Jesus' birth in a manger contrast with the power of the Roman Empire? [15:00]
3. What was the shepherds' initial reaction to the angelic announcement, and how did their response change? [21:43]
4. What actions did the shepherds take after visiting Jesus, and what was the reaction of those who heard their message? [31:53]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the decree from Caesar Augustus serve as a backdrop for the fulfillment of divine prophecy? [09:10]
2. In what ways does the humility of Jesus' birth challenge conventional views of power and success? [15:00]
3. Why might God have chosen shepherds, considered lowly by societal standards, to be the first recipients of the good news? [17:22]
4. How does Mary's pondering of the events surrounding Jesus' birth serve as a model for personal reflection on God's work in our lives? [33:24]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a humble or unexpected situation. How did it change your perspective on power and success? [15:00]
2. The shepherds were chosen to receive the angelic announcement despite their lowly status. How can you ensure that you are open to receiving God's message, regardless of your circumstances? [17:22]
3. The angel's message to "fear not" is a recurring theme in Scripture. What fears are you currently facing, and how can you find peace in God's promises? [22:40]
4. Mary's example encourages us to ponder and reflect on God's work in our lives. What recent event in your life could you spend more time reflecting on, and how might it shape your understanding and actions? [33:24]
5. The shepherds shared the good news with others after witnessing Jesus' birth. How can you actively share your faith with those around you this week? [31:53]
6. Consider the humility of Christ's birth. How can you incorporate humility into your daily interactions and redefine your understanding of greatness? [15:00]
7. How can you create moments of quiet reflection in your life to better understand and appreciate God's work, similar to Mary's pondering? [33:24]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Plan in Human History
The birth of Jesus, as recounted in Luke 2:1-20, is a powerful reminder that God's redemptive plan unfolds within the fabric of human history. This narrative is not a fairy tale but a profound reality that intersects with our world. The decree from Caesar Augustus, a historical figure of immense power, sets the stage for the birth of a child in a humble manger, marking the true turning point in history. This child, wrapped in swaddling cloths, is the King of Kings, the Savior, and the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies and divine decrees set in eternity. The story of Jesus' birth is a testament to the intersection of divine purpose and human history, reminding us that God's work is always present in our lives, even amidst the ordinary and mundane. [07:05]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence and purpose in the ordinary events of your daily life today?


Day 2: The Humility of Christ's Kingdom
The humility of Christ's birth, juxtaposed with the power of the Roman Empire, reveals the nature of God's kingdom, where true greatness is found in servitude and humility. This challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power and success. While the world often equates greatness with power and prestige, the birth of Jesus in a lowly manger shows us that God's kingdom operates on a different set of values. Jesus' humble beginnings and His life of service and sacrifice redefine what it means to be truly great. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this upside-down kingdom, where servitude and humility are the hallmarks of true greatness. [10:05]

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." (Mark 10:43-44, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and servitude in your interactions with others today?


Day 3: The Inclusivity of the Gospel
The shepherds, despite their lowly status, are chosen to receive the angelic announcement, illustrating that God's message of salvation is for all people, regardless of social standing. This inclusivity is a hallmark of the gospel. The shepherds, considered lowly by societal standards, are the first to receive the angelic announcement of the Savior's birth. This divine revelation, accompanied by the Shekinah glory, transforms their fear into joy and compels them to share the good news with others. The story of the shepherds reminds us that God's love and salvation are available to everyone, regardless of their background or status. [17:22]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or overlooked? How can you extend God's inclusive love to them today?


Day 4: Fear Not: God's Presence Dispels Fear
The angel's message to the shepherds, "Fear not," is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding us that God's presence and promises dispel fear. In a world filled with uncertainty, this assurance is a source of profound peace. The shepherds' initial fear is transformed into joy and action as they encounter the divine message and presence. This transformation is a powerful reminder that God's presence in our lives can dispel fear and bring peace, even in the midst of uncertainty and challenges. [22:40]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: What fears are you currently facing, and how can you invite God's presence into those areas to bring peace and assurance?


Day 5: Reflecting on God's Work in Our Lives
Mary's pondering of the events surrounding Jesus' birth invites us to reflect deeply on God's work in our lives. Her example encourages us to treasure and meditate on the mysteries of faith, allowing them to shape our understanding and actions. Mary's quiet contemplation of the miraculous events unfolding around her serves as a model for us to pause and reflect on the ways God is at work in our own lives. By taking time to ponder and meditate on God's presence and activity, we can gain a deeper understanding of His purposes and be transformed by His love and grace. [33:24]

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." (Luke 2:19, ESV)

Reflection: What recent event or experience in your life might God be inviting you to ponder and reflect on more deeply? How can this reflection shape your understanding and actions moving forward?

Quotes


And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. [00:01:07]

This story does not begin with the words once upon a time because this is no fairy tale. This is sober history announcing the entrance into this world of our Savior. And so Luke sets his narrative squarely in the context of real history and it came to pass he says, in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [00:06:56]

The second king sits not on a throne but is wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in the manger. This little king is the King of Kings. He rules over the king in Rome, and it's about the eternal king, the Lord God omnipotent, who reigns from the moment of his work of creation to the moment of his work of fulfillment of his cosmos. [00:08:03]

And so the story proximately speaks of an earthly decree that is issued and executed by the emperor in Rome but that emperor in Rome issues this decree that all return to their home cities to be registered for the census in order to be taxed by imperial Rome. This decree is done in obedience to a decree that took place much earlier, even in eternity when God decreed that his son would come into this world to do his work of redemption for his people. [00:09:03]

The entrance of Jesus into this world is against the backdrop of humiliation, no place for him to lay his head. In fact, as an adult he would say the son of man has no place to lay his head he never had a place to lay his head that wasn't borrowed from someone else. And so the cloak of shame and of humiliation is spread across this babe who's wrapped in these rough bandage-like strips of cloth. [00:15:00]

However, at that very moment, when the babe is wrapped in the cloth of humiliation, the Father God is not satisfied that the circumstances of the birth of his son be only in terms of humiliation, but must also be accompanied with exultation, that that shame must be balanced with glory, not in the manger, not in the cave or the stable where they were but on the outskirts of the village. [00:16:17]

And the angel said to them, do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people, for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. [00:02:49]

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven that the shepherds said to one another let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass which the Lord has made known to us. [00:03:26]

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this child, and all those who heard it marveled at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. [00:04:00]

The angel speaks and says the negative prohibition that is the most frequently uttered negative prohibition in the New Testament that comes from on high, fear not. Don't be afraid. It seemed almost in the New Testament record of the life of Jesus that every time he came into the presence of his disciples he instead of saying peace be with you or hello or good morning or good afternoon he would have to say don't be afraid. [00:22:40]

And the shepherds left doing two things, praising God and glorifying him for everything they heard and everything they had seen. That's the lot of the Christian to give glory and honor, dominion, power, and praise. We join the angel saying worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive the fullness of the glory of God. [00:34:50]

Mary kept these things, everything that she saw, everything that she heard, she kept it and pondered it in her heart. Eight days later when she took the child the temple for circumcision she pondered that. When the boy was 12 and confounded the doctors in the temple she pondered that. Every night that she tucked her son into bed she pondered these things and pondered them and pondered them. [00:33:24]

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Transcript
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