GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

Luke 2:1-20 

Key Verse 2:14

1. Read vs. 1-5

(A) In the passage a census was conducted by Rome. The purpose was for taxation. What was the focus of the Roman Empire and its rulers? (B) How did this event affect the lives of a young couple (Joseph and Mary)? (C) How should children of God feel about massive global events and the people who dictate them?  (D) Read Micah 5:2. This prophecy foretold that a “ruler” whose “origins are from of old” would be born in Bethlehem. Why did God do this and why is prophecy like this God’s grace to his people?

Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "

(A) The Roman Empire at this time is yet another example of the “kingdoms of men”. These kingdoms which are often times in the Bible compared to wild animals are driven by money, power and prestige. The Roman leadership was concerned about financing expensive wars and building up lavish cities and other public works. They taxed occupied countries to maintain their empire. The Romans occupied countries like Israel and its people were viewed as sources of revenue rather than precious humans. When the Roman Empire focused on money, power and prestige it darkened the spiritual environment. Even the Jews became very politically-minded during this time and a new “Zealot” mentality to fight taxation and occupation took hold of some. Other Jews made friends with their occupiers and became centered on money as well. All in all the environment was charged with concerns for this life rather than eternal life.    

(B) Joseph and Mary looked like a small piece of drift wood caught in the storm of political movement. Like everyone else they were pushed around by the global changes and policies of the Roman Empire. Rome looked so large and they so small.

(C) We must resist the inclination to become concerned or impassioned by the movements of the kingdoms of men. A child of God can quickly be absorbed by such matters, especially when they deeply affect our pocketbook or daily lives. These days we see a lot of Christian leaders losing their focus on the kingdom of God and getting burned by the evils of human politics. Many Christians have publicly declared their hatred for some US leaders but it is questionable whether they even pray for them out of love. As a result they mimic the attitudes and expressions of worldly people.

Mark 13:7-9 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. 9"You must be on your guard.”

POINT: The coming of Christ was missed by so many because their minds were not set on the the things of God nor on the Kingdom of God. The “ruler of Israel whose origins are from of old” was born in their backyard but barely anyone saw it happen. Why? Because God’s kingdom was not on their minds. Their spiritual eyes were blinded by concerns for this world.

(D) The value of prophecy is very great. For those who are concerned about the things of God, prophecy helps us to know what God’s next step is and what we can look forward to see happen in his plan. God hasn’t left his children “high and dry” to wonder what’s happening. Instead he has clued us in on nearly every detail. What is next then? Jesus’ return to earth to gather his church! This is the absolute next phase in God’s plan but are people truly preparing for this? Or will this event broadside believers like it broadsided the Jews? We are yet to know but about his return Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" –Luke 18:8 

POINT: Study the Bible, prepare my heart for Jesus’ return, preach the gospel, preach the gospel, preach the gospel to prepare others for this absolute next event.

2. Read vs. 6-7

(A) Under what conditions did Mary give birth to the king of Israel (7)? (B) Why wasn’t there “room in the inn”? (C) Why was a baby born outside and placed inside a manger (a trough used to feed animals)?

(A) She went into labor and delivered the child. She was far from her relatives and probably didn’t have a mid-wife to help her. The baby was most likely delivered with the help of Joseph, but otherwise, alone. It was a lonely and difficult event.

(B) There was no room in the inn because the people were selfish. The lack of focus on God’s kingdom created a dog-eat-dog mentality where people were cold and heartless. Selfishness was so pervasive that a woman giving birth was ignored help. Shocking? The news is full of even worse stories.

(C) There was little regard for  life nor an appreciation that all people are made in the image of God. The Jews may have known this in theory but the practices of the patrons of the inn testifies that they didn’t accept this great truth.

POINT: The world was not prepared for the coming of Jesus. We might think that the biggest event of man’s history would have been attended by more people but it wasn’t. This tells us that the things of God are incompatible with the world. Those with a worldly mind and darkened hearts will miss even the biggest movements of God 100 out of a 100 times (Grade: F-). We must therefore purge our hearts and minds of corruption through repentance and thereby see and understand what God is doing. For many are still leaving God outside in the cold and are missing the real point of life.

6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

3. Read vs. 8-14

(A) Why did God choose to tell “shepherds” about this great work of God? (B) How did God choose to present this news and what can we learn from it? (C) What was the point of the sign: “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (D) Why are the angels the only ones praising God here when this is “good news of great joy…for all the people”? (E) What is the importance and purpose of praising God?

(A) These shepherds were not caught up in the things of this world. They were free from worldly concerns as is seen in their humble lifestyle, “living in the fields”. Humanly, their careers of “watching over their flocks” was a dead-end but in reality they were free from worldly concerns. There is a lot to be said about a low-maintenance lifestyle and career. It is many times good to not be on the “up-and-up” in the world because you will probably have tons of openness to the things of God. Notice how many ignored Jesus’ calling to commit themselves on account of wealth and careers. These shepherds didn’t have such problems.

(B) God chose to present this news through the “glory of the Lord [shining] around them and through an angelic messenger. Also, there was a sign and a heavenly choral performance that said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Did God spare anything in his presentation to the shepherds? No. This might be the most elaborate declaration ever. Why? Because the gospel message of Jesus’ birth as our Savior brings “glory to God in the highest” and it represents the “peace” with God that all men desire. God’s exuberance here shows that the gospel message is the most important message. God has put emphasis here because of its importance. What should we do with our lives then? Seek to know and understand how the gospel is “glory to God in the highest”.

(C) This sign for the shepherds was a key part of the message. In a sense, God was saying, “Go look into this matter more.” It was almost like a homework assignment to explore the issue and not just enjoy the nice message. Too many times we are happy to hear a good sounding, uplifting message without pursuing the matter more.

(D) The angels are declaring the praises of God here because they understand what God has done and they know how much Jesus’ birth marks a new era for God and man. Their understanding of God’s actions produced effortless praise and glory to God. “Praise” means to declare approval and admiration. Did the shepherds know this yet? Not at this moment but after doing their “sign” homework they would.

(E) The purpose of praising God is honoring the truth of what he has done.

POINT: The shepherds here saw the excitement and glory of God in the angels. But they needed to do their homework so that they too could praise the Lord. All men should be praising the Lord with the angels and with all creation. But as fallen sinners we are ignorant and praise the merits of base things. We need to fix this by going by the gospel message and seeing how it is “glory to God in the highest”. Once we know the merit of God’s actions we can join in the heavenly choral. God help us not to fail at this (do homework).

4. Read vs. 15-20

(A) What did the shepherds do after they heard the good news? (B) What action did they take after they had “seen him”? (C) How did people react to their message and how did Mary react to all these things? (D) What does the passage say the Shepherds did when they returned from telling others? (E) What can we learn from these shepherds?

(A) The shepherds “hurried off” and “found” Mary and Joseph. Instead of standing around and just wondering and being amazed, they set to investigate the matter further. They responded how God wanted.

(B) The passage says that “they spread the word concerning what had been told them”. This reaction is a beautiful example of God’s grace working in their hearts and their selflessness. Instead of hoarding the good-news and keeping it for themselves (think of the lepers in 2Kings 7), they brought it to others.

(C) The people were “amazed at what the shepherds said”. This reaction is suspect because there is no evidence that they did anything with the news. In this sense they treated it merely like an interesting story. Mary on the other hand “treasured up” all these things and “pondered” them “in her heart”.

(D) The shepherds were probably the most affected by everything. The passage says they “returned, glorifying and praising God” for all the things they had heard and seen. Like the angels who praised God before them these shepherds came to an understanding of God’s amazing gift.

(E) POINT: In hearing the gospel message we must seek to understand how awesome God’s work is until it produces lavish praise and glory to God. Just being “amazed” like the people who heard about it is just the beginning. All men, should do their homework, ponder what God has done until it inspires authentic praise. For, God’s work to bring his son into this world is “glory to God in the highest!”

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