Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
The simple account of Luke 2:1-7 is familiar to us: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” The historical detail is compelling, with names and places. Also compelling is the mention of Joseph’s descent from “David,” as we studied yesterday. The specific mention of “a manger” (an animal’s feeding trough) is poignant and points us to the gritty realism of the humble birth of our Lord and of the relative poverty of Joseph and Mary (see also Luke 2:21-24 – they could not afford a lamb for the required offering). He was “wrapped” in strips of cloth (“swaddling clothes”), as any infant of His era would have worn. This emphasis on His full humanity is a theological necessity; for we need a substitute, a perfect substitute, the Perfect Substitute, to take the punishment for our sins. This little family of two had a baby boy, but they also needed “a Saviour” (Luke 2:11). Moreover, the family of man needs this Savior in order to enter into the eternal family of God. May each one of us trust in “JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21b).