The most celebrated birthday in the world, Christ’s birth not only changed the calendar but also continues to change lives. Fully God yet fully man, He is nothing less than a miracle who can bring miracles into lives.
Presentation Overview
Matt 1,2. Lk 1-2:38; 3:23-38
I.Objectives
II.Gospel records
III.Facts on Birth of Jesus
IV.Christ is God and man
V.Reasons for His birth
Discussion
Objectives
To:
- Decipher the records for this event throughout the Bible
- Understand why this birth was so special
- Discover aspects of Christ being both God and man
Theme Verse
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
The King is Born - Four Narratives
| MATTHEW | MARK | LUKE | JOHN | |
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Record of Jesus’s Birth Bible References: Matt 1,2,3:23-27. Lk 1-2:40, John 1:1-14
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(Elaborate genealogy –through Abraham and King David. | nothing recorded | Birth, ministry, life, death and resurrection . | Recorded in heavenly, spiritual terms. |
| Significant Aspect | Jesus is fulfillment of the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures | Not important where God’s servant is born, it is his service that defines him. | Among poor and rejected, bringing good tidings of peace and goodwill. | Shining His light of salvation in darkness, mirroring creation. |
Facts Regarding Christ's Birth
- “Jesus,” means “the Lord saves,” or “He saves.”
- Jesus would bring salvation from sin and eternal condemnation.
- Born in Bethlehem, “the house of bread” – bore “the Bread of Life”
OT prophecies fulfilled
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son. Isaiah 7:14
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us. Isaiah 9:6
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His goings forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2
OT Prophecies Fulfilled
Matthew 1:18-20 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for [u]the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Christ is God and man
- John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…
The only sign
Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.“
What are other signs people look for to find Jesus? What are the dangers?
The only sign
Jesus is the sign
Jesus is the centre
God and man
- He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf… 2 Corinthians 5:21
- ..One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
It is only by being both 100% man and 100% God that Jesus could provide the only acceptable payment for man’s sins.
Reasons for Christ's birth
Jesus had to be born to [4]:
- Restore lost relationship with God because of mankind’s sin.
- Reveal God’s own character to humanity.
- Atone for sins of humankind through a perfect sacrifice.
- Provide a mediator from man to God.
- Provide the promised seed of Abraham.
- Make God’s Spirit available to all humankind.
- Redeem mankind.
God and man
- He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf… 2 Corinthians 5:21
- ..One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
It is only by being both 100% man and 100% God that Jesus could provide the only acceptable payment for man’s sins.
Discussion
Share observations on:
- The commitment of the Magi
- Herod’s fear vs Jews’ ignorance
- Faith of Mary and Joseph
- The accessibility of Jesus at birth
- The first evangelists and their result
References
1.https://bible.org/article/birth-jesus-christ
2.https://bible.org/seriespage
3.http://biblesforamerica.org
4.http://www.ucg.org
6.http://www1.cbn.com/thenativitymovie