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Normal Schedule on Dec 31
Normal Schedule on Dec 31
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Normal Schedule on Jan 3
Normal Schedule on Jan 3
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Caesar Augustus & The Roman Census
The intent of a census was to enroll young men for military service or to aid in taxation of people in the empire. Jews were exempt from military service to the Roman empire, so this was about taxation. This census was taken of the entire Roman world. The Greek word used here (oikoumenē) is simply translated earth/world. This is how the KJV translates it: “that all the world should be taxed.“
- The context always determines the meaning of the word. The context of this census pertains to those whom the Romans ruled over - not the barbarians and other nations the Romans were at war with. The translators of the NIV rightly interpret this as the entire Roman world (*NET & CSB translate this as “empire”) rather than just world as the KJV does.
Caesar Augustus (Gaius Octavius), the 2nd emperor of the Roman Empire, was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. The Roman senate gave Octavius the title ‘Augustus’ in 27 BC and he ruled until AD 14. He was succeeded by Tiberius (Lk 3:1). These are the 2 emperors during the life of Jesus.
- Augustus developed a network of roads that ended up helping in spreading the gospel by Christian missionaries. Augustus declared that he had he found Rome brick and left it marble.
- Augustus also declared his deceased adoptive father - Julius Caesar - to be divine, & referred to himself as ‘son of god’. Upon his death, the Senate declared Augustus a god.
Journey to Bethlehem
Went up. Luke the historian had the topography correct. Due to the height of Bethlehem (2,564 feet above sea level), travelers would go up from Nazareth (1,830 feet above sea level) to Bethlehem even though proceeding south.
We have seen the significance of this family tree of David several times in previous teachings.
700 years before the birth of Jesus, Micah prophesied that an important ruler would be born in Bethlehem.
Birth of the King
The focus of the Christmas story is not on animals or angels, but on the baby - a son. There is reference to cloths and a manger - a feed trough.
- Bethlehem was a small town, not on a trade route, & unlikely to have any hotel near. Joseph was likely expecting to find refuge at a relative’s home, but the guest rooms were already filled. Jesus was likely born in a lower level of his relative’s home.
- Instead, Mary & Joseph would have to rest in the lower part of the house, the place where animals were kept at night.
Ancient 1st Century Home in Judea
Shepherds, Angels, & the Savior
The angel has come to bring good news which will bring joy for all the people who are humble enough to receive it. Jesus was no mere infant. And he’s not just one among many in the family line of King David. The angels made sure the shepherds knew this. The manger was a signpost to the Savior - the Messiah, the Lord. For centuries those who believe the New Testament Scriptures have recognized that answering Who is Jesus? is the most important question one could answer.
Codex Beratinas
Dan Wallace, professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary - an expert in New Testament Greek manuscripts, tells us of a 6th century hand-written Greek copy of the Gospel of Matthew. The parchment is dyed purple - reserved for the Gospels. Every word on this parchment has been carefully written in silver...except for - God, Jesus, Christ [Messiah], & Lord - all in GOLD.
These 6th century Christians believed what the 1st century shepherds believed...what WE should believe...
BIG TRUTH: The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence
Jesus is not just another prophet who speaks for God. Jesus is God who speaks.
Seeing Him & Spreading the Word
The shepherd’s visit encouraged Mary & Joseph. They treasured all the things that happened and thought about them again, and again, and again. The shepherds couldn’t keep silent, because God had come to Earth and the greatest gift is God’s Presence!
He Was Named Jesus
He was named Jesus (Heb. Yeshua), meaning ‘Yahweh is salvation’. The greatest gift, the fulfillment of Scripture, the infinite Creator - was now an infant. The One who would change the course of history weighed less than 10 pounds.
Yeshua = “Yahweh saves” will save His people from sins. THAT’S why Jesus came - to die for you...to save YOU from your sin! When you TRUST HIM...He will forgive you and live inside of you! And that’s the greatest gift!
- If you don’t know Jesus yet…what a great time to meet the King! Turn from your sin & call out to Him! (Rom 10:9-13)
- If you already know Jesus...take your opportunities this Christmas to share Jesus with others & help your young ones be more thankful for Jesus than for Santa & gifts. (Use the discussion questions for more help).
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Take some time to discuss these questions with your family, friends, or group.
- Read Luke 2:3–6. Then read the 700 year old prophecy from Micah 5:2. What is the significance of this prophecy being fulfilled? How does the description in Micah fit the person of Jesus?
- Have you ever heard of Jesus being born in a house or a cave instead of a stable/barn? What is the danger in getting caught up in animals, a stable, or an inn keeper (not mentioned in Scripture)? Why is HOW it happened not as important as THAT it happened?
- What does Codex Beratinas (6th century NT manuscript of Matthew) tell us about how these Christians viewed Jesus? (Remember that all words are written in silver on purple parchment...with the exception of God, Jesus, Christ, Lord - written in GOLD)
- Read Matthew 1:21. Why did Jesus come to earth and what does that say about 1) His love for sinners & 2) His hatred for sin (remember the cross)?
- What are some real-life ways WE can live out the big truth - The Greatest Gift is God’s Presence - throughout this week of Christmas?
