Those Who Came to see the baby Jesus

December 16, 2007

Introduction

Last Sunday we stated that December 25^th is a very unlikely date for the birth of Jesus. We won’t review all the reasons why, but since the world’s attention is turned toward the birth of Christ at this time of year, we’ll use this time to look at some interesting people that came to see Jesus when He was first born.

I believe we can put this part of the story in chronological order. Apparently, the first invited guests to arrive were the shepherds.

Body

I. There were the shepherds.

A. They heard the announcement from the angels.

(Luke 2:6-14 NKJV) So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. {7} And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. {8} Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. {9} And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. {10} Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. {11} "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. {12} "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!"

B. Was this an invitation, or just expectation?

(Luke 2:12) "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."

1. There was an immediate response on the part of the shepherds.

(Luke 2:15-16 NKJV) So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." {16} And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

2. They were good evangelists—they spread the word.

(Luke 2:17-18 NKJV) Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. {18} And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

3. They returned to work excited.

(Luke 2:20 NKJV) Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

a. The shepherds were blessed in a special way.

b. What do we do with our blessings and our knowledge?

(Mat 5:14-16 NKJV) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. {15} "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. {16} "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

II. Next on the scene there was Anna and Simeon—first Simeon.

A. The time was very short until we meet Simeon.

(Luke 2:21-26 NKJV) And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb

B. Simeon was a very special man in the eyes of God.

25} And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. {26} And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

C. He was led by the Spirit into the temple.

(Luke 2:27-32 NKJV) So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, {28} he took Him up in his arms and blessed God

D. In effect, he thanks God for allowing him to see Jesus.

and [he] said: (Luke 2:29) "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; {30} For my eyes have seen Your salvation {31} Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, {32} A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

1. God also gave him special understanding which few others had.

(Luke 2:34) Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against {35} "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

a. The fall of many in Israel. Was he talking about their leaders?

b. To Mary he said.“(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Again, does this mean that Joseph would be dead when Jesus died?

2. His final request was simply for a peaceful departure from this life..

(Luke 2:29) “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;

III. Anna was a special woman.

(Luke 2:36-38 NKJV) Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; {37} and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. {38} And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

A. God gave to her longevity of life perhaps so she would to live to see Jesus.

Luke 2:37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years,

1. Some take this to mean that she was a widow for 84 year. She had been married for seven years. If she had married at 15, she would now be 106 years old.

2. She was a prophetess. Not just on this one occasion, but she is described as a prophetess.

B. She was a worshipping person.

1. She gave God thanks for Jesus.

2. She shared her faith with those who came into the temple.

(Luke 2:38) And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

IV. And there were the wisemen.

(Mat 2:1-2 NKJV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, {2} saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Conclusion

I. So who were the ones who came to see Jesus at His birth?

A. Mainly the poor.

1. The Shepherds.

2. An old man.

3. An elderly lady.

4. But they were God fearing people.

B. And the wise men.

C. We are reminded of Paul’s words.

(1 Cor 1:26-31 NKJV) For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. {27} But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; {28} and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, {29} that no flesh should glory in His presence. {30} But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; {31} that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."

II. Jesus came so that we might know sanctification and redemption

A. Are you a Christian?

B. Are you right with God?

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