1 Corinthians 7

Title: Relationships: To Be or Not to Be … married

Text: 1 Corinthians 7

Introduction: Ps 119.18

The focus of our study these recent weeks in 1 Corinthians is answering the question: What does a healthy church look like? What are the marks of a healthy church?

Many of you are gardeners. I assume you look at your plants and ask yourself – maybe not out loud, but surely in some fashion – what can I do to make my plants grow, thrive, and produce? If you’re not getting what you think you should, you ask yourself – and probably out loud to the plants – why do you look so bad? Are they not getting the water they need? Are you watering too much? Are you watering the wrong way or at the wrong time? Are there nutrients in the soil? Is some animal or creature hurting these plants, stealing the fruit? If you’re new at gardening, you ask yourself: what are the signs of a healthy plant.

And then, you make a course correction in the way you tend your garden until the plants are healthy and productive.

As we begin the journey through chapter 7, I’d like to answer a couple of questions before you even know to ask them.

1. Let’s begin by looking at verse 1; rd v1; this phrase now concerning, is used a few times over the next couple of chapters to address some questions that were apparently asked of Paul in the letter he received from the Corinthians. v 25.
2. In answering their questions, he will clarify for them the strength of his answers by where the answer comes; Rd v 10a, 12a; 25; 40; when we see this, one wonders does this mean that it isn’t inspired by God; Answer: It is! All Scripture is God-Breathed.
3. Here is another question that might arise as you read his instructions: Was their situation particular to them alone? And, therefore, would that concern us? rd v 26; some have said that their situation (present distress) was particular to them and doesn’t apply to us. I disagree. The situation itself is unique for that moment, for that church; however, the principles of the relationship dynamic would still apply to the universal church. I’ll explain this in greater when we get there.
4. Verse one is a colloquialism used in that day. We still use it today and many like it. Rd v 1; actually, a closer, word for word translation would be: good to a man a woman not to touch. But that isn’t even a literal word-for-word translation: good to a man a woman not to kindle. This word for ‘fire/kindle’ is found also in Acts 28.1-2; The specific teaching was a euphemism used to describe the intimacy between a man and a woman; it appears that there was a ‘false teaching’ going around the church at Corinth that intimacy was wrong, therefore, marriage shouldn’t take place.

Transition: So, Paul answers this question and says… Answer #1:

I. Get Married (2-9)

exp.: rd v 2-5; so, Paul gives a basic outline of what is right between a man and a woman (who are married BTW); in v 6-9 he gives a quick synopsis of v 25-40; There is better and there is best; it is best to remain single, but you don’t have to – and, you’re not in sin if you choose to marry; so, get married;

t.s.: and in v 10, he gives another answer…Answer #2;

II. Stay Married (10-11)

exp.: rd v 10-11; Get married and stay married; even if you separate, remain unmarried because there is always the hope of reconciliation; this word ‘separate’ means divorce; Mt 19.6; what God has joined together, let no man separate; and Rom 8.35ff; Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

app.: So, don’t divorce (and you know what God thinks about Divorce – Mal 2.16 – He hates it), but if it happens – don’t marry someone else (because technically you’re still married); Mt 5.31-32; why is it adultery? Because she or he is still married!

Ill.: Bro. Don used an example years ago: An epoxy is created when you combine two separate compounds to form one. There is the epoxy resin and a 2^nd compound, a hardener. Typically, these two compounds are stored in separate containers. Two tubes, when I was a kid. Today, you might find them in two separate syringes that join together when you press the syringes.

The mixing of the compounds forms a chemical reaction between the two separate pieces – which bind them together. The epoxy is so strong after this chemical reaction, that to break it, you damage both two pieces. Parts of both pieces splinter and remain with the other.

You may say, Oh, I’ve separated these two pieces, but the reality is that they’ve still parts of each one joined together with the other!

Ill.: one more – just for fun. Consider the difference between relationship and fellowship. Many of us have relationships through birth and marriage. You say that person is in my family. So, that is the relationship you have with that family member. For me, it is my biological mother. I never really knew here. But she was still my ‘mother’. As for fellowship – there was none. Relationship vs. Fellowship.

There is a man I know and love, from a church I used to serve in. As a new pastor, we were driving down the road in our small town and there was a man who looked exactly like my friend. We looked at him and he looked at us. No response. No Hello, no wave of the hand, no smile. Nothing. Nothing more than if you were in your front yard and watched a bird fly from one limb to another. I was like, “Dude, that man looks just like you!” He said, “yeah, he’s my brother.” Turns out, that was his relationship. But come to find out and it was that way the whole time I lived there. They didn’t speak. Relationship vs. Fellowship.

You can get divorced. You can never speak to each other again, but you’re still married.

t.s.: So Get Married and Stay Married; The 3^rd answer he gives is…

III. Work on your Marriage (12-16)

exp.: rd v 12-13; don’t simply leave a spouse because they are non-believers; stick with it and work on that marriage; rd v 14; your godly life will impact theirs; who knows but that they might get saved! Your children need that godly influence, too. Now, I wish to address what Paul is talking about culturally:

1. Arranged marriages
2. A spouse becomes a believer in the course of time
3. He’s not talking about a believer marrying a non-believer. 2 Cor 6.14;

app.: in their society and culture, as in ours, divorce came easily; Paul was saying, stay and work on your marriage; w/ God, there is always hope.

t.s.: Now, I’d like to skip v 17-24 for a moment and move to Paul’s 4^th answer:

IV. Some should not marry (25-40)

exp.: rd v 25; before we look at his specific answer, I think it is important to gain an understanding of the Gk culture; two separate philosophies:

• The Ascetics – this guy is a monk; he denies himself all worldly pleasures; the 2^nd group…
• The Epicureans – taught that it was fine to feed your physical desires because the physical didn’t touch the spiritual. Paul wants to refute both ideas; rd v 26; so now Paul gives us the 4^th answer: Some should not marry. But, why? He gives them 4 reasons:

1. The Present Distress (26); Evidently, there was a present struggle in their society. Paul was saying It’s easier when you’re alone (Ecc 4.9-12); rd v 27; if you’re not married, don’t seek to be, but if you are, don’t try to get out of it; now he gives us the 2^nd reason for some not to marry; rd v 28;
2. Worldly Troubles (28); simply put, I want to spare you that; and quickly, he gives a 3^rd reason; rd v 29;
3. Time is Short (29-31); there are two words in the Gk for time:
   1. Chronos – Chronology; deals with a period or duration of time;
   2. Kairos – deals with a specific time, or as the ESV translates it – an appointed time; Life is short and the appointed time of Christ’s return is very soon. He continues; rd v 30-31. This present world is passing away, and in v 32-34a he gives the 4^th reason;
4. Because of the Preoccupation involved in Marriage and Family; rd v 23-34a;

Conclusion: I’d like to return to v 17-24; rd 17-24; I think this hits home for us!

• Don’t always be trying to change your present circumstances; be content in where you are!
• Don’t try to rid yourself of your Jewish marks or to gain them; Be content with who you are!
• Don’t try to escape your responsibilities or even change them, but if God opens up the opportunity, by all means, avail yourselves of them. Be content with how you are doing!
• Your 1st responsibility is to God (23) and His glory! And that is in your marriage, in your job, in your life. Be Content in God!

But you might ask: How can I bring glory to God now? I’ve messed up so many times in the past? Answer: Grace. If you’re sitting here this morning or watching via the stream, understand that we’re all sinners and we all need God’s grace. Your failures, my failures, your sin, my sin, your rebellion and my rebellion are real. It all needs the grace of God.

I worry that too many folks will just get down because of their past. That isn’t the point. The point is grace and forgiveness! So, you didn’t do things right in the past. Too many folks let that be their focal point. You don’t have to stay there in the past – repent and ask God for forgiveness.

1. God will be glorified through our successes and failures. I prefer it be my successes, but my failures prove him right, too! Here is the concept of repentance: repentance is simply acknowledging that God is right, and I was wrong.
2. Maybe there is some repentance that needs to take place. The beauty of a bad situation is mercy. In God’s infinite mercy, he has provided a way for us to experience forgiveness and mercy through our repentance – the turning away from our sin.

Father, I haven’t done things the way you’ve designed. I’ve made decisions that showed I was really lord of my life. Please forgive me.

If you have already done this… trust in what God says: ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Finally, I want to say a word about what happened in Uvalde this past week. 22 people dead at the hands of a sick individual. In Luke 13.1, Jesus was confronted about a tragedy that took place in his time. 13 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ² And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way? ³ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. ⁴ Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? ⁵ No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

First, this isn’t a ‘how-to’ on addressing people who are going through such a tragedy. Jesus isn’t speaking to the victims or those who suffered a loss in the tower falling. He’s addressing people who are critical of those victims. You see they assumed that those people suffered because they had sinned. The reality of sin is that it doesn’t just affect the sinner, but it affects all of us. I sin and you’re affected.

Do you remember in John 9, the disciples asked Jesus of the blind man: who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus said neither, but that God’s glory might be displayed in him.

The tower didn’t fall on these people because they were worse sinners than others. And those Galileans didn’t die horrible deaths because they were worse sinners than other Galileans.

But here is the lesson: 1. Everyone is a sinner, and none is any worse or any better than any other. 2. Everyone dies and no one really knows when or where or how it will be. Some people die young and some die old. But everyone dies. Therefore, Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to call for repentance because we’re all sinners in need of forgiveness. And then we should live our lives for God – for His Glory!

In reference to Uvalde, some of you may be asking what can you do? Alto Frio needs folks to volunteer every day to help care for the ~150 Law Enforcement officers from around the state who are serving in the Uvalde Area. And the 25 or so members from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association working in Uvalde. Alto Frio needs workers, money, and items. Call Kim St. Clair at 830-834-9210 and see how you can volunteer.

There is also a place online at altofrio.com where you can donate. http://www.altofrio.com

I got word this weekend that some folks from Tarpley Baptist drove over Friday and volunteered to get the camp ready to receive those officers and workers from Billy Graham’s Center.

Whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all for the glory of God in your life.

Meeting the Messiah

Title: Meeting the Messiah!

Text: Luke 19

Introduction: Ps 119.18; The C2C Journey; Luke 19

This story matches or compliments the previous story – The story of Blind Bartimaeus (18.35); balance; one both sides of the town of Jericho; one is oppressed and the other is an oppressor. Both show us that money isn’t what is truly longed for – not really. Both are not friends with the crowd. Bartimaeus is asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus doesn’t say, make me rich! He wants to see. His blindness isn’t something that money can fix. Zacchaeus is in a similar situation, but he doesn’t even know that money isn’t what he wants. But once he finds what he wasn’t even looking for, he starts giving his money away.

Our text (19.1-10) is presented in a chiastic structure;

           A. Jesus Enters and passes through Jericho (on mission to Jerusalem)

                        B. Zacchaeus – money for himself

                                    C. The crowd is hostile

                                                D. Climbing up the tree

                                                            E. Jesus – a kind, loving act

                                                D. Climbing down the tree

                                    C. The crowd is angry

                        B. Zacchaeus – money for others

            A. Jesus – His mission and purpose

I’d like to present this story in 3 separate scenes:

            Scene 1: Leaving Jericho (1-4)

            Scene 2: Under the Sycamore (5-7)

            Scene 3: At Zach’s (8-10)

Transition: Let’s take a look at this opening Scene

Scene One: Leaving Jericho. (1-4) An introduction to our characters; rd 19.1-2a; two characters;

• Jesus – enters and is ‘passing through’; this will be important;
• Zacchaeus – rd v 2b; lit.: he was a ruling (arch) tax collector and he was rich. Despised by the Jews; traitor, Tax Collectors & sinners in the NT and Rabbinic literature. a tax collector could charge whatever tax he wanted. He was responsible to charge so much to be sent to the government (king, emperor) and anything extra was his pay, so he could charge as much as he wanted. The trickle-down effect.

So, Jesus has come to Jericho, but he doesn’t stop in the city, but passes on through. This has got to be a real let-down for the people. Zacchaeus knows his moment to Jesus is quickly passing by – literally!

His Situation: rd v 3; He was seeking to see; Jesus; but he had a problem and his problem is 2-fold:

• 1^st, he was small in stature; lit.; his stature was micros;
• 2^nd, and most important, the crowd wouldn’t let him see Jesus; 1^st Century, Middle Eastern Culture demanded that the respected be treated as such and a way be made. A special place at the parade, as it were. A Review Stand. But Zacchaeus wasn’t respected. He was despised and hated. So, he was crowded out.

Ill.: all of us have something about ourselves that bother us. There is usually something about us that we’d like to change. A person who is smaller in stature is sometimes – made to feel – well, picked on. It shouldn’t be that way, but mean people pick on people of all sorts. They just do – that’s what bullies do. Example: The song Short People. Do you Remember Randy Newman’s Song? The back lash he got from the public pushed him to a point where he came to hate the song. Maryland’s Delegate Isaiah Dixon introduced legislation to make it illegal to play Short People back in 1978.

My brother Jerry was short. By the time he got to middle school, he would ask who the toughest kid was in the school. Usually by lunch, he would pick a fight with that guy and give him the fight of his life. That usually would give him a title of respect. Yeah, he may be short, but he’s scrappy. Don’t mess with him.

I’ll never forget Mrs. Sue Brown in Copperas Cove. I hurt her feelings. She refused to stand on the front row in the choir loft, in spite of the fact that she was the shortest person in the choir. Sometimes you couldn’t even see her on the 2nd row. For sure, it was harder to hear her. Once, when solos were handed out, someone asked why I didn’t think to give Ms. Sue a solo. She was certainly capable. I answered back that I didn’t give it to her because she was too short. I knew what I meant by that, but she didn’t Her feelings were hurt. What did her height have to do with her being able to sing. Well, my point was that no one would hear her because she was hidden by the people in front of her. Simply put, her voice wouldn’t carry over their shoulders. I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings, but her stature was a touchy subject. I’m forever grateful that she didn’t let that fester, but instead came to talk to me about it.

Money had given Zacchaeus a lot of things, but respect wasn’t one of them.

He Didn’t let His Situation Stop Him – He Overcame these Obstacles; How? You ready for this? Two Actions:

• 1^st, He didn’t focus on his problem. He placed his focus on Jesus. He could have sat back and cried. I’m too short, no one likes me! But instead, he wanted to see Jesus! So, rd v 4; He did two things immediately: He ran ahead, he climbed a sycamore tree; Not much info for us modern day Americans, but for a Jewish Man in the 1^st Century, this sentence tells us a lot.
• 2^nd, He Humbled himself; really, he became undignified; Ken Bailey:  Middle Eastern adults do not run in public if they wish to avoid public shame.

ill.: The father of the prodigal son; furthermore, they don’t climb trees.

ill.: Ken Bailey tells us more in his comments on this verse about Sycamore Trees of the Middle East, that they have dense foliage and large leaves. In order to avoid being seen, it was the perfect place for Zacchaeus to hide from the crowd, but still be able to see Jesus. Bailey writes: Sycamore fig trees have large leaves and low branches. One can climb into them easily and just as easily hide among their thickly cluster broad leaves. Both of these features were important to Zacchaeus. (Literature records these particular trees, Jericho and Sycamore, were used as beams to hold up roofs) Additionally, such trees were only allowed some distance from town (75ft or more; practical? I have a Magnolia Tree). Zacchaeus chose to climb a tree growing outside of Jericho, assuming the crowd would have dispersed (or at least thinned) by the time Jesus reached the tree.

The Reason for this being so far away? Because of the possibility of being ceremonially unclean; P 178;

This tells us something else; Zacchaeus outside of town waiting because Jesus had spurned the people’s reception and decided not to be hosted by any of them. He has made his way through town and had left Jericho… just to find Zacchaeus. Now, it’s probably no big deal to you that Jesus saw Zach in the tree. He was probably kind of hidden. But, here’s the big question: how did Jesus know his name?

Scene Two: The Sycamore Tree (5-6)

rd v 5;

• Zacchaeus: He knows your name, too.; you’re not anonymous here today; Oh, maybe to us! But not to Jesus! Rd 5b;
• Hurry up, Come Down – I like this little play on words (hurry up & come down); playful, fun; I wonder if this lets us in on the fun side of the Messiah’s personality that we often miss. His response… he hurried down; He joyfully received him (into his house);
• I’m going to your house. σήμερον γὰρ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου δεῖ με μεῖναι. Implied: not theirs.

And how do they respond? Rd v 7; they grumbled. I wonder if even one thought: cool! What do they do? The lash out. Why is it that when we’re hurt, we lash out at others – especially those we don’t like! A couple of reasons:

1^st, I think they feel a little slap in the face (they feel slighted?). Do you honestly think Jesus snubbed them to be mean? NO! I wonder why we don’t often rejoice at others’ blessings and successes. Why can’t we just be happy for someone else’ blessings?

2^nd, They’re also being judgmental! Remember the tree – it would be unclean, so is Zacchaeus and his house. He was Obedient – hurried, came down, received him; joyfully; that means he received him into his house. And he throws a party. Well, who is going to come? Probably not the grumblers! Probably other Tax Collectors and Sinners like himself!

Scene Three: at the house of Zacchaeus. (7-10)

            Rd v 8; Have you ever noticed that so many stories in the Bible told by Jesus don’t have an ending?

• What happens to the blind beggar in the previous chapter? He’s healed and can see, but what did he do after he went home?
• Did the older brother eventually go into the house w/ the father and celebrate his little brother’s return?
• And, what about the prodigal son? He came home, but what did he do on the next morning? Did he live a changed life?
• Did the man who was rescued from the road by the good Samaritan leave the hotel a changed man, having been the recipient of grace and mercy?
• What about the 10 lepers? All were healed and only one returned to say thank you, but what about the other 9? They didn’t return to say thanks to Jesus, but what about a changed life? How did they live after they got home?

Luke tells us in this story about a commitment to make amends; This story isn’t in Matthew or Mark; We don’t have time to break this all down, what it all means, but Jesus tells us; rd v 9; Salvation has come! And how do you know, because of a changed life! Salvation has come! Passive voice; it’s not something Zacchaeus has done, or even will do. It’s not because he’s giving back what he’s robbed or because he’s now choosing to be charitable. Rd v 10; What a great reminder – the story isn’t about Zacchaeus. It’s about Jesus! And we’re given a reminder of His purpose: to seek and to save the lost.

What can we gather from this story and apply to our lives: three Principles and three Imperatives…

1. Focus on Jesus, not your problems

2. Humble Yourself (It’s really difficult to not do number two while doing number one.)

3. Respond to the Invitation of Jesus. Q.: When was the last time you threw a party for Jesus and invited all of your lost friends just to invite them to meet him? Ill.: Time I went to UT Tyler (Chinese)

Three Imperatives:

1^st, Demonstrate your Repentance: a changed life. If you’ve not done so, now is your chance. If there is sin in your life. Stop doing what you’re not supposed to be doing and start doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Period.

2^nd, Live w/ No Regrets: Don’t live w/ the regrets of yesterday. We’ve all made poor decisions, bad decisions that have hurt us and others around us. Where you can, go back to those people and ask for forgiveness. Payback what was stolen or taken. It’ll be hard but make amends where you can. Where you can’t, ask for forgiveness. But don’t live w/ regrets!

– Do you know why you shouldn’t live w/ regrets? Everything from your past makes you who you are! Don’t regret your mistakes but learn from them. It helps you acknowledge you’re weak and you need Jesus! A rod to measure how: repent as publicly or privately as you sinned. Which is the 3^rd requirement here…

3^rd, No Repeats: Just because you made poor decisions when you were younger, doesn’t mean you have to keep making them! Someone posted a statement by Paul Washer: He asked when is the best time to plant an Apple Tree? Answer: 30 years ago. Question: When is the 2^nd best time to plant an apple tree? Today! Sure, it would have been better if you had made some changes 30 years ago. But if you didn’t, don’t keep making the same mistakes. Plant new seeds today! Make the change! That’s what repentance is! Do you remember v 9; Salvation has come? Remember: Salvation isn’t earned, it’s simply expressed. Finally, don’t forget the purpose Jesus had; rd v 10; And so it is w/ us; You may say, but Fred, you don’t know how bad I was… Listen to Rick Warren: Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid. That is quite a variety of misfits, but God used each of them in his service. He will use you too if you stop making excuses.

Easter: Hope vs. Hopelessness

Title: Hope vs. Hopelessness

Text: Luke 24.13-35

CIT: Two men who had followed Christ headed home after the events of the weekend. They were confused about all they had heard and experienced. But, an encounter with Christ changed it all.

Introduction: We’re in Luke 24.13-35.

This past week Al Kaline passed away. “Mr. Tiger”, as he was known, was 85. 22 years with the same team – the Detroit Tigers. I look at his life in baseball and wonder where all of the heroes have gone. I miss the days of solid play, where men joined a team and stayed for a career. I miss the days where money wasn’t the driving force and fans were. I miss men like Al Kaline who, as was written about him: when he came up to shake your hand, even though he was the star, he made you feel like it was you who was most important.

Did you see that Linda Tripp, the former White House whistle-blower, who recorded conversations with Monica Lewinski passed away on Wednesday? She was only 70 years old.

Shirley Douglas, Kiefer Southerland’s mom, passed away this past week.

Bill Withers, singer, songwriter, passed away the week before: he wrote and recorded “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Lean on Me,”

And Kenny Rogers passed away the week before that. I remember as a little kid, my dad had an 8-track of Kenny Rogers and the 1^st edition.

When we lived in Tyler, there was a woman who lived about 12-15 miles away from us in Jacksonville, TX. She was one of the oldest living people in the world at 116 years old. So, I followed the list closely, watching as she moved up the list to become the oldest living person.

Every so often I’d check the list. One such lady who held that record was Misao Okawa, of Japan. Show pic: I think she was the last person to be born in the 1800s! What struck me about her was a comment she made at her last birthday: She commented that her life seemed rather short. What! If 117 years is ‘rather short’, what hope do most all of us have! Think about this: if God told you today that you were going to die in the next few minutes, would you think to yourself: wow, that went by really fast?

Emily Phillips, someone I’m sure you’ve never heard of, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Knowing that she was dying, she decided to write her own obituary. She wrote: So…I was born; I blinked, and it was over. Talk about hopeless… BTW: she was 69 years old.

I want to spend the rest of the morning talking to you about hope in the midst of what appears to be hopeless.

Where there is hope vs. where there is hopelessness

Life has a way of squeezing hope out of us. People betray us and let us down. The loss of a job; the fracture of a relationship; the despair from crushing news brought by a doctor; the disappointment we bring to ourselves…I never thought I’d find myself here. Gary Inrig: In any situation in life, Hope is like Oxygen to the soul, but hopelessness is like leukemia to the spirit.

That’s what Resurrection Sunday is all about: hope. It is a day that reminds us that there is hope. Despite all that may attack us, despite what may happen in the course of this life, there is hope.

Now, when we get to our text, we find a group of hopeless people. Many of them had given up the last three years to walk with Christ and learn from him. So, someone they loved had died, but there was more: their hope was that he indeed had been the long-awaited Messiah. And, now that hope had faded…

We pick up in our text, Luke 24, in verse 13: rd

But we had hoped… let those words ring in your ears for just a moment. My guess is that every single member of this tiny group of disciples believed Jesus was dead. They knew it. Not one of them believed he was alive after many of them had witnessed his death and burial.

When I think about Peter and his despair, how he ran away and wept. Friday must have been the worst day of his life, as he saw it. It was probably that way for all of them! Saturday was probably the longest day of their lives as they waited in silence and secret, for fear of what would happen to them. I don’t imagine Sunday was anything they were very excited about.

Think about this: why were the ladies on their way to the tomb that morning? It was to give Jesus a proper burial. Because back a couple of days, the Sabbath was upon them, they ran out of time. Two men buried Jesus. It was a hasty burial. The women were coming to do it right. This group, called his disciples, was hopeless. Jesus was executed – the death of a criminal – he was dead and buried. Their expectations would be the same as yours and mine – that a dead body would do what a dead body does: lay there and rot. Rd 21b; and now it’s been three days – he’s dead.

I’m sure this was tough on them. I’m not sure how you get over something like this. Peter had betrayed Jesus with his denial. They all had fled when Jesus was arrested. Some, though, appear to be doing their best to move on – to put this behind them: It’s over. Let’s go home. Geographically, Jerusalem is to their backs. Metaphorically, the events of Jerusalem are behind them. They’re talking about all that was to be. What happened? It was just a week ago that the whole city was in an uproar, welcoming him, laying out palms on his pathway and crying out, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We thought: this is it! It’s finally going to happen. Where did it all go wrong? How could things change so quickly!

Then, as they’re walking and talking – remembering – a stranger happens along. No big deal, many would have been traveling home after the Passover Celebration. Somehow though, they didn’t recognize this stranger. Their eyes were ‘kept’ from seeing him (16). The way it’s written here, it sounds as if this was God’s doing.

Now, you might be asking, how is this possible?

Ill.: When I was in Cotulla, I organized a youth choir. We were tiny – not really a choir at all. But I had a friend who was taking his youth to Florida on a long Choir tour/Mission Trip. My few grew into a big choir! There was only one problem. I had classes at seminary that interfered with the tour. My pastor was in full support of my schooling and felt I should get everything organized and send them off. Lisa was going to go with them. So, I did. Then I went back to school in Ft. Worth.

During the first few days on their journey, my adults noticed that they were being mistreated. They got all of the ‘dirty jobs’, the harder meals to prepare and clean up. The other group was getting preferential treatment. As it was, I had no classes the next day and only one on the day after that. I was sad that I couldn’t be there. One of the sponsors decided to buy me a ticket if I could come. Lisa asked and I said yes. Tickets were purchased and no one knew I was coming except my wife and this one chaperone. They wanted it to be a surprise. And a surprise it was!

I remember the flight. It was the first time I saw Pacman in a field. I landed and Lisa and this chaperone, Linda, were there to pick me up. We were in Tallahassee/Crawfordville, Fl. They took me back to the church were our kids were in downtime. The church we were staying at has a swimming pool and gym. Pretty cool. Anyway, I walked into the gym and saw a group of men and teens playing basketball. They were from that church and I didn’t know them. My kids were all out playing in the pool. About that time, Donna Van Cleve, a mother of a couple of youth and one of my chaperones, walked into the gym. She saw me standing there with Lisa and Linda, but she didn’t recognize me. She figured I was one of the men from that church. I couldn’t believe that she didn’t say anything to me. So, I walked over to her and stood beside her watching the game. She just continued watching the game. So, I got closer and closer until I actually touched her shoulder to shoulder. She moved away and looked up to see who this creep was invading her space.

I’ll never forget her reaction. It was priceless. But, I’ll also never forget that she looked right at me and didn’t even recognize me. She said later that she was standing there thinking about me – that if I were there, I’d be playing basketball with those guys. That’s funny, I was on her mind, she saw me with her eyes, but didn’t even recognize me.

App.: I guess it was because she didn’t figure I should be there. That’s what’s going on with these guys: they thought Jesus was dead. They never expected him to be there.

Now, this stranger asks them what they’re talking about. What are you guys talking about as you walk along? The Gk here is so descriptive. Most literally, what words are you tossing back and forth between the two of you as you walk along? It’s kind of playful. Upbeat.

But they are not as he. The text actually tells us that they stop and standstill. Read v 17; And they stood still, looking sad. They actually stop walking. And they’re blown away that someone could be coming out of Jerusalem and not know what has been happening. Cleopas breaks the momentary silence with a question that I imagine he asks incredulously: rd v 18 Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And Jesus answers: what things?

Are you serious?!? What things? Jesus said, Lit.: Things?

“Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him.

But there is more: rd 21-24;

If your taking notes this morning, I’ve come to my first point: Hopelessness comes when you are confused.

 

I.     Hopelessness comes when you are confused (22-24)

exp.: Hopelessness comes when you can’t make sense of your situation. That’s how these guys were. You know, it’s the same today: many are confused over the empty tomb. It doesn’t make sense to them. Here’s the situation: There was an execution. He was dead and buried. But today, the tomb is empty – there is no corpse.

They actually tell us why they’re confused. They don’t know this, but we can see it now. It’s because they don’t understand who Christ really is. To them, he is: (rd v 19)

•             Jesus, a Jewish name
•             Nazareth, from a town around Galilee
•             A man – just a simple man, who did great things
•             A prophet – mighty in deed and in word
•             But he was condemned and put to death

Yes, they’re confused because they didn’t really know who he was.

2^nd, they’re confused because they didn’t really understand what he came to do. They said, ²¹ But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. What they say is right, but their understanding of what it means is different. They are thinking from a human, earthly standpoint. Yes, he’s come to set them free – but not from the Romans, but rather from their sins.

I’ve got to stop here and make an application: could it be that many are confused today because they’ve misunderstood the purpose for which Jesus came? Maybe you’re there today? Maybe you’ve thought that giving your life to Jesus meant that he was going to make everything perfect in your life. You’d never get sick, you’d always have enough money, you’d always prosper in all you do. No! The purpose of Christ’s coming to this earth wasn’t so you’d be healthy, wealthy and prosperous in the physical sense. He came to make atonement for your sin. And not your sin only, but for the sins of the world.

He then speaks to them in v 25; rd v 25-27;

He then takes them methodically through the O.T. and reveals to them just how this was all supposed to happen; rd Ps 22.1-18; Isaiah 52.13-53.12; It is as if these two men were eyewitnesses to the crucifixion. It’s like they were sitting there at the foot of the cross, watching and listening in.

Rd 28-29; the time has passed quickly as they’ve walked together on their way. Jesus has opened the Scriptures to them and explained to them how it is that this has been God’s plan from the beginning. They ask him to stay:

1. Because it’s practical – the day is far spent, if you keep going, you’ll be out on the road after dark
2. Because it’s personal – there is nothing like the excitement of someone who knows what he is talking about.

ill.: There are certain scholars I have experienced this with. #1 David Helm. David has a mind for the deep things of God but uses a vocabulary for us simple folk. He has a gift for communicating clearly and concisely. I sat under his teaching and was amazed that his hour was up. It felt so short. R. Kent Hughes is another man like that. These men explain things and I’m like: why didn’t I see that?

That’s probably what has happened here: they want to spend a little more time with this stranger. I say this because there is something unusual about the setup; rd v 30; The Jewish custom was pretty particular about this: the man of the house was given this responsibility. He would lead his family in this manner. For some reason, unknown to us, Jesus performs this duty. Rd v 31;

I wonder what it was exactly that caused this.

• Did he say something in Hebrew to begin the meal, something they had heard before or something with which they were familiar?

• Was it simply the way he said it, the way they had heard him say it before?
• Or, was it the way he broke the bread as he spoke?
• Or, did they see the wounds in his hands?
• Or, was it simply as the Scripture records: ³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Before, they were kept from recognizing him. Now, their eyes are opened.

I don’t know the answer to that, I only know their eyes were opened – and they knew. It’s him! It’s Jesus!

And the passage reads in v. 31: And he vanished from their sight.

t.s.: I told you point #1 is Hopelessness comes when you are confused. Here is Point #2

II.    Hope comes when it all finally makes sense (31-35)

exp.: like these guys, I don’t know what that will be for you. Maybe you’ll finally understand his purpose. Maybe for the first time, Scripture will make sense. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll see him for who He is – The one sent to die for your sins.

ill.: I guess it should be too amazing to me that the Empty Tomb didn’t confirm for these guys that Jesus rose from the dead. The disciples began to think of physical possibilities. Mary: They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. And again: “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” The Pharisees, too: The disciples have stolen the body.

Maybe, you’re like Thomas, who said that it was just too much for him to understand. Unless he could see the hands with the nail wounds and the whole in his side that he would not believe.

For these people, it has to make sense physically. But, maybe, just maybe, something is happening to you like happened to these two disciples, Cleopas and his friend. Rd v 32: ³² They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

I love what happens next: rd v 33-35; They got there, I’m guessing with the hope of telling everyone, but boom: they got upstaged! “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Isn’t that just like Simon Peter!

I love the logical reasoning behind the understanding that Jesus rose from the dead. William Lane Craig outlines them in his Paper – Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We see them in this text:

1. First of all, there is an Execution that takes place. rd 19-21; He died.
2. 2ndly, there is the Empty tomb. We see this in 22-25; pretty simple and straight forward. There is so much work that has been done on the historical accuracy of the resurrection. There are so many non-biblical accounts that verify the resurrection.
3. 3rdly we have the Eye-witness accounts, the resurrection appearances. We see this in 33-35; It’s more than just an empty tomb – there are verifiable witnesses to a resurrected Jesus. As Luke says in Acts 1.3: ³ He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4. 4thly, we have the Explosion of growth through the early church. What would cause 3,000 men to get saved at a fisherman’s preaching? What would cause 2,000 more in another time of preaching? I love what Paul said to Agrippa and Festus in Acts 26.24-26

²⁴ And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” ²⁵ But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. ²⁶ For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.

The early church exploded because they were eyewitnesses to these accounts of an empty tomb and his appearances.

I think this is summed up best by an orthodox Jewish Rabbi, who by the way, believes in the resurrection, but denies Jesus as the Messiah. He believes God raised Jesus because of the incredible injustice done to him by his enemies and his followers alike. Pinchas Lapide writes: When the scared, frightened band of the apostles which was just about to throw away everything in order to flee in despair to Galilee; when these peasants, shepherds, and fishermen, who betrayed and denied their master and then failed him miserably, suddenly could be changed overnight into a confident mission society, convinced of salvation and able to work with much more success after Easter than before Easter, then no vision or hallucination is sufficient to explain such a revolutionary transformation.

Source: William Lane Craig – Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

**Show next screen: execution, empty tomb, eye witnesses, explosion…

Conclusion: Let me ask you this morning: Where is your hope? Do you have hope? Do you understand that your life is like a vapor of steam that appears for just a moment? You are born, you blink, and boom, it’s over! As I talk about these things this morning, is there more confusion than confidence? Is your heart burning within you – is that the best way to describe it? Is there something going on and you don’t even understand it, but you know – for the 1^st time or maybe the 1^st time in a long time that you know – you really know Jesus died to pay the penalty for your sins, that he was buried in a borrowed tomb and that three days later he rose from the dead and is alive today! I want to encourage you to do the same thing: to rise up at this moment. Reach out to us via tarpleybaptistchurch@gmail.com…

Luke 2.8-20

Title: The Shepherds’ Story

Text: Luke 2.8-20

 

Introduction: Ps 119.18… Lord, open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of your Law. Amen

Read the traditional story; Lk 2.8-20; though there are many characters in this story, and the most important character is Christ, this little section, this pericope is framed and hemmed in with the Shepherds (v 8, 20);

You see my Title: I’d like to look at their story, Last week we looked at the Wise Men (Magi) as shared by Matthew. Luke chooses to tell us of a different group of people. Whereas the Magi were prominent, probably wealthy foreigners – servants to the King; these shepherds represent the poor and socially outcast. So, first, I want to answer some questions about who they were and what they were doing. 2^nd, I want to explain their experience concerning the sign they were given by the Angel. And 3^rd, We’ll look at what they found when they followed their curiosity, believing what the Angel had proclaimed.

I.     The Shepherds (8-11)

exp.:

• Who were they?
  • The lowest class of people – socio-economically – like I mentioned earlier, the polar opposite of the Magi; consider the Magi entering into Jerusalem. They get entrance to the king. The Shepherds? I don’t think they would have an audience with the King. The Magi – well dressed and having an entourage. The Shepherds? Probably dirty and surrounded by sheep! But here’s a similarity for you: the Magi were foreigners. And so probably, too, were the Shepherds. I honestly never thought that through – I always just assumed the Shepherds were from Israel. Let me show you in the text.
• Where were they from? Rd v 8a; In the same region; does that mean that they weren’t normally from that region, they just happen to be there? Isaiah 60.1-7; Jeremiah 49.28; Genesis 25.13;
• What are they doing? Rd v 8b; most literally: watching watches; ill.: isn’t that how it is when you work all night long? Working in the fields w/ their sheep,
• What did they see? Rd v 9; An angel of the Lord; appeared; 21x’s in NT; All by Luke except Paul uses it three times; 1 Thess 5.3 – in the return of Christ; there is a sense of suddenness, catching one off guard; So, there, the shepherds are, minding their own business, and shoomp, there’s an angel standing there; but there’s something accompanying the angel which adds to the scene – what is it? Rd 9b: God’s Glory; No wonder they were sore afraid; lit.: they feared a great fear; Think Peter, John, Isaiah; read v 10-11; Wow! What a message! Rd v 12 a;

t.s.: this is our 2^nd point this morning… the way the Shepherds would know what the Angel said was true is that there would be a sign for them.

II.    The Sign (12-15)

exp.: rd v 12; Isa 7.14 told us to look for this: ¹⁴ Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. The context in Isaiah would lead someone to think that he’s talking about his own son (as mentioned in Isa. 8), but we come back to the promised son in 9; Why would the Shepherds need a sign? To help us understand this, let’s look at the sign.

1^st, a baby: how many were in Bethlehem? When Cameron was born, he was the only baby born that day. There was another baby there who had been born the night before. And, when we left, there was another lady walking around ready to deliver… New Braunfels has more than 100,000 people in that vicinity – maybe more. I’m guessing in Bethlehem, a newborn baby would have been easy to find.

2^nd, wrapped in swaddling clothes; this word, here in the Gk, is a word derived from the Gk word meaning strip, as in a strip of cloth; further, that word is a derivative of the word σπαράσσω [sparasso /spar·as·so/] v. Prolongation from spairo (meaning “to grasp”, apparently strengthened from 4685 through the idea of spasmodic contraction); the picture this word creates is a cloth contracted tightly around the baby. One of my elders in Tyler said their family calls this: a baby burrito! What a great description! The 1^st part of this sign is you’ll find a burrito baby.

In Ken Bailey’s book, he said the angel anticipated their anxiety and told them not to be afraid: The angels anticipated this anxiety (remember, they feared a great fear) and told the shepherds they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes (which was what peasants, like shepherds, did with their newly born children). But there is a third part to this sign – rd 2.12 – lying in a manger;

            3^rd, Lying in a manger

app.: this is their sign – a baby tightly wrapped in a strip of cloth, lying in a manger; And then, all of the sudden, there was with the angel… rd v 13-14;

t.s.: Now, rd v 15; and that brings us to this last part… the scene

III.   The Scene (16-20)

exp.: rd v 16; 1^st we note how they went with haste; 2ndly, we note they find, found; rd v12; they found the baby, just as the angel had said; lying in a manger.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Excursus: I’d like to take a moment and revisit our Bible Study from Wednesday night – when we looked at the passage just before this one (2.1-7). The Scripture says in these first 7 verses that:

1^st of all, this most likely wasn’t in a barn and it wasn’t in a cave. It was probably all taking place in a house in Bethlehem. These ideas of Mary’s abandonment and struggle come from tradition – not from Scripture. The most likely source is a story written around 200 AD (cf. Bailey). Luke 2.6 clarifies that they had been in Bethlehem when Mary went into labor.  Rd 2.6

2^nd, there was no inn. Inn is a very poor translation and probably has just kept being used by new translations because it really messes up the traditional story. It isn’t wrong per se, just there is a better word in English that we could use here. The word used here is translated more closely as a “guest room”. Let me show you what I mean:

• Most houses were one-room – those homes of common people were one room: consider Lk 13.5
• 2^nd, these homes would house their animals, too. Most people didn’t have barns. The Parable of the Wealthy Fool describes a man who built storehouses – not barns. A barn is really a western idea.
• Kataluma κατάλυμα; Mk 14.14; Luke 22.11; wealthier folks had a 2^nd room – a guest room. For the wealthiest, it would oftentimes be on top – like a 2^nd floor – which is what we find at the Last Supper; Luke 22.12
• The word ‘room’ in 2.7 means space; there is no room on the table.
• Added to this: Luke has a story about an Inn and an Innkeeper; Luke 10.34 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan. If Luke meant an inn, why didn’t he use that word?

 

exp.: I’d like to demonstrate for you what a typical house might look like. When we understand, other passages become clearer. For example, Judges 11.29-40; Jephthah; It never crossed his mind that a person would come out of the door! He thought it would be a goat or a cow or some other animal that was housed up! In the story of the Magi, when they get to Bethlehem, where do they find the Messiah they’ve been seeking: And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.

Apologies: listen, I know this is kind of strange – after all of the years you’ve probably had visions of Mary all alone and crying in a dark alley, Joseph taking her to some barn to deliver her baby because she’s been rejected by the people of Bethlehem – that’s all great staging for storytelling, but it isn’t what the Bible communicates.

Mary and Joseph stay with their relatives in Bethlehem, but apparently so did some other relatives who are in the guest room. Because there is no room (space) and because Mary is pregnant, she’s in need of care… She’s in the house. When the baby comes, she wraps Baby Jesus in cloths and lays him in the perfect bassinet next to her – a manger, a feeding trough.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s what I love about this story: they went with haste to see what the Angel had proclaimed to them – and they found things just as the Angel had said. I think of the story of the wise men, who sought the one born King of the Jews. And, now, we see these men doing the same thing! I reminded of Deu 4.29ff: But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. ³⁰ When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice. ³¹ For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them.;

Can we pause right here and post our 1^st observation?

Observations:

• Seek: You will find Him if you search after Him with all of your heart and with all your soul! Did you know that promise still holds true for you today? The context for that passage was for the Jews who had abandoned their God. God promised them, that even after that failure, he would be found by them – if they searched for him with all their heart. That means in your state right now, if you seek him, you’ll find him, if you search w/ all your heart. You’ve got to do what these guys did – you’ve got to respond to the message you’ve heard. Notice they didn’t just say: Wow! That was cool! So, where were we? Oh, yeah… No, they went with haste! What a perfect time of the year to seek Christ. What a perfect time in your life – right now, to seek him!
• Share: Rd v 17-18; I love this. They didn’t keep quiet about it. They shared! That’s what we should be doing! We should be sharing, too. This is observation #2: Share this wonderful, good news of the Savior you’ve found. Can I ask you…has God been good to you?

Maybe you’re thinking no. Maybe you tried trusting the Lord, but it just didn’t seem like he answered you. Can I be blunt – God will not bless you in your sin. I know some folks think that God hasn’t been good to them because he hasn’t blessed them in their sin. I wouldn’t say God does that. But, seek him – his kingdom and his righteousness (and all of these things shall be added unto you, as well). Tell others of his goodness toward you.

• Give Glory: Rd v. 19-20; 3^rd observation – I think this is what God wants in the Christmas story – the glory! He wants us to praise and glorify him!
• The Reason we Hope. Russel Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Of the SBC: Article on Atheist’s advice to Lie to Your Children… Jesus told us to have a child-like faith. Even the Atheists see it. For many without hope, the holidays can be a sad time. But it is the same for those who hope.

Often times our expectations of what once was and our experience, in reality, differ so greatly that it hurts and we get depressed. I watched a video of the Chapmans. For those of you who don’t know, Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, lost their youngest girl in an accident. Their youngest son was driving back up to the house and in the excitement, little Maria ran out in front of the car. Will Franklin never saw his little sister. Their grief is inexpressible. As they pulled out ornaments to adorn their Christmas Tree, they have very special ornaments made by Maria. As they videoed the time of Christmas preparation, they talked about how hard Christmas is, but just what it means to them. I hope and pray I never have to experience what they went through, but what a message. The Reason for this season – God with us, is so that we can have the hope of one day being with him forever. And, added to this, we will be reunited with those who’ve gone before us. The pain is real and present. But the pain will not last forever. We celebrate what God has done because of the hope he has given us.

If you don’t have this hope, come talk with me.

The Genealogy of Christ

Title: The Genealogy of Christ

Text: Matthew 1:1-17

CIT: God’s Work throughout Time

CIS: God has been at work pulling all things together in presenting Christ. God is still at work today.

Introduction:

Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, and George W. Bush are distant relatives whose ancestry can be traced back to a fifteenth-century English squire, genealogists say. Researchers for the U.S.-based company MyFamily.com found that the trio’s roots can be traced to Henry Spencer of Badby, Northamptonshire. Badby lived between 1420-1478 and was married to Isabella Lincoln.

According to Gary Boyd Roberts, a genealogist at the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, Bush is descended from British royalty going as far back as 12th century King Henry I, the son of William the Conqueror.

So, I was wondering: How important is a genealogy? Did each of these people you see here get their lofty positions because of the genealogy?

Linda Click, Adrian, Mich. Christian Reader Showing that genealogy isn’t that important. She wrote: One day I sat down with my daughter and explained with great pride that her grandfather was a preacher, her great-great-grandfather was a preacher, and her great-great-great-grandfather was a preacher. To which she replied, “Wow! We sure come from a long line of grandfathers.”

Lisa and I have been sharing with folks over the last few months that we’d taken a new position and were going to be moving. “Where?” people would ask. Tarpley, Tx. We would answer. “Tarpley? Where’s Tarpley?” I only met one person who actually knew where Tarpley is! A few new because I said: between Bandera and Utopia or South of Kerrville. But only one person actually knew. Karen Pylant. She said her family is from here.

app.: You know, genealogies aren’t that important to us: maybe through interest, but not for our being able to do things. Lisa and I are not able to come to Tarpley because of our connection to Bruce and Karen Pylant.

I mentioned President Bush, he wasn’t elected president because of his genealogy – not even because his dad had been president. You and I can buy and sell and move and do things without our genealogies. However, for the Jews, that wasn’t the case. Each Jew understood the importance of their genealogy. They needed their genealogy to buy and sell and trade and move and get certain jobs. That’s what we’ll be looking at this morning.

Transition: We begin our journey together in Matthew 1.1. I’ve never heard anyone preach on Matthew 1:1-17; We’ll also be looking at Luke 3:23-37, the genealogy of Christ in that book. You can have them open and flip back and forth if you’d like.

Let’s begin by reading in Matthew…rd v 1; rd v 17

Transition: I’ve divided this morning’s message into two parts: The Importance of His Genealogy and The Interpretation of His Genealogy. Let’s look first at The Importance.

I.     The Importance of His Genealogy

exp.: Genealogies were important for a few reasons:

• Purchasing land: Lev 25:23-27; Ruth 2:20; Jeremiah 32:7,8
• Determining a priestly line: Ezra 2:62; Ezra 7:1-6; Neh 7:64;
• Determining a royal line: 1 Chron 5:1-7 (Gen 35:22; 49:4);

exp.: The importance of His Genealogy: v 2-6a are found in 1 Chr 2:1-15; v 6b-11 are found in 1 Chr 3:10-14; v 12-16 are 1 Chr 3:15-19; Every name is covered up to v 13;  from Abiud through to Christ is unconfirmed, but really no problem. It was very common for families to keep their genealogy! 1 Chronicles 9:1 tells us that all of Israel was recorded in Genealogies; King Saul’s is down in v 35-44;

With Christ’s Genealogy, we have a problem- because we have two of them – and they don’t match! I don’t know if you’ve ever read the genealogies found in Matthew in Luke and compared them, but they differ. Here are some struggles you might have:

1. Luke’s is recorded backward.
2. But even so, From Abraham to David – they’re the same.
3. From David to Zerubbabel, they follow two different lines – but they do come back together at Zerubbabel.
4. Then, from Zerubbabel to Jesus, they split again.

The Featured Image on this posting is a Table Outline of the lineage I’m referring to. and it might help in following along with the names. 

app.: So what is the application to this? If Lineage was so important, why does the Lineage of Jesus seem so messed up? Which one is the right one?  Those are great questions and they should lead us to understand what each writer was doing. We must combine and interpret what we have…

t.s.: So let’s do that… #2… The Interpretation of His Genealogy

2.     The Interpretation of His Genealogy

exp.: Matthew 1:1-17; Lk 3:23 -38; Luke follows the OT Pattern we see with Moses and the way his genealogy is recorded. It is given just before he begins his ministry. It is the same with Luke in recording the genealogy of Christ.

• Two Genealogies: Here’s what I think is happening…
  • First
    1. Matthew – represents Joseph’s lineage: Joseph’s
    2. Luke – represents Mary’s lineage: Lk 3:23 – as was supposed; Luke uses this word quite often, especially in Acts to communicate a thought that people had, but they were obviously wrong;
  • Second
    1. Matthew – uses Joseph’s lineage to confirm a Royal or Kingly Line.
    2. Luke – uses Mary’s line to show or confirm a Priestly Lineage. Connection: Consider that Mary’s cousin was Zechariah and he served as a priest in the Temple.
  • Third
    1. God is using these two to demonstrate his goodness toward us. Can I let you in on a little secret? I think God gives us pictures or illustrations of his story or his existence for us to identify him. For example He gave us pictures of the Messiah in David and Zerubbabel. Theologians call these “types’ of Christ. These two guys were special compared to all of the other kings of Israel. David could function as a priest and a king, but Saul couldn’t. Saul didn’t have both lines. And neither did Solomon, or any other of the Kings. Until you get to Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel is a type of Christ – giving us a picture of the Messiah, so we could recognize Him when he appears. (Ill.: Isaiah 25)
  • Fourth
    28. God is showing us a picture of how he is the Father of Jesus and why the Jewish people would accept Jesus as King. There is a prophecy concerning David, that God promised David that he would always have a descendant on the throne (2 Samuel 7). However, Jechoniah, because he had led the people astray, He was told that he would be childless (Jeremiah 28.30); How can God keep both promises? Kinsman Redeemer. A Kinsman Redeemer is a process that God gave to the people of Israel to ensure that the lineage could be preserved.

Ill.: Ruth 2.20; 3.9; 4.13-14 – they rejoice that God has given Naomi an heir for her husband and her sons. Which, BTW, is preserving the royal lineage. Cf. Mt 1.5

Here’s where I’m going with this: The Jews could accept Jesus as the Messiah because Joseph didn’t have to be Jesus’ biological father. God became the Kinsman Redeemer, if you will, preserving the Royal Lineage on behalf of Joseph.

Conclusion: Now, George W. didn’t get to be president because of his prominent heritage. No one does, except Jesus. He’s different. He is both priest and king. The book of Hebrews teaches about these two roles and how Jesus played the part. He offered Himself on a cross to pay for our sins. Only he could.

Take-a-ways:

1. The Advent of Jesus was not “Plan B”. God had already planned it all out. – Just as he has planned the future.
2. Things are going along according to plan. Just as it was, so it shall be. When Christ returns sometime in our near future, it will all make sense. So, we anticipate his return, just as they anticipated his arrival. We have been given these pictures or illustrations so that we will say as in Isaiah: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
3. We should be praying about our part in the plan. How might God be using you? Will you miss out on things because you’re so into you and not into what God is doing?
4. I’m reminded that all of time is in God’s hands. So is everything outside of time.

The Boy, Jesus

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Title: The Boy,  Jesus

Text: Luke 2.40-52

Introduction: The basic events as outlined in the Gospels are stories related by eyewitnesses. And, the writers, themselves were often times those same witnesses (i.e, first-hand reports). They observed first hand, Jesus in action. But stories of his childhood must come from other sources. That is why these stories of his childhood are very limited. Maybe that is why Luke begins this Gospel Account as he does in 1.1-4:

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, ² just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, ³ it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke states clearly that he wants to document his research so that there might be a certainty of the things being taught. I’m glad he did this extra work – going the extra mile, in order that we might know this story. This is the only story we have of his childhood.

**note: there are pseudopigraphic writings containing other-worldly type stories of the childhood of Jesus, but there is none we consider authoritative. Only this one…

I think Luke’s genius in his organization, thought and flow becomes apparent as we look closer at the text. I want you to remember the declaration of the Angel to Mary: 1^st, She would bear a Son and his name would be called Jesus. In Lk 2.21, we read that is just what happened: they named him Jesus. 2^nd, Her son would be Holy. We see that take place in Lk 2.22-23; 3^rd, her son, Jesus, would be the Son of God (1.35). That hasn’t happened yet. As we’ve walked through Luke 1 and 2, we’ve not seen such a declaration, yet. We will see that in our passage today.

Notice how Luke brackets this story with certain phrasing: rd 2.40 and 2.52; growth, strength, wisdom, favor;

Luke is employing his journalist gift by creating a bridge between his birth and the start of his earthly ministry. To do this, he sets up his outline of three marks or traits of Jesus as given by the Angel, Gabriel. This third mark (i.e.,: being called the Son of God), is the purpose in this story and the link between these two separate parts to the book (his birth and the start of his earthly ministry).

So, just how will Luke do this? Let’s read the story together and I’ll then take you through his process, step by step. Read Luke 2.40-52; pray

This story reads like a narrative. Each narrative consists of:

1. Setting
2. Conflict or Crisis
3. Climax
4. Resolution
5. Stasis (D. Helm: A New Setting; Simeon Trust Workshops)

See Graph: this is a picture of how a narrative might flow.

Let’s look at each one of these in our story:

1. Setting (40-42): these people are Jewish and they are faithful to this religious observance.
2. Conflict (43-45): every narrative has a crisis event where conflict occurs. This story finds the conflict or the crisis when Jesus (as a child) remains in Jerusalem and his mom and dad loose track of him. A search ensues. A return to the city is warranted. The search continues. It is on the 3^rd day he is found.
3. Climax (46-49): the story reaches its climax when Jesus is found and his mom confronts him for this action that has created such worry for them. And in his response, Jesus asks them two questions to demonstrate his childlike naïveté. Luke tells us that his parents don’t get it – they don’t understand his response.
4. Resolution (50): The story’s resolution isn’t really much of a resolution. It finds its resolution and
5. Stasis (51-2): The New Setting – Jesus lives out his childhood perfectly in the obedience and submission of the Messiah to his parents. He gets older, wiser, and stronger and is well respected among the people as he finds their favor. Most of all, he has his Father’s favor. Mary has a keen awareness of the fact that something is going on here. She doesn’t totally get it, but she gets that something is afoot.

But is that what Luke wants for his readers? Is his desire to just tell you a story and move on? Did he just think to himself that he had a journalistic problem here and was looking for filler? Or, are their lessons here for us? Is their theology that will help us understand the Messiah? More Questions:

1. What is the significance of the Passover?
2. What is the significance to the age of 12?
3. How can a Mom and Dad not know where their child is?
4. Was this Jesus so brilliant and smart that he actually became the teacher to these Doctors of Religion (think Seminary Professors)?

As we begin working our way through the text, I find it interesting that vs. 40 and 52 could serve as an outline to the story as well: he grew (v 42; 12 years old), he became strong (v 46; he was three days on his own), God’s grace or God’s favor was upon him (v. 49; about my Father’s business/things).

I hope to answers these questions as I make my way through this passage this morning using our stages of the narrative. Let’s begin with the 1^st stage…

The Setting (40-42)

exp.: we continue with our rd in v 41; A reminder of their faithfulness; It appears that they made the trek to Jerusalem each year for the Passover. The OT Law required faithful Jews to make the trek to Jerusalem three times a year to present themselves to the Lord. Exodus 23.14-17: ¹⁷ Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God. We see it also in Deut. 16.16: ¹⁶ “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. ¹⁷ Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. Cf.: Deut. 31.11; this is just one of the three times each year they would make that Journey (or at the very least, that Joseph made). Rd v 42;

app.: what you and I would probably miss is that this particular event is an important time of preparation for a Jewish boy. Sometime over the course of the next year, Jesus would turn 13 and would experience his Bar Mitzvah (Son of the Commandment). He would become a man. This Passover experience was an important part of that Bar Mitzvah experience. There were activities, lessons, experiences he would need on this particular year over the others. The identification of this particular year and this particular season is important in his life as a Jewish boy, who is becoming a man.

t.s.: The setting is a specific time frame, but there is more here than just identifying that it is about 7-8AD. It is a very special time in the life of a Jewish Boy. He’s becoming a man. Now that the setting has been set, the story continues into a time of conflict and crisis.

The Conflict or Crisis (43-45)

exp.: rd v 43-45; So his parents pack up and leave to head back to Nazareth, but Jesus remains in Jerusalem. It would be easy for him to be overlooked because Jesus has just experienced something special and wonderful. He’s in this ‘in-between’ stage of not really being a child anymore and not really being a man. In a traveling caravan like this one, filled with ‘relatives and acquaintances’ the men would travel together and the women and children would travel together. Joseph must have assumed that his son felt more comfortable with his mom and the other children and not yet ready for the rough and tumble world of manhood. Mary must have thought that Jesus felt himself to be ready to travel with the men. But, there must be even more here.

ill.: Have you ever known a child like this, who was found to be self-reliant and self-supportive? A child who needed very little oversight? At the age of 12, Jesus is just such a kid. He is so trusted, that his parents aren’t even that concerned with the fact that he is not in Joseph or Mary’s presence. He can be trusted. If he isn’t with me, then he is where he believes he is supposed to be.

This should be speaking volumes to us at this moment. Jesus is a good kid. He is so good, and so trusted that his parents aren’t even checking up on him. See the end of v 43: His parents did not know it…

exp.: at the end of the day, as the caravan makes camp, they come to realize that Jesus isn’t with them. A search ensues amongst relatives and friends, but to no avail. There is only one logical explanation: Jesus must still be back in Jerusalem.

ill.: Did you by chance catch this week’s biggest story? 13-year-old Jayme Closs escaped from her captor’s home and found a woman walking her dog. The woman called 911 and knocked on a door to a house where they were. Jayme was kidnapped last October by a man who killed both of her parents. The police said that she simply vanished. There was no trail to even begin trying to track her whereabouts.

app.: You and I sit here this morning and think that story is probably our biggest nightmare: one of our children missing – and unaccounted for… And this is where we find these parents: miles from Jerusalem and no idea where their little boy is. All of the sudden, he goes from this perception of “becoming a man” to “he’s their little boy”…

exp.: pick up in v 46; after three days, they found him in the Temple! The 1^st day, they weren’t too worried, they figured and expected the best of their son – and it wasn’t until later that evening at their stop that they make this discovery. I’m sure it was a long night, waiting for daylight so that they could return to the city. Did they have to make arrangements for their other children, animals, possessions? They traveled all that 2^nd day. That day must have been the worst. But on the 3^rd day, and yes, I think there is a hint of the story of the tomb here; But on that 3^rd day, they found him in the Temple.

t.s.: and this is where the story reaches its climax…

The Climax (46-49)

exp.: They found him; rd v 46; three participles describing the actions of Jesus: sitting, listening, and inquiring. Two responses I’m supposing comes from a parent at this moment. An overwhelming sense of relief that there he is alive and well. And 2ndly, an overwhelming attempt to hide their incredible anger and disappointment for putting them through this anguish. Mary says as much in v48: Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress. This word in the Gk, translated in great distress, is a medical term which means internal distress and anguish. I’m grateful for the work of William Kirk Hobart in his scholarly book, The Medical Language of St. Luke. The work to produce this book is mindboggling, in that, Hobart did this work in 1882, without the help of computers. According to Hobart, Luke applies this word to three separate stories in four places:

• Here (2.48), to describe the internal anguish of parents who have lost and cannot find their missing child;
• Luke 16.24f; to describe the anguish of hell in the Story of the rich man, Lazarus, who is cast into hell. And, interestingly enough, in
• Acts 20.38, where the elders say goodbye to Paul, knowing that they will never see him again. Their goodbye is filled with the deepest of sorrow because they know their friend is going to his death.

A couple of notes, I think are interesting here: Teachers usually sat in the midst of their students. Where do they find Jesus? Lit. Gk: sitting in the midst/middle of the teachers (professors). So, he appears to be in the position of teacher. But the text doesn’t say that. 2ndly, he is answering their questions and asking them questions that display to them an incredible aptitude for the things of God. Look at the response of these professors; rd v 47;

But, this is what I find so amazing about this story – and it is the response of the boy Jesus to his mother. Rd v 49: And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house.” Gk. Lit.: Did you not know that about the things of my Father, must be me. In other words, I must be about my Father’s things (i.e., his business).

app.: Jesus is totally caught off guard at their anguish. Didn’t they know that he would be right where he was, doing just what he was doing?

I have to pause and say that I missed this in our children. Lisa, she was keenly aware of our children and their child-like state. She understood their little minds. She saw when they acted like Children, that they weren’t being rebellious – they were just being children. Being. That is the word that Jesus uses here.

t.s.: Which leads us to the Resolution.

The Resolution (50)

exp.: in Biblical narrative, I find that the resolution of the story is often quite short, as we find it here. One verse. Rd v 50; If you’ve been a believer for many years, then you know this is common with those who follow Jesus. Often times, as he speaks to them about spiritual things, they just don’t get it. These things were hidden from them and they didn’t fully understand them. And, even with all that has taken place with them, even since before Jesus was born, they’re still trapped in the earthly mindset of human beings.

Consider their responsibility as parents. They might look bad to the others they were traveling with, to the others who have their other children.

Jesus asked them in v 49 – why were you searching for me? Did you not know…. Surely you knew. Jesus is shocked that they don’t grasp what it is that he is doing – and what he came to do. And v 50 clarifies that they don’t! But he does! Even at the age of 12, he knew that he was to be about his Father’s business.

Parents, has your child ever embarrassed you? I think Mary and Joseph are embarrassed, humiliated. But Jesus doesn’t think they should be. They should have known what he would be doing and where he would be. At least, HE thought they should have known. He doesn’t get why they don’t understand. He sees things through the eyes of a 12-year-old – a boy who is turning into a man – but he isn’t quite there yet. He has a childlike naivety that is essential to our faith. It is that ability to trust.

They don’t understand. Mary said… your father and I…, Jesus said my Father’s things.

But, with the Resolution comes a New Setting – Stasis.

Stasis: A New Setting (51-52)

exp.: rd v 51; Jesus goes home with them to Nazareth and lives out his life in obedience and submission to them. Sometime over the next few years, Joseph will die. We won’t know about any of that, because the next part of the story will pick up when Jesus begins his earthly ministry. Until that time, Jesus will take the leadership role in his family. He will serve as a carpenter. He’ll build houses, furniture, plows, and yokes. And all of that will come in handy as he teaches, relying on his experiences to share.

Conclusion: So, what would I like you to take home with you this morning?

Application:

1. As we consider the Passover and the experience of a 12-year-old boy, I think it is important to remember that God is God over everything in our lives – even the timing of the events that take place. He is neither too slow in moving, nor too fast in resolving matters. His timing is perfect. Time must have been of great concern for mom and dad. But, even in their fear, in their anguish, and yes, even in the timing of it all – God is God.

I’m worried that phrasing may sound too trite. I don’t mean to downplay anyone’s anguish. But, be honest. Is any of this out of God’s control? Do you believe he is in control?

2. It is also a great reminder for us to consider that each story in Scripture, even though it might only seem to be a simple story, is so much more than just a moral to be discovered. God was at work in the lives of those people, accomplishing his purpose and his glory. Every act and action is vital.
   1. So, don’t think of your life as small and inconsequential. Don’t think that any small part of your life as something too small in the grand scheme of God’s plan. You just might have no idea of what God is on the verge of doing or accomplishing in you or around you. Whether you are the Mary or the Joseph or the Teachers or someone in the crowd – God is in your midst. He’s up to something. And yes, I do believe that. God is up to something and that something is bringing glory to himself through you and the events of your life.
   2. So, let me ask, in all you do, are you about your Father’s things?
3. I’m keenly aware of this friction between the two storylines of Jesus and his faithfulness to be about his Father’s business and the anguish and distress of these two parents who’ve lost their son and have no idea where he is or what he is going through. But if I might, I’d like you to pull away from the close-up view in the Temple – and away from these parents who are moving back toward Jerusalem as fast as they can, praying as they go. Pull back to the place where God sits and get a ‘God’s eye view” of things. He is there in their anguish. He is there in the mother’s tears and the father’s quiet pleading in prayer for his son’s safety. God is not absent in it all.

As you sit here this morning enduring whatever life has thrown at you, I want to ask you to consider that God is in the midst of your struggle. He knows the outcome. He knows the details. He knows… So put your trust in him.

I’d like to invite you to do that. At Calvary, we sit in silence and reflect upon the day’s activity. We reflect upon God’s activity in our lives. In a moment, we’ll be dismissed to a time of fellowship. We’d love to visit with you about it all.

Simeon’s Song

**An Audio recording of this message is available in the right sidebar of this page or at www.soundcloud.com

Title: Simeon’s Song

Text: Luke 2.21-35

Introduction: Well, here we are just a day away! We’ve made our way through three of the Christmas songs. Zechariah’s Song, Mary’s Song, last week – the Angels’ song, and this morning we’ll look at Simeon’s Song.

We’re in Luke 2.21. We’ll also be in two other places this morning – and we’ll read a significant portion of those Scriptures when we get there – so, you’ll want to bookmark them. Leviticus 12 & Isaiah 52. Go ahead and mark that spot in your Bible. Leviticus 12 and Isaiah 52.

Let’s begin with the reading of the text (Luke 2.21-35). Rd Lk 2.21-35

I think it is interesting that Luke tells us so much about what this family is doing. There is a lot of action and there is a lot of explanation: circumcision on a specific day, naming the son at that time, a period of time passes for her purification. Then, as that time passes they all go to the Temple for some sort of presentation of themselves and the baby in the Temple, with it all culminating in a sacrifice. There are details surrounding it all.

Typically, for us as Americans, we already know the name of the baby when he or she is born. Why wait 8 days before giving the baby his name? Besides, from earlier in the story, they already knew his name was going to be Jesus! Come to think of it – it was the same with John. They knew his name early on but didn’t go to name him until the 8^th day. And what is with the purification process? How long does it last and what is involved in all of that? What is the issue with circumcision? How does all of this fit in the story of Jesus and what is the purpose in it all?

Before we begin to answer some of the questions, I’d like to make a note of something I just said and ask you to think about it: did you notice I mentioned the naming of Jesus on the 8^th day when he was going to be circumcised? And then, I said the same thing about John? When studying the Bible, I think these sorts of points or information should get our attention. We should be asking ourselves if there is something being repeated? Is it similar to what is in the other story? If it is, then are there other similarities? If there is, could there be a pattern to these stories? Finally, why is Luke writing in such a manner?

`St. Augustine said: The Old (Testament) is in the New (Testament) revealed. The New (Testament) is in the Old (Testament) concealed.

That is precisely what we see going on in our text today. In order to understand much of what is taking place in this New Testament passage, we need to look back and understand some of the Old Testament!

I’ve often commented on how it would be nice if we could become Jewish before we become Christians. Now, please understand that I am being hyperbolic. I do not really believe people should become Jewish before they become Christian! But, my point is that we really need to understand the Jewish mindset – culturally, sociologically, religiously, philosophically – to better understand what it means to be a Christian. A broader understanding of the Old Testament will illuminate the New Testament for us.

This morning in our NT passage we see the OT, “Jewish-ness” of this family. Our text picks up in 2.21; all of these rituals, practices, and actions played a huge part in the life of any Jewish family when a child was born. Check out these keywords quickly with me:

• Circumcision in v 21
• Purification in v 22
• The Law of Moses; v 22
• Presentation; v 22
• The Firstborn male; v 23
• The Law of the Lord, v 23; v 24
• Sacrifice; v 24;
• The Consolation of Israel, v 25
• The Custom of the Law, v 27

Transition: We’ll look at these a little closer in a moment, but for now, this is the application for us in all that we see with this little family: Faith should be observable.

Faith is lived out in a very public way: Luke is writing for many people who are not Jewish and don’t understand the Jewish mindset. I think even today there is much we don’t understand. It’s good for us to see this. We see someone and we recognize that they are Jewish: the hat, the beard, the hair that curls down long in front of the ears, the sash, the tassels. We see and we recognize, but do we know why each of these traits and characteristics serves a point? They all mean something!

In our text, as we begin reading, we will note that this family is Jewish.

1^st, we see that this family is Jewish.

And (even greater than that) we see their obedience to that Jewish faith. What I mean is that it isn’t just that their racial identification is Hebrew. Their faith is something that is lived out, which is the way it should be. They are going where they should be going and doing what they should be doing when they should be going and doing it!

• Time frames are set in v 21 & 22; Lev. 12.1-2a; you might wonder why the Jews waited until the 8^th Well, first of all, mom is considered unclean. This practice is so important for the Jews and we Gentiles miss out when we don’t get this. The teaching of what is clean and unclean demonstrates for the Jews the holiness of God, and, not to treat God in a way that is irreverent. Rd Lev 12.3; So, once mom has been considered ceremonially clean, there is a very important ceremony that she should be a part of for her baby boy – his circumcision. This process is so very important because it is an outward symbol of God’s Covenant with his people – the Jews. So, just in Luke 2.21, we see some very important Jewish traditions being played out, that we might not know if we’ve never studied the Jewish faith. Consider again Luke’s audience – to whom he is writing. Those Gentiles might not know very much about the Jewish faith.
• 2ndly we see the Law of Moses and its importance in their lives. Rd v 22; In going back to Lev 12, we see the requirements set out. Rd Lev. 12.4; Continuing 33 days from 7 days = 40 total days. In our text in Luke, we see that he was probably circumcised in Bethlehem – probably at the local synagogue. Mary wouldn’t be allowed in the Temple area. But now, after 40 days, the time of her purification would be complete. Their family would then travel the 6 miles or so to Jerusalem to the Temple to make their sacrifice for Jesus. But why? Well, there are a couple of reasons. Luke explains in v. 23f; rd v 23f;

exp.: ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, [so he’s telling us where this is, which by the way, isn’t a quote] “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”); Just so you know, the requirements for sacrifice are set out in the book of Exodus at the Passover. God said that every firstborn son belongs to him. If it was an animal, depending on the animal, then it was to be sacrificed to God. If this was a son – that is, human, then it was to be redeemed. And so Luke continues: ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Luke is actually referring back to the Leviticus passage: rd Lev. 12.6-8; So we see some important markers with this family – namely, that they were poor. But don’t miss the most important teaching moment from Luke: this identifies for us their obedience to the Law. They were Jewish – and they were practicing Jews – faithful to their God.

2^nd, they name their son, Jesus, according to the τὸ ῥῆμά of God through Gabriel. So they’re faithful to their religion, but they also demonstrate their piety in their attention to the plan of God. They offer sacrifices and perform their ceremonial tasks according to the Word of God. But, they also stick to the plan as outlined by the angel – τὸ ῥῆμά of God. I think it is interesting that the Angel appears to both Mary and Joseph at different times and in two different places. And, in both instances, the Angel makes it clear that the baby’s name is to be, Jesus. You read chapter 2.1-7. The baby is born – but he isn’t named in v1-7! He isn’t named until they come 8 days later to observe the Law for their newborn son. And, in that ceremony, they demonstrate their trust that God has a plan for their little boy. That very public demonstration of their faith is that they give him the name, Jesus.

You probably remember there was one requirement set out by the angel. Back up in 1.31-32: ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Joseph had two requirements set on him: Marry Mary and name your son, Jesus. Over in Matthew 1, beginning in v 18 it reads: ¹⁸ Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

1. Marry Mary and 2. Name this baby boy, Jesus.

Transition: So they are living out their faith in a very public way.

There is a 2nd application for us here: Faith should be deeply private and personal.

Faith lived out in a very private way:

Here, Luke does another… meanwhile, back at the ranch transition. This is a… meanwhile, back in Jerusalem transition. Rd v 25a; So, we meet another character and we get to know just a little bit about him: rd v 25b; Here’s what we know about Simeon.

• He was righteous and devout.
• He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.

What exactly does that mean? Well, if you were Jewish, you would know. But for us Gentiles, we need a little help. So, let me show you. Isaiah 52 & 53; So, Simeon has been waiting for this Messiah, this Arm of the Lord.

As we move forward through to V 26, it tells us of a supernatural experience in such a way that τὸ ῥῆμά of God was revealed to him. Rd v 26; Basically, that he would not taste death before he saw the Messiah. Did the Holy Spirit reveal this in a dream, like with Joseph? No tango idea. But this had to be pretty powerful. Consider it: centuries in the making and now someone is promised that he will see God’s Anointed, God’s Messiah in his lifetime.

Ill.: the only way I can even begin to equate it would be if one of you had a supernatural experience with the Holy Spirit and were told in no uncertain terms that you would not taste death before Jesus returned again. That would be so cool! But, I’m not sure that is something you could share with people. They would think you were nuts!

App.: Please allow me to share something of experience here… I want you to know that these times of God’s supernatural communication are a very real experience. I don’t want to downplay what has happened with Simeon and I sure don’t want you to think that God doesn’t work that way today. Let me offer this caveat with this application. We don’t see communication with God like this on a daily basis. So, neither should you! I’m not saying it isn’t possible. God can do as he pleases. But, most of us don’t even listen to God when he speaks us through His Word – logos or rhema. And in case you’re wondering, Yes, I’ve had supernatural experiences like this in my walk with God.

• I call these times Pearls from God. Don’t cast your Pearls before swine! If you ever have an experience like this, it isn’t precious to other people. If you cast your pearls before others, there is a high probability they’ll be trampled underfoot.

They are called pearls because they are precious and they are very rare. Consider Abraham. How often do we see God interacting in a supernatural way? Very few times. And often long periods between.

exp.: The Holy Spirit was at work in Simeon (26) – leading him, guiding him (27). Rd v 27a; Ok, so Simeon is living out his faith in a very private way. Rd 27b; Wow… these parents are being obedient to the Law – living out their faith in a very public way. They’re on their way to fulfill their obligation to the law… when BAM! – they collide!

Simeon knows right away that this is the Messiah – this little baby has come to save the World! So, he sweeps him up in his arms. I wonder if the parents are caught off guard?

Can I pause and give us an application here? God works in and through us when we’re being faithful, living out what we believe in both public and private ways. And a song is born in Simeon. Let us go through this line by line:

• Now is the first word of importance in this song. It takes the place of emphasis in the sentence structure. I think the English language looses that a little. The 2nd most important word in this sentence is the word You see, in the Greek, words appear in any order the speaker or writer wants. He puts them in the order he wants to emphasize. With Simeon, it is Now and in Peace.

That is what Christ brings! Now, when we give our lives to him, he brings peace. Undefinable, Unexplainable, incomprehensible peace. Sins washed away – Peace! A wasted life, to Peace! A messed up marriage, to Peace. A broken heart that’s been shattered – Peace.

Can anyone here tell me the Candle for this morning? The Peace Candle. That’s what Jesus brings: Peace.

• Lord that word is mostly translated Master in the bible. Like when you read in 1 Timothy .. behave this way with your slaves. “Slave” is the other word here that you see translated servant. Now, in peace, Master, let your slave depart… according to your word. According to your rhema!

Rd v. 30-31 – For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples… Just a glimpse of this baby and he knew that God’s long-awaited salvation for his people and for the world was here! Rd v 32: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. That is the consolation of Israel and salvation for all people.

Rd v 33: And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. I’m sure! And all of God’s people said: Aaaahhhh!!

Conclusion: Wouldn’t it be nice if it ended right there? Oh, but it doesn’t. There is more.

The truth is that life is hard. We’re not getting through this life unscathed. Sin has had its impact on us. And we see that in these next few verses. Rd v 34-35.

Application: So, what do I want you to take home with you today?

1. You’re a Christian – act like it. Live it out: in public and in private. Sure, sometimes it can feel like legalism. But if you’re a Christian, then live out that faith. Tithe. Attend worship. Get discipled. Read your Bible daily.
2. The Christ-filled life doesn’t mean “without struggle”. Yes, there is peace – but that peace comes within the storm that rages. That’s a part of the witness and the living out your faith in a very public way.
3. Christ came – and he fulfilled what had been promised. Christ is coming again. Are you watching and waiting in anticipation of that event?
4. But maybe you aren’t a Christian. Maybe life is a struggle. If Christ returned today you’d be in big trouble. Let me offer you, Christ, today.

God Matters

**An Audio recording of this message is available in the right sidebar of this page or at www.soundcloud.com

Title: God Matters

Text: Luke 2.8-21

Introduction: We’re in the midst of our Sermon Series Christmas Songs. Our previous two songs (Zechariah & Mary) were set in the timeframe of ‘BC’ – that is, “Before Christ.” They took place before Christ was born. 1^st, we meet Zechariah when he enters into the Holy Place and sees an Angel named Gabriel. Think about this: at this point in history, God has been silent for some 400 years. The Remnant of Israel came back from Exile and settled, or should I say ‘resettled,’ the land. You might recall that the Old Testament closes out with the promise of one who would come and prepare the way of the Messiah. Amos and other minor prophets foretold of a famine of God’s Word. And so there was silence… for 400 years. Next, we meet Mary. Her story a little different than Zechariah’s story, but, as we shall see, presented in similar fashion.

These two songs appear in Luke 1. In Chapter 2.1-7, we have the story of the birth of Christ. That’s our Christmas story – so we’ll hold off on telling it for another week. Our story this morning takes place at the same time as his birth or thereabouts. It is a ‘meanwhile, back at the ranch’ moment. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, angels are a bringing a birth announcement to the Shepherds.

I love Baby Announcements; show pics

That’s is how our story begins this morning – with an announcement. But it isn’t just a regular announcement. This announcement outdoes all other announcements. Sure, these announcements are cute and clever. But, man, oh, man – this announcement is pretty spectacular!

We pick up our story in Luke 2.8; rd v 8; Luke has created some spectacular scenes spread out across the country: from the Temple in Jerusalem, up North to a town in Galilee, out to some small village in the Judean Hill Country, to the little town of Bethlehem, and now out into the countryside where shepherds are keeping their watch over their flocks by night. Luke makes these stories so easy for us follow. He helps us see how each story follows:

A Similar Pattern (8-12)

exp.: This storyline follows the same pattern as the previous storylines of Zechariah and Mary:

1. The Appearance of an Angel (rd v 9a,b)
   • Zechariah sees an Angel standing at the Altar of Incense
   • Mary sees an Angel come to her
   • The Shepherds see an angel who appears to them. They are working in the dark of night and the darkness of night flees as the angel lights up the sky, dispelling the darkness. I think there is something here of the darkness and the light. Imagery, if you will. As with the appearance of an Angel, each of our stories has…
2. The Reaction of Fear (rd v 9c)
   • Zechariah: fear fell upon him
   • Mary was greatly troubled. In our story this morning…
   • The Shepherds are filled with great fear, or as the King James says: they were sore afraid!
3. The Appeal to Fear Not in v 10
   • 13 – Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because God has heard your prayers!
   • 30 – Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God!

in both of these passages, the literal translation is Fear not, which is what we see in our text this morning, rd v 10;

• Do not be afraid, Shepherds, because I bring you good news of great Joy!

4. The Announcement of a Birth: a son
   • Zechariah, God has heard your prayers! Elizabeth is going to bear you a son and you shall call his name John.
   • Mary, you have found favor with God and you will conceive and bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus.
   • Shepherds, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
5. The Sign:
   • And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place.
   • And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
   • And this will be a sign for you: You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths (i.e.: strips of cloth) and lying in a manger. Here is a question: what makes this sign something special and different that it’ll be easy for them to identify?
     • There is the time frame, which is limited to ‘this day’.
     • There is the location: the city of David, which is identified for us in v 15; rd v 15; – which fits with Micah’s prophecy (Micah 5.2)

These alone will limit their search. It isn’t like Bethlehem is a big city and it isn’t like there were 25 babies born that day. But, here is where it gets good. Wrapped in strips of cloth is unusual. And even more out of the ordinary is a baby sleeping in a feeding trough. And this is what makes it a sign: This description doesn’t match that announcement!

ill.: Ok, here’s the deal. The greatest miracle of all time is happening this morning! God is coming to earth in human form as a baby boy. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Messiah you’ve been looking for since Genesis 3.15. Oh, and by the way, the way you’ll recognize him is that he’s going look like a pauper!

t.s.: So, first, we see how each story has a similar pattern. And 2ndly, we see how each story has…

A Song of Praise (13-14)

exp.: rd v13-14; I see this as a crescendo of what has been happening through the evening and possibly early morning hours. When you watch this in a play, it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. I don’t think the actual story lasts nearly as long. I know what you’re thinking: like your sermons! You guys are so funny.

ill.: I need your help with this. I want you to time me. Get your timer ready. Tell me how long this lasts. Go:

⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

                ¹⁴         “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

app.: Stop. Less than a minute, right? Well, I’m thinking with full orchestration it lasted a few seconds longer! But you get the point. This announcement is a lot quicker than many probably think!

t.s.: So we see A Similar Pattern and A Song of Praise. Third, our stories then demonstrate

A Searching Out of the Possibilities (15-20)

exp.: Zechariah is stricken with silence – for months and his barren wife becomes pregnant! Mary travels to their house to take all of this in. Check out what our Shepherds do in v 15; ¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Do you see the word translated things in v 15? The Gk word is ῥῆμα; You’ve probably heard that word before. I think ῥῆμα is hard to translate in English because it doesn’t have just one word in English you can use. Luke 1.37: Because not not able with God every word (or thing or matter). The Shepherds said let’s go see this thing… The Angel said in 1.37 No thing is impossible with God. Or, get rid of the double negative and you have: All things are possible with God! This word can also be translated matter. The Shepherds said, let’s go see this matter… or with the Angel to Mary, No matter is impossible with God. If it matters to God, it’s possible!

Now you see how I got the title to my message this morning!

app.: Like Mary, Like the shepherds, this needs to be our reaction to God’s Word – God’s ῥῆμα; An angel of the Lord probably isn’t going to appear at the end of our bed in the night. Right? But he doesn’t have to! We have God’s Word right here! We need to know that every ῥῆμα of God is going to be accomplished. When God declares a ῥῆμα – a word to you through his Holy Word – you should seek these things out. I don’t like the word things, but things here would be equivalent to the word ῥῆμα. You should seek this ῥῆμα out. Seek this matter out. That’s what the shepherds do. They say: Let us go immediately to Bethlehem and behold this matter which has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.

I have a question for you to ponder: Do you ever wonder if you miss out on wonderful matters because you don’t seek out the matters God makes known to you? Or worse: Do you think God makes matters known to you and you just don’t care enough to pursue them?

Imagine with me now: The shepherds are out in their fields, watching over their sheep by night. Lo, and behold, an Angel of the Lord appears to them and gives them God’s ῥῆμα (just as he did Mary). “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

                ¹⁴         “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Picking up now in v 15: When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Wow, that was really cool. Now, where were we? Ahmed, you were saying…?”

I think that’s kind of how we are when reading God’s word – His Holy Word and we don’t pursue it! It is almost like we just want to read God’s Word to find a good devotional thought for the day. But v 15 doesn’t read that way! ¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste…

Matters go just as the Lord revealed they would; So they make a plan (15), they go (16a), they find (16b), they declare it (17), the people are amazed (18), and lastly, God is glorified (20);

t.s.: Now, some of you might be saying: Hey, Hang on there! You skipped v. 19. Don’t you just love verse 19? ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things (ῥῆμα), pondering them in her heart. Which brings me to the conclusion this morning…

Conclusion: The events of our lives are matters that must be treasured. Ponder that for a moment. God works in so many ways: relationships, events. God is actively working in your life at this moment. He’s working in the mundane. He’s working in the routine. He’s working in the surprises. He’s working in the sickness. He’s working in the pain. He’s working in the promotion. He’s working in the relationships. He’s working in the struggle. He’s working in the storm. Whatever is going on in your life right now – or, whatever isn’t going on right now – God is at work!

app.: and that matter right there should lead us to do what the shepherds did – glorify and praise God.

Invitation:

Mary’s Song

**An Audio recording of this message is available in the right sidebar of this page or at www.soundcloud.com

Title: Mary’s Song

Text: Luke 1.26-56; 2.19, 35

Introduction: Our Story today picks up in the middle of last week’s story. We see two connections to the greater storyline as we pick up in 1.26; rd 1.26a: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel…; 1^st, there is the connection with the time reference – 6^th month. Back in v 24, we’re told that Elizabeth has kept her pregnancy quiet for 5 months. Now, it is a month further into that pregnancy. And we’ll see another reference when we get down to v 36, Gabriel tells Mary about her cousin Elizabeth. 2^nd, we have the connection with the angel Gabriel, who declared to us back in v19 that he stands in the presence of God. Lit.: in his eyes.

So, with this connection, we’re to understand that these stories are related – really, entwined.

As we continue with this verse, we see a foundation for the whole story. Rd 1.26b; Gabriel was sent from God. This word sent in the Gk is the verb form of the word for which we get for our word Apostle (ἀποστέλλω). It means commissioned. Gabriel has been commissioned by God for this very special task.

Continue in v 26c-27: Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. Let’s take a moment to look more at his mission

Gabriel: Commissioned of God

• His Mission – sent from God with a very specific task; Mary is a popular name, but this Mary is a virgin. She is also engaged – that is, she’s in the middle of her courtship with a specific man, Joseph. This Joseph happens to be in the lineage of King David. The writer here, telling us this story is being very specific in the details.
• His Message – you will have a son
  • Greetings: Lit.: Rejoice!14; O favored one, it is interesting to note that Gabriel said the same thing to Daniel in Daniel 9.23; The Lord is with you! Read v 29; Usually, when an angel shows up, you can’t help but wonder what it might all be about. But Gabriel assures her; rd v 30; I think v 30 is all a part of his message. But, to this point his message has been non-prophetic, so to speak. But that is about to change.
  • The Prophecy of the Messiah: Let’s continue; rd v 31-33; The Angel is pretty straightforward here: you’re going to conceive a baby boy in your womb and you’ll give birth to him – and when you do, his name is called Jesus. Furthermore, he will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. AND, the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David. AND, he will reign over the house of Jacob – forever – there will be no end to his kingdom.

Now, Mary is thinking in the present. I wonder if she has really grasped all of this forever, and no end bit of the prophecy. Look at what she asks: rd v 34; ³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Lit.: I do not know a man. “Know” as in the biblical way of know – Adam knew Eve and she conceived… Well, she is engaged, but that part of the relationship hasn’t been consummated, yet. Physically, this would be impossible.

Why?

Some people have wondered why Zechariah got in so much trouble over his question and Mary appears to not get into trouble for asking her question. Let me show you. It has to do with two different words know and be:

• When you read Zechariah’s question in v 18, it is apparent that he wanted to ‘know’ this before he would believe, demonstrating his disbelief.
• Mary asks how this will “be”, demonstrating she believed it would be, she just didn’t understand how.
• Her question is more about the process and how it will all come about. Zechariah doesn’t think it will come about and wants some concrete answers before he’ll go there.
• Added to this, the angel tells us the Zechariah didn’t believe in v 20; Her belief is declared down in v 45, but it is also expressed in what she says and what she does in v 38-39.

So Gabriel spells things out for her:

1. By way of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Most High God (God the Father) will envelop her; cf.: Luke 9.34; that’s how it will happen; 2ndly, rd v 35b;
2. Ok, I like the NASB’s translation of this next phrasing: and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you – for this reason, because of this, the holy begotten (Child) will be called the Son of God;

Ok, so that is a full explanation for her, but Gabriel offers more – he gives her a sign that God is already at work in all of this; rd v 36-37; So, look at Elizabeth.

3. Elizabeth is a Sign for Mary – Elizabeth is now in her 6^th month! Here is a barren woman – that is a woman who was never able to have a baby. Added to this physical impossibility is her age – she is already beyond childbearing years. But God has taken the impossible and proven that nothing is impossible for him. But check out Mary’s Humility: rd v 38

Mary: A Demonstration of Faith – Here we see Mary’s faith expressed

• Her Faith Expressed: 1^st, through her words. 2^nd, through her actions.
  • First, Mary declares her faith in God by humbly acknowledging that she is the Lord’s slave. He is God and she wants to serve Him in whatever capacity He chooses.

Can I just say that this blows my mind? First, it blows my mind because she is so young but responds with such maturity. But, 2ndly, this will humiliate her. The consequences of what God will do in and through her life will make her the lowest in her society. She’ll be made fun of, if not worse – persecuted, mistreated, or even sentenced to death by stoning.

Question – before we move to that 2^nd expression: Are you willing to be considered a fool in order that you might be obedient to your Lord and Master? The truth is, you are a fool to that which you serve! Is it cigarettes? Alcohol? Food? Social Media? People? Pornography? In High School, I saw a man with a ‘sandwich’ billboard that he was wearing. On one side it read: I’m a fool for Christ. On the other side, it read: Whose fool are you?

Mary will be considered a fool. She is going to make Joseph look so bad. She’ll embarrass her parents. She now faces unknown hardship because of her faithfulness to God. She’s a fool for Christ. Whose fool are you?

• Second, she packs up to go and see this miracle of God – a pregnant Elizabeth. Verse 39 ties these next so many verses with the overall storyline, just as we saw connections in v 26. In those days; rd v 5; rd v 24; So, we’re still in this same storyline; we’ll see it again in 2.1; What happened in that 6^th month?

• Her Faith Experienced: rd v 40-41; So, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, as was Zechariah, whom we looked at last week. And then Elizabeth breaks out in song. Now, I’ve not listed this as one of my songs for the sermon series – and, the ESV doesn’t print it like a song, but my Greek text does! Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! Rd v 43; this is a sign of humility; rd v 44; We spoke of this last week, that an unborn John leaps in the womb at Mary’s hello! And look at this blessing on Mary rd v 45: She is blessed because she has believed. Just the fact that she has run off to see Elizabeth is pretty powerful – it is a demonstration of her belief.

And so Mary breaks out in song: Magnificat; rd v 46-55;

I don’t know that this will mean much to you, but this song is broken into four stanzas with four lines each. There are two units with two stanzas in each unit. Each unit has the focus of the Mercy of God. It is composed with organization to it. God has shown mercy to Mary and blessed her. And not only that, but God shows mercy to those who fear him. And in sending Jesus… God has shown Mercy through keeping his covenant with Israel.

Mary magnifies the Lord by 1. declaring who he is (Lord, God, Savior, holy; v 46-7) and 2. by declaring what he has done (for her: v 48-9; for those who fear him: v 50; kept his promises: v 51-5).

That is probably what all songs should do, isn’t it? Magnify the Lord? Because, if you remember the way I began this message, I pointed out that God is the one who started all of this. It really is all about him. And so Mary brings us full-circle to God again.

Mary then, returned home about the time of John’s birth: rd v 56

Conclusion: You know the ‘rest of the story’, as Joseph was greatly distressed over her pregnancy. And, being a godly man…being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

 ²³         “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). ²⁴ When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, ²⁵ but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

There are two other passages that highlight Mary’s part in this story. The first is found down in Luke 2.19. After the Shepherds came and found the baby lying in a manger – they left and shared their testimony of all they had heard and seen. And the Scripture says: ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. This word pondering is a word that means to cast it all together: συμβάλλω. I’ll bet that is a common theme among mothers.

This would be a wonderful ending if this were it for Mary, but as we’ll see in a couple of weeks, Simeon has something to say to her. Rd v 34-35; And a sword will pierce through your own soul also.

She pondered all that she had experienced concerning her son in her heart. A sword will pierce through her soul. I’m sure there is more here than we’ve covered concerning her heart and soul. But what I want you to see is that this story isn’t all gumballs and roses. This prophecy declares pains for her in the future. It is a reminder to us who know the whole story just why Jesus came to earth. He came to die for the sins of mankind. He was born to die for us.

And so God sent his Son to earth to die for our sins – and in return he calls for commitment from us. Mary called him her God and her savior. Would you do the same?

Invitation:

Zechariah’s Song

**An Audio recording of this message is available in the right sidebar of this page or at www.soundcloud.com

Title: Zechariah’s Song

Text: Luke 1.5-25; 57-79

Introduction: I love Christmas. I really do. I haven’t always loved Christmas – for many reasons of which I will not unload at this point. But, that has changed for me. And I’ll credit Lisa for the change. The Challenge for the pastor at Christmas is presenting something new from the same stories you’ve heard about your whole life. But here is the problem. The story is the same. So, who does a pastor tell the same stories year after year without losing that freshness? The answer I find is this: simply retelling the story.

Lisa and I are reading “The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent” by John Piper. This activity is just one example of what Lisa has done in building traditions for us that means so much to me. As we began the readings, Piper made a statement in the preface of his book and I wanted to share his quote with you as I begin this new Sermon Series for Christmas: The Songs of Christmas: Brand-new truths are probably not truths. What we need are reminders about the greatness of the old truths. We need someone to say an old truth in a fresh way. Or sometimes, just to say it.

That’s my goal this season: to present the story of Christmas with freshness and excitement by simply retelling the story. The idea of the Christmas songs came from Duffey. I don’t want you to think I came up with this myself. When we began looking at last year’s Christmas sermon series (which I had already planned out), Duffey shared with me that his pastor at his previous church had preached on the songs of Christmas. I already had my sermon series planned and so that is what we presented. But, I wanted to look closer at this idea of Christmas Songs from the Bible. I thought it was a great idea. And what we start today is the culmination of that journey.

Our songs from the book of Luke will follow our Advent Candles:

• Zechariah’s Song (which is really the 2^nd song, but this story begins our journey, so we’ll start with it)
• Mary’s Song
• The Angels’ Song
• Simeon’s Song
• Anna’s Song (which isn’t recorded)

Now, if you follow the text through Luke, you’ll note that Mary’s song actually appears before Zechariah’s; however, Zechariah’s story is in the text first, because John, the Baptizer was born about 6 months before Jesus. So, that is why I’ve chosen his story first.

The text itself is broken into three different sections, with Mary’s story in the middle. Zechariah’s song is born out of an experience with

• His Service
• His Suffering
• His Son

Let’s look first at his Service

I.     Zechariah’s Service (5-20)

exp.: rd v5-8 is the introduction to this couple; in v 8-10, we see how he comes into his service; rd v 8-10; you know this is special because he was twice chosen! First, he was chosen from his division and 2^nd, he was chosen to enter into the Holy Place during his service. It is during this routine service that an angel from the Lord appears to him and interrupts his service.

Let me give you a great application before we even dig deeper into this experience: You should be praying for something like this in your life – that God will interrupt you in the midst of your service to him. Service can become routine. You learn what you’re supposed to do. You practice what you’ve learned as you do it and before you know it, there is no passion – there is no enthusiasm. You’re just simply walking through the motions of your service to the Most High God.

Oh, God, please interrupt my service! Let me have a fresh encounter with you.

This interruption brings a message – Gabriel’s message: rd v 11-13: Your prayer has been answered; Elizabeth will have a son and you will call his name John. Now he says, let me tell you a little bit about this son of yours, John.

• John’s impact (the impact he will have): rd v 14
  • You will have joy and gladness!
  • Many will rejoice at his birth (they do in v 58)
• John’s life (what his life will be like): rd v 15
  • He will be great (no one will be considered greater according to Jesus in Luke 7.28: I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John).
  • He will be filled with the Holy Spirit
• John’s ministry (the work he will accomplish): rd v 16-17
  • Turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
  • Be accomplished in the spirit and power of Elijah (Malachi)
  • Turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
  • Turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just
  • And make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

exp.: there it is, all spelled out for you. This is all pretty miraculous. The fact that there is an angel here is pretty miraculous. There is only one problem: Zechariah doesn’t believe him; this is evident from his response; rd v 18; How shall I know this is a basic declaration of unbelief. What you’re saying is pretty unbelievable. So, give me a sign. Show me something that will let me know. He wants to know because, from the physical side of life, things look pretty impossible. First, he’s an old man and 2^nd, his wife is advanced in years. Evidently, that means she is past the childbearing years.

app.: Here is another great application for us. Zechariah is asking for signs because he doesn’t believe. So: be very careful what you ask God for! Especially when you’re asking God to do something because you don’t believe him. Disbelief is sin. Hebrews 11.6 – for without faith it is impossible to please God…

I’m not talking about doubt or confusion or struggle. I’m talking about an unbelieving heart. Faithlessness. So, the angel sets him straight. First, he gives Zechariah his name: I am Gabriel. Zechariah should have thought of the book of Daniel. Gabriel appears twice in that book. Any priest worth is weight in drachmas should know this. Gabriel is connected with the Messiah. Then, added to the weight of his name is his position (19): I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. V 20 communicates his unbelief to us: rd v 20; silent and unable to speak because you did not believe.

t.s.: And that is just what happens; which brings me to the second experience in this story:

II.    Zechariah’s Suffering (21-66)

exp.: rd v 21; can I add another application for us from this story? Our sin affects others around us. That is no new truth – to mention Piper again. But it is what happens here. He’s delayed and so they are left wondering what is up. This is odd to the people because this is a daily routine. They’ve experienced this before, many times. The priest goes in and does his thing and then he comes out. But this time he is delayed. So they’re left standing out there. 2ndly, when he does come out. He can’t speak. When I first thought of this 2^nd point, I thought I should call it Zechariah’s Silence. But after working on it through the week, I think it is more than just living in a silent world. There has to be frustration and struggle. And, that is just what we see in the next v; rd v 22; He wants to tell them, but he can’t; rd v 23; and so he silently heads home. Rd v 24 – it’s all coming true.

Now the next so many verses turn our attention to Mary. I don’t want to look at her story just yet – we’ll do that next week. For now, let’s skip down to v 39 and resume our story with Zechariah; Gabriel has told Mary that she is going to have a baby. And, added to this joy – if I can call it that – her much older cousin, Elizabeth, is going to have a baby, too. Indeed, she’s already 6 months pregnant (v 36). So Mary goes to see Elizabeth. We pick up in v 39; rd 39-41; There is something supernatural going on here; I’ve never experienced this myself, but I’m sure there are mamas all over this worship center who could try to describe for us men what it is like to have a baby leap in the womb. But that is what makes this story so real to us. We read and we know this experience – either as a woman who has had a baby or a man who has watched his wife’s stomach move.

app.: Something wonderful happens all in this moment – but Zechariah isn’t a part of it. He misses out: the baby leaps and the Holy Spirit of God fills Elizabeth and she sings her own song. Rd 41b-45; Now, I wonder if this adds to Zechariah’s suffering – you know, because he’s not a part of this celebration. You see, he isn’t involved in this part of the story. Did he just sit by and watch, unable to say anything? Sometimes, when women get together, that is a byproduct of their getting together (men aren’t included). Sometimes, men just aren’t welcome. And that’s ok. But maybe, just maybe, he didn’t participate because he couldn’t. He could only look on from the outside. He was left alone with his thoughts.

t.s.: Well, the day comes for his wife to give birth to a son and we pick up down in v 57…

III.   Zechariah’s Son (57-79)

exp.: rd 57-58; here is the fulfillment from the prophecy in v 14; let’s keep reading; rd v 59-63; John, that isn’t a family name. Isn’t his good to know that even back then people criticized what you were naming your baby! John? John ain’t no family name. Why would you pick John? Let’s intervene and help this poor kid out before his mama names him something funny. Don’t you just love v 62 – They made signs to the father. Like, because he’s mute, he’s also deaf! Can you see them talking louder and making gestures? But he asked for an etch-a-sketch! And he wrote – John is his name. Boom! Rd v 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God! The moment he wrote out that John was to be called John, he was expressing his belief in what the Angel said. Boy, here is another moment where we can identify a Truth – not a new truth mind you – just a reminder: Faith is action. Zechariah expresses his faith in writing out on the tablet. And a song was born! You see it down in v 67 and following: Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit – as was Elizabeth, remember? Zechariah filled with the Holy Spirit praised God! rd v 68-75

app.: That’s Zechariah’s song – born out of his service to the Lord as his priest, born out of the suffering he experienced in silence over the months, and born out of his experience in watching God do just what he said he would do – give him a son.

Conclusion: And his son? His son is going to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. Rd 75-79

We often think of the Christmas stories from a very positive perspective – and rightfully so. But I wonder if we seriously take to heart that these stories are real life. Each story is taken in a positive light and often times can feel more like a fairy tale than practical history. I say ‘practical’ because these stories are given for us. Zechariah’s Song was born out of his real-life experience. Born out of his practical service to the Lord through his work and service in the Temple. Do you serve the Lord in and through your local church? There is something here for you!

Zechariah’s Song was born out of his suffering: a real, physical ailment. He couldn’t speak! His communication was stifled.

ill.: This week I was visiting with a member in his hospital room. The nurse asked him if he was in pain. He said: I am always in pain. This man lives with chronic pain. After 101 years, his body aches constantly. Pray for Tom. What about you? Are you living with pain or sickness or some other type of struggle? This story has something here for you, too!

Zechariah’s Song was born out of God’s work in his life. Zechariah saw with his own eyes how God fulfilled his promises. There is this tie or bridge from Daniel to here through the angel, Gabriel. What about you? Do you have an unbelieving heart toward the things of God? Are you so earthly minded that you struggle with how God is going to accomplish his work because physically it just all appears impossible? Logistically, you can’t map it out? Maybe you’re in the midst of it all? Zechariah didn’t believe it when it was happening to him. Will you be found full of faith when God moves in your life in an impossible way?

Application: review – let me challenge you to:

1. Pray for God to interrupt your routine and make things fresh!
2. Pray that God will guide your prayers. You don’t want to ask for foolish things. And you don’t want to have a disbelieving heart. Here is a simple practice: pray the Bible. Think about it – everything in this text is already somewhere else in God’s Word.
3. Pray for God to keep you in his will. Your disobedience has an impact on the lives around you. For John, it also kept him on of some pretty cool happenings as God was fulfilling his purpose in Elizabeth and Mary’s lives. Pray for a strong faith.