WEBVTT

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 Heavenly Father, we have gathered this morning as your people.

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 And we now incline our ears and our hearts toward your word because we believe that you seek to us, you Lord.

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 We have this privilege of gathering in your name because of what you did on our behalf.

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 And sending your son, Jesus.

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 On Christmas Day, we live a perfect life, to die for our sins, and be raised for our justification.

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 And that privilege, Lord, we do not want to take the rest.

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 We ask God that you would strike us this morning on you with the wonder of Christmas.

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 The wonder of Christ, the Lord, the Son of God.

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 In Jesus' name we pray.

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 Amen.

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 Luke chapter 2.

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 I will go ahead and read out loud.

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 Justin is supposed to read for this morning, but he's really sick.

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 He's got a new clay.

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 He's staying home.

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 Maybe Luke chapter 2.

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 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

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 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

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 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

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 And Joseph also went out from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.

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 Because he was of the house and lineage of David.

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 To be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

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 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

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 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger.

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 Because there was no place for them in the inn.

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 And in the same region, there were shepherds out there, keeping watch over their flock by night.

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 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

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 And they were filled with great fear.

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 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.

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 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

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 And this will be a sign for you.

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 You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

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 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying,

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 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.

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 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

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 Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.

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 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger.

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 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.

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 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

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 But Mary, treasuring up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

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 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen as it had been told.

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 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus.

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 It's the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

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 As it is written in the law of the Lord, every male who first opens the womb shall be called fully to the Lord,

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 and to offer sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

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 Now, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.

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 And this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

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 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord Christ.

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 And he came in his spirit into the temple.

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 And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him according to the custom of the law,

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 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

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 Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace according to your work.

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 For my eyes have seen your salvation, that you are prepared in the presence of all peoples,

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 of light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.

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 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

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 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,

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 Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel,

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 and for a sign that is opposed, and a sword will pierce to your own souls,

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 so that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.

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 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Thania of the tribe of Asher.

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 She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,

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 and then as a widow until she was 84.

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 She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer at night and day.

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 And coming up that very hour, she began to give thanks to God

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 and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

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 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord,

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 they returned into Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

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 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

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 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

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 And when he was 12 years old, they went up according to custom.

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 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.

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 His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group, they went a day's journey.

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 But then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances.

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 And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.

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 After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers,

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 listening to them and asking them questions.

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 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answer.

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 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished.

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 And his mother said to him,

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 Son, why have you treated us so?

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 Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.

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 And he said to them,

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 Why were you looking for me?

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 Did you not know that I must be my father's house?

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 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

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 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and submitted to them.

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 And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

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 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

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 Always winter and never Christmas.

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 I guess my recognized line.

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 That's the condition in which we discover the imaginary world of Narnia in C.S. Lewis' book,

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 The Lion, the Witch, and the Warbrook.

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 And Christmas follows the winter solstice, which for us was this past Friday, December 21st,

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 the shortest day of the year when the sun seemed to pass by only for a few fleeting moments.

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 And in Narnia, it was always winter, never Christmas.

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 The blistering cold kept people as shuddered in,

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 and the frozen world seemed impervious to the faint rays of light.

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 And this is an apt description of the world before the coming of Christ as well,

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 which we celebrate on Christmas Day.

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 God's people were looking for relief, looking for salvation,

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 but their God, it seemed to them, was nowhere to be found.

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 And some of them were starting to look elsewhere for salvation.

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 Some of them had already resigned themselves to perpetual winter.

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 But then Christmas came, and that's what Luke 2 is all about.

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 It teaches us that we should believe in Christ the Lord,

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 who has come to redeem God's people.

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 And I will talk about the identity of Christ, the fourth phase.

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 First, Jesus as the Christ, and then Jesus as the Lord, and then the Savior,

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 and then finally as the Son of God.

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 In verses 1 to 7, we see his identity as the Christ.

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 Because in verses 1 to 2, it set the context for this important story.

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 It says in verses 1 to 2,

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 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

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 that all the world should be registered.

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 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

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 In those days refers to the time of John the Baptist's birth,

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 which we just talked about in the previous chapter.

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 And it was during the reign of Caesar Augustus, also known as Octavian,

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 who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire.

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 And he reigned from 27 B.C. to 14 A.B.

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 And during his reign, he issued a decree that called for the registration of all the world,

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 meaning the entire Roman world.

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 It's a generalization, but it's not really that much of an exaggeration,

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 since the Roman Empire at the time occupied a sprawling territory

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 from Western Europe to North Africa and the Middle East,

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 and about 70 million people, which is about a third of the world's population.

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 And the registration is basically a census.

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 The world census actually originated in ancient Rome,

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 and it played a crucial role in Roman governance,

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 because it facilitated the assessment of taxes

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 and the conscription of citizens for military service.

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 So it was the ways in which kings and emperors kind of flexed their proverbial muscles,

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 giving them an estimate of the extent of their financial and military power.

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 And due to this mandated registration, verses 3 to 5,

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 Tal has said all went to be registered, each to his own town,

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 and Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth,

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 to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem,

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 because he was of the house and lineage of David,

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 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

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 It seems that the Jews, according to their custom,

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 were required to go back to their ancestral homeland in order to register.

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 And so Joseph knew that he lived in the region of Galilee,

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 in a town of Nazareth.

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 He had to journey back to Judea, to the city of David,

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 which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the lineage of David.

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 And this, of course, is not an incidental detail.

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 It's important, intentional detail,

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 because 1 Samuel 17, 12 tells us that now David was a son of an Ephrathite,

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 of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons.

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 So, because of the divine promise in 2 Samuel 10,

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 that the Davidic monarchy would continue forever,

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 the Old Testament prophecies declared that the Messianic king that would come

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 would be from the line of David.

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 And Micah 5, chapter 5, verse 2 prophesied,

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 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

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 who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

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 from you shall come forth for me,

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 one who is to be ruler in Israel,

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 whose coming forth is from the old, from ancient of days.

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 And so, even though Jesus was conceived in Mary,

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 which was still a virgin,

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 since lineage is traced through the Father,

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 Jesus is born in the lineage of David,

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 in Bethlehem, the city of David.

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 And the implication, of course, is that Jesus is the Davidic king,

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 the Christ, which means anointed one,

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 the promised Messiah,

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 that God's people have been waiting all this time for.

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 By people, they have known, they have been conquered by the Assyrians,

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 and then by the Babylonians, the Persians, and the Greeks,

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 and then finally by the Romans.

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 And there's seemingly endless subjugation of oppression.

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 There always winter is about to come to an end.

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 And the child in Mary's womb is the king who will end that winter and bring Christmas.

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 And Augustus Caesar, who is only trying to flex his own royal muscles,

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 unwittingly becomes the pawn of God's sovereign rule

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 and brings about the fulfillment of this Old Testament prophecy,

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 that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.

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 He calls for senses to display his power,

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 and God displays his own power and witness

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 by bringing about the Messiah through his birth in Bethlehem.

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 And if the coming of this long-awaited Christ is amazing,

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 the circumstance of his birth is even more shocking.

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 Look at verses 6 to 7 with me.

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 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

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 And she gave birth to her firstborn son

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 and wrapped him in swatling cloths

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 and laid him in a manger

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 because there was no place for them in the age.

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 When the contractions start,

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 you quickly have to make arrangements

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 for the pregnant woman to give birth

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 because the baby's birth is imminent.

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 And inns in the ancient world

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 usually had two sections.

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 They had the first section for human occupancy,

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 and they had a second section for animals,

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 to house people's animals.

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 Joseph and Mary needed to find lodging immediately,

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 but because there was no place for them in the inn,

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 it says, meaning the guest rooms were already occupied,

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 they had to settle for a stable

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 where the animals were usually housed.

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 Church tradition holds that the stable

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 was actually a cave,

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 which was not uncommon in those days.

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 And the church of the natively now

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 sits in that site in Bethlehem.

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 A manger is a box or trough in a stable

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 from which the cattle eat.

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 We had to get a privilege of baptizing

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 a few people a few weeks ago in our church,

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 and for our baptismal,

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 we used a horse trough.

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 I don't know if you guys knew that.

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 It's never been used as a horse trough.

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 It's only repurposed as a baptismal,

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 so it's clean.

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 But that's kind of what you're looking at.

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 But this manger in which Jesus is born, however,

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 is a trough that's in use.

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 It's dirty, probably smelling.

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 He's in a stable,

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 and he has a manger for his cradle.

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 While Caesar Augustus was busy

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 counting his subjects

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 so he could use them

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 for himself and his kingdom,

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 Jesus the Christ,

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 the messianic king,

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 came to be counted among us,

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 and he's laid in a manger.

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 And because of that,

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 we know he's not like the kings of this world.

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 He's not like the haughty kings of earth

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 who are aloof from the cares of common life

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 and refuse to associate with the lobe.

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 Christ the king comes to the downtrodden

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 and the lowly

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 so that he might lift them up toward God.

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 And because Christ the king came in a manger,

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 because he came in weakness,

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 in lowliness,

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 he's able to empathize with our lowliness and weakness.

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 Hebrews chapter 4, 15 to 16,

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 says this about Christ.

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 For we do not have a high priest

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 who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

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 but one who in every respect

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 has been tempted as we are,

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 yet without sin.

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 Let us then,

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 with confidence,

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 draw near to the throne of grace,

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 that we may receive mercy

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 and find grace

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 to help in time of the meeting.

00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:22.600
 Because Christ knows

00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:25.580
 what it is like to be lowly and weak.

00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:27.120
 Because Christ knows

00:15:27.120 --> 00:15:28.860
 what it's like to be born

00:15:28.860 --> 00:15:30.700
 into a broken and sinful world.

00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.580
 Because of all of that,

00:15:32.659 --> 00:15:34.180
 because Christ was laid in a manger,

00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:36.899
 he's able to sympathize with our weaknesses,

00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:38.220
 and we can be confident

00:15:38.220 --> 00:15:39.319
 that when we approach him,

00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:41.679
 we'll receive mercy and grace.

00:15:42.500 --> 00:15:43.679
 So remember that truth.

00:15:44.079 --> 00:15:45.659
 This Christmas is in the year to come.

00:15:45.740 --> 00:15:47.079
 Don't forget for a moment

00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:48.779
 that your hardships,

00:15:49.120 --> 00:15:49.819
 your weaknesses,

00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:51.179
 and your temptations,

00:15:52.179 --> 00:15:53.980
 that you have to bear them alone.

00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.279
 Christ knows,

00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.819
 Christ sees,

00:15:58.399 --> 00:16:00.379
 Christ sympathizes with your lowliness,

00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.960
 because he's the manger king.

00:16:02.940 --> 00:16:03.800
 And then this Jesus,

00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:04.700
 who is the Christ,

00:16:04.780 --> 00:16:05.639
 who is also the Lord,

00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:07.259
 as verse 8 to 20 tells us.

00:16:07.560 --> 00:16:08.180
 In verse 8,

00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:08.940
 the scene shifts

00:16:08.940 --> 00:16:10.200
 from the barn to the field.

00:16:10.660 --> 00:16:10.980
 It says,

00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:12.139
 And in the same region

00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:13.040
 there were shepherds

00:16:13.040 --> 00:16:13.639
 out in the field

00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:14.480
 keeping watch

00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:16.940
 over their flock by night.

00:16:18.060 --> 00:16:19.120
 And verse 9 continues,

00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:20.100
 And an angel of the Lord

00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:21.000
 appeared to them,

00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:22.120
 and the glory of the Lord

00:16:22.120 --> 00:16:23.259
 shone around them,

00:16:23.280 --> 00:16:23.960
 and they were filled

00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:25.220
 with great fear.

00:16:25.400 --> 00:16:26.840
 So the fact that this happened

00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:27.460
 while the shepherds

00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:29.080
 were keeping night watch

00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:30.960
 paints kind of a wondrous scene,

00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:32.220
 because out in the field

00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:32.920
 in the middle of the night

00:16:32.920 --> 00:16:33.519
 there would not be

00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:34.360
 much light at all,

00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:35.320
 especially in those days

00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:36.200
 when there's not a lot of,

00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:37.840
 there's no artificial light.

00:16:38.240 --> 00:16:39.259
 So, but during this time,

00:16:39.379 --> 00:16:40.519
 the glory of the Lord

00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:41.820
 shone around them.

00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:42.720
 In scripture,

00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:44.160
 God's glory shines

00:16:44.160 --> 00:16:45.180
 wherever he makes

00:16:45.180 --> 00:16:46.259
 his presence felt,

00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:47.519
 whenever he reveals

00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.560
 his presence to people.

00:16:49.040 --> 00:16:50.019
 The glory of God

00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.960
 is kind of the sum

00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:52.940
 of all of the divine attributes.

00:16:53.060 --> 00:16:53.540
 His holiness,

00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:54.620
 his beauty,

00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.420
 his power,

00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:57.040
 it's kind of the manifestation

00:16:57.040 --> 00:16:57.879
 of Godness,

00:16:58.019 --> 00:16:59.540
 display of divinity.

00:16:59.539 --> 00:17:01.159
 And so God's presence

00:17:01.159 --> 00:17:02.379
 is powerfully being manifest

00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:03.639
 around the shepherds

00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:05.019
 in the midst

00:17:05.019 --> 00:17:05.839
 of a dark night.

00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.079
 And understandably,

00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:07.839
 shepherds are filled

00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:08.519
 with great fear

00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:09.399
 in the presence of God,

00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:11.159
 but the angel reassured them

00:17:11.159 --> 00:17:12.299
 in verses 10 to 14

00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:13.099
 this way,

00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:13.779
 Fear not,

00:17:13.879 --> 00:17:14.379
 for behold,

00:17:14.799 --> 00:17:16.079
 I bring you good news,

00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:17.200
 a great joy

00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.399
 that will be for all the people.

00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:19.659
 For unto you

00:17:19.659 --> 00:17:20.819
 is born this day

00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:21.779
 in the city of David

00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:22.519
 a Savior

00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:23.920
 who is Christ the Lord.

00:17:24.659 --> 00:17:25.680
 And this will be

00:17:25.680 --> 00:17:26.359
 a sign for you.

00:17:26.899 --> 00:17:27.480
 You will find

00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.319
 a baby wrapped

00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.360
 in swaddling cloths

00:17:29.360 --> 00:17:30.120
 and wine in a manger.

00:17:30.880 --> 00:17:31.579
 And suddenly

00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:32.640
 there was with the angel

00:17:32.640 --> 00:17:34.099
 a multitude of the heavenly hosts

00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:34.839
 praising God

00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:35.259
 and saying,

00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:37.299
 Glory to God in highest

00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:38.779
 and on earth peace

00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.539
 among those

00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:41.200
 with whom he is pleased.

00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:44.240
 Verse 1,

00:17:44.480 --> 00:17:45.240
 we noted that

00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:45.779
 in verse 1

00:17:45.779 --> 00:17:46.120
 we noted that

00:17:46.120 --> 00:17:46.880
 Jesus was born

00:17:46.880 --> 00:17:47.420
 during the reign

00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:48.660
 of Caesar Augustus.

00:17:48.720 --> 00:17:49.559
 And there's an interesting

00:17:49.559 --> 00:17:51.900
 parallel with his life

00:17:51.900 --> 00:17:52.900
 and the things

00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:54.019
 we hear about his reign.

00:17:54.640 --> 00:17:56.120
 Because during his reign,

00:17:56.119 --> 00:17:57.319
 the Greek cities in Asia

00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:58.479
 had decided to rearrange

00:17:58.479 --> 00:17:59.579
 their calendar

00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:01.579
 to begin the year

00:18:01.579 --> 00:18:03.099
 on Augustus' birthday

00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:04.839
 due to the claim

00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:05.919
 that he had been sent

00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:07.099
 as a savior

00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:08.299
 to them

00:18:08.299 --> 00:18:09.639
 to make an end

00:18:09.639 --> 00:18:10.319
 to all war.

00:18:10.899 --> 00:18:11.459
 And there are

00:18:11.459 --> 00:18:12.259
 Greek inscriptions

00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.139
 that archaeologists

00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:13.639
 have found

00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.479
 from that era

00:18:14.479 --> 00:18:15.319
 that claim

00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:16.639
 that Augustus' birth

00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:17.699
 marks the beginning

00:18:17.699 --> 00:18:18.539
 of the message

00:18:18.539 --> 00:18:19.199
 of, quote,

00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:20.139
 good news

00:18:20.139 --> 00:18:22.259
 and peace for the Lord.

00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:24.200
 In fact,

00:18:24.259 --> 00:18:24.980
 there was an altar

00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.759
 to Augustan peace

00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:28.099
 that stood in Rome

00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:28.799
 commemorating

00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:30.200
 the unchallenged power

00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:31.759
 and peace

00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.680
 of the Roman Empire.

00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:35.259
 And given this context,

00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:36.160
 the language used

00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:36.759
 in these verses

00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:38.019
 invite an intentional

00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.720
 comparison.

00:18:39.480 --> 00:18:40.940
 Who is the real savior?

00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:43.240
 Who is the real

00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:44.319
 bringer of good news?

00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:46.759
 Who brings peace

00:18:46.759 --> 00:18:47.680
 on earth?

00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:49.720
 Who establishes

00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:51.299
 an eternal kingdom?

00:18:51.299 --> 00:18:53.460
 By all appearances

00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:54.460
 at this time

00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:55.339
 of Jesus' birth,

00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:57.180
 it seems like

00:18:57.180 --> 00:18:57.899
 the right answer

00:18:57.899 --> 00:19:00.099
 is Caesar Augustus.

00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.740
 But Luke tells us

00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:04.119
 that the right answer

00:19:04.119 --> 00:19:04.740
 is actually

00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:06.279
 that baby

00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.539
 wrapped in swaddling

00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.159
 cloths

00:19:08.159 --> 00:19:09.579
 lying in a manger.

00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:12.139
 And history

00:19:12.139 --> 00:19:12.940
 has borne out

00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:13.879
 Luke's testimony.

00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.879
 While the Roman Empire

00:19:15.879 --> 00:19:16.819
 came to an end

00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:18.240
 in 476 AD,

00:19:18.419 --> 00:19:19.419
 the kingdom of God

00:19:19.419 --> 00:19:21.279
 continues to expand

00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:22.099
 in and through

00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:23.680
 the 2,000 year old church.

00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:25.599
 And Caesar Augustus

00:19:25.599 --> 00:19:27.299
 brought a political peace

00:19:27.299 --> 00:19:28.519
 that lasted a short while,

00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:29.799
 but Christ brings

00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:31.079
 eternal peace

00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:31.779
 with God

00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:32.259
 and through that

00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.160
 with our brothers

00:19:33.160 --> 00:19:34.180
 and sisters in Christ.

00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.539
 Caesar Augustus

00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.259
 saved his subjects

00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:37.619
 for a short while

00:19:37.619 --> 00:19:38.980
 from the ravages of war,

00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:40.259
 but Christ saves

00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:40.940
 his people

00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:42.139
 from sin and death

00:19:42.139 --> 00:19:43.399
 onto eternal life.

00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:45.299
 Caesar Augustus

00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.099
 brought good news

00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:46.660
 for some,

00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:48.160
 but Christ brings

00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:48.799
 good news

00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.659
 for all

00:19:49.659 --> 00:19:50.440
 who would believe.

00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:51.180
 Okay.

00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:54.240
 And what is

00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:54.960
 this good news?

00:19:56.159 --> 00:19:57.119
 Why is the coming

00:19:57.119 --> 00:19:57.579
 of Christ

00:19:57.579 --> 00:19:58.339
 good news?

00:19:58.779 --> 00:19:59.619
 This is explained

00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:00.799
 by the three terms

00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:01.240
 that the angel

00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:02.759
 uses to describe Jesus.

00:20:02.899 --> 00:20:03.279
 He says

00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.480
 that he is Savior,

00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:06.039
 that he is Christ,

00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:07.200
 and that he is Lord.

00:20:07.619 --> 00:20:08.399
 And I'll talk about

00:20:08.399 --> 00:20:09.079
 Jesus' identity

00:20:09.079 --> 00:20:09.700
 as a Savior

00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.659
 in my next point,

00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.119
 but for now,

00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.559
 Jesus,

00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:12.419
 he says,

00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:13.180
 is the Christ,

00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.259
 which means

00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:15.039
 anointed one,

00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:16.180
 that he's the Messiah,

00:20:16.180 --> 00:20:17.160
 and that's not surprising

00:20:17.160 --> 00:20:17.720
 because we've seen

00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.600
 his Davidic lineage

00:20:18.600 --> 00:20:20.019
 in the previous passage.

00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.340
 What's surprising,

00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:21.620
 though,

00:20:21.640 --> 00:20:22.259
 is the phrase

00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:23.720
 Christ the Lord.

00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.759
 Because the word

00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.860
 Lord is consistently

00:20:26.860 --> 00:20:27.580
 used throughout

00:20:27.580 --> 00:20:28.360
 the Gospel of Luke

00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:30.140
 to refer to God.

00:20:31.220 --> 00:20:31.960
 It's really,

00:20:32.200 --> 00:20:33.539
 it has in its background

00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.259
 the Old Testament

00:20:34.259 --> 00:20:35.880
 proper name of God,

00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:37.019
 which is rendered

00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:37.740
 as the Lord.

00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:39.620
 This is an audacious

00:20:39.620 --> 00:20:40.860
 identification.

00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:42.060
 In the same way

00:20:42.060 --> 00:20:42.539
 that Elizabeth

00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:43.759
 earlier in chapter 1,

00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.320
 verse 43,

00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:45.940
 called Jesus my Lord,

00:20:46.180 --> 00:20:47.100
 here Jesus

00:20:47.100 --> 00:20:48.200
 is being identified

00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:50.200
 with the Lord God,

00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:50.900
 the creator

00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:52.120
 of the universe.

00:20:52.600 --> 00:20:53.320
 Jesus is not only

00:20:53.320 --> 00:20:53.980
 the Christ,

00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:55.400
 the Davidic Messiah,

00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.840
 the king sent by God,

00:20:57.039 --> 00:20:59.340
 he's also the Lord God himself.

00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:01.400
 And what is the sign

00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:02.160
 of this good news?

00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:03.060
 It says in verse 12,

00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:04.299
 this will be a sign

00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:04.759
 for you,

00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.360
 you will find a baby

00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:08.000
 wrapped in sparkling cloths

00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:09.039
 and lying in a manger.

00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.400
 That's crazy,

00:21:10.600 --> 00:21:10.720
 right?

00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:11.160
 Think about it.

00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:12.000
 The word baby

00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:13.259
 is used to refer

00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:14.200
 to the infant Jesus

00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:15.740
 only twice in all four

00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.740
 of the gospel accounts.

00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.160
 And both of those instances

00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:19.620
 are in Luke chapter 2.

00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.620
 And there's something

00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:22.019
 jarring about that image

00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:23.319
 because the Lord,

00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.700
 the eternal,

00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:27.059
 timeless Son of God,

00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:28.880
 the Word of God,

00:21:29.640 --> 00:21:30.920
 is born on earth

00:21:30.920 --> 00:21:32.200
 as a babbling,

00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.380
 crying,

00:21:34.140 --> 00:21:34.799
 breastfeeding,

00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:36.960
 diaper-sowing baby.

00:21:36.960 --> 00:21:41.400
 I hope you get

00:21:41.400 --> 00:21:43.259
 how mind-blowing that is.

00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.900
 We see Jesus

00:21:45.900 --> 00:21:46.740
 once again

00:21:46.740 --> 00:21:48.360
 through this incarnation,

00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:49.500
 taking on human flesh,

00:21:49.779 --> 00:21:50.799
 occupying the place

00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.500
 of the weak

00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.180
 and the low.

00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:55.100
 After this

00:21:55.100 --> 00:21:56.440
 unidentified angel

00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:57.460
 makes the announcement,

00:21:57.600 --> 00:21:58.380
 he's suddenly joined

00:21:58.380 --> 00:21:59.120
 by a multitude

00:21:59.120 --> 00:22:00.019
 of the heavenly hosts

00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:00.420
 of angels,

00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:01.259
 praising God,

00:22:01.620 --> 00:22:01.840
 saying,

00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:02.660
 glory to God

00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:03.700
 in the highest

00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:04.819
 and on earth

00:22:04.819 --> 00:22:05.700
 peace among those

00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.960
 with whom he's pleased.

00:22:07.299 --> 00:22:08.039
 The highest

00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.519
 is referenced

00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.259
 to the highest

00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:09.920
 of heavens.

00:22:10.660 --> 00:22:12.180
 So it's the first half

00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:13.700
 of the angelicals' praise

00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.720
 described the effect

00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:15.600
 of Christ coming

00:22:15.600 --> 00:22:16.140
 in heaven

00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:17.340
 and the second half

00:22:17.340 --> 00:22:18.160
 described the effect

00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:18.799
 of Christ coming

00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:19.440
 on earth.

00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:20.400
 In heaven,

00:22:20.620 --> 00:22:21.720
 God receives glory

00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:22.240
 and praise

00:22:22.240 --> 00:22:23.160
 because of Christ

00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:24.100
 and on earth,

00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:24.900
 people with whom

00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:25.720
 God is pleased

00:22:25.720 --> 00:22:26.980
 receive peace.

00:22:27.620 --> 00:22:28.460
 And the people

00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.100
 with whom God

00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:29.640
 is pleased

00:22:29.640 --> 00:22:30.440
 is a reference

00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:31.279
 to the kind of people

00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:31.879
 that were mentioned

00:22:31.879 --> 00:22:33.399
 earlier in Mary's

00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:34.160
 song of praise

00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:34.819
 in chapter 1,

00:22:34.899 --> 00:22:35.500
 verse 50,

00:22:35.879 --> 00:22:36.799
 that God's mercy

00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:37.559
 is for those

00:22:37.559 --> 00:22:38.639
 who fear him.

00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:40.180
 God is pleased

00:22:40.180 --> 00:22:40.740
 with those

00:22:40.740 --> 00:22:41.480
 who revere

00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.440
 and worship God,

00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:43.480
 people who humble

00:22:43.480 --> 00:22:44.619
 themselves before God.

00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:46.119
 And these are they

00:22:46.119 --> 00:22:47.759
 who belong to him.

00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:48.720
 And with them,

00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:49.460
 God is pleased

00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:51.019
 and he keeps them peace.

00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.599
 Not peace

00:22:52.599 --> 00:22:54.079
 in terms of

00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:55.220
 a ceasefire,

00:22:55.619 --> 00:22:56.339
 a rest from war,

00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:57.319
 the peace with God,

00:22:57.980 --> 00:22:59.099
 which is the key concept

00:22:59.099 --> 00:22:59.980
 in Luke and Acts.

00:22:59.980 --> 00:23:01.559
 And note the contrast

00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.460
 between verse 10

00:23:02.460 --> 00:23:03.160
 and verse 14.

00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.480
 Verse 10 said

00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:05.279
 that this good news

00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:05.700
 of great joy

00:23:05.700 --> 00:23:06.599
 is brought for all

00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:07.120
 the people,

00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.680
 but God's peace,

00:23:08.740 --> 00:23:10.519
 it says in verse 14,

00:23:10.620 --> 00:23:11.860
 will rest only among

00:23:11.860 --> 00:23:12.799
 those with whom

00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.640
 he is pleased.

00:23:15.160 --> 00:23:16.059
 The good news

00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:17.599
 invites all people,

00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.680
 but only those

00:23:18.680 --> 00:23:19.579
 who humble themselves

00:23:19.579 --> 00:23:20.799
 and come to God

00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:21.400
 in faith

00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:22.140
 will benefit

00:23:22.140 --> 00:23:22.960
 from that peace.

00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:24.960
 And this passage

00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:26.039
 enjoins us to believe

00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:26.839
 with the examples

00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:27.880
 of the shepherds

00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:28.420
 and Mary

00:23:28.420 --> 00:23:29.420
 because we saw

00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:30.360
 that the shepherds

00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:31.200
 in verse 16,

00:23:31.300 --> 00:23:32.480
 they went with haste

00:23:32.480 --> 00:23:33.039
 in obedience

00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.900
 to the angels' words,

00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:35.259
 just like Mary

00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:36.460
 before them

00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:37.060
 in chapter 1

00:23:37.060 --> 00:23:37.980
 went with haste

00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.440
 to Elizabeth

00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:39.060
 after hearing

00:23:39.060 --> 00:23:40.039
 the angels' announcement.

00:23:40.580 --> 00:23:41.060
 And it says,

00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:42.360
 and it says in Mary

00:23:42.360 --> 00:23:43.220
 that even though

00:23:43.220 --> 00:23:44.140
 the crowds

00:23:44.140 --> 00:23:44.660
 who were there

00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:45.160
 who heard

00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:46.080
 the shepherds' views,

00:23:46.560 --> 00:23:47.680
 they wondered

00:23:47.680 --> 00:23:48.660
 at what the shepherds

00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.080
 told them,

00:23:49.140 --> 00:23:50.200
 verses 18 to 19.

00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:51.000
 It says,

00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:51.580
 but,

00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:52.600
 contrast,

00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:53.620
 but Mary

00:23:53.620 --> 00:23:54.900
 treasured up

00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:55.759
 all these things,

00:23:56.040 --> 00:23:56.740
 pondering them

00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:57.259
 in her heart.

00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.840
 There's a contrast

00:23:58.840 --> 00:23:59.380
 there between

00:23:59.380 --> 00:24:00.220
 the crowds

00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:00.840
 who wondered

00:24:00.840 --> 00:24:01.860
 and Mary

00:24:01.860 --> 00:24:02.860
 who treasured

00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:03.580
 and pondered.

00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:05.019
 The announcement

00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:06.280
 that the baby

00:24:06.280 --> 00:24:06.820
 in a manger

00:24:06.820 --> 00:24:07.720
 is a Savior

00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.720
 who is Christ the Lord,

00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:09.540
 it piqued

00:24:09.540 --> 00:24:10.519
 the crowd's interest.

00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:13.220
 Who wouldn't be

00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:13.940
 interested in hearing

00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:14.580
 something like that?

00:24:14.600 --> 00:24:15.640
 It tickled their ears,

00:24:16.100 --> 00:24:18.259
 but it did not

00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:19.400
 pierce their hearts.

00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:21.480
 So they moved on

00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:22.080
 with their lives.

00:24:22.079 --> 00:24:23.879
 But Mary,

00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.599
 on the other hand,

00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:25.460
 it says,

00:24:25.939 --> 00:24:26.839
 she did not move on.

00:24:26.919 --> 00:24:28.119
 She treasured up

00:24:28.119 --> 00:24:29.119
 all these things,

00:24:29.659 --> 00:24:30.379
 pondering them

00:24:30.379 --> 00:24:31.740
 in her heart.

00:24:33.720 --> 00:24:34.379
 Some of you

00:24:34.379 --> 00:24:35.299
 are visiting us

00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:35.980
 because this is

00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:37.079
 a Christmas service.

00:24:38.619 --> 00:24:39.359
 And some of you

00:24:39.359 --> 00:24:40.199
 are not yet a follower

00:24:40.199 --> 00:24:41.059
 of Jesus Christ.

00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.099
 But regardless of why

00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:44.199
 you came in here

00:24:44.199 --> 00:24:44.699
 this morning,

00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:47.500
 which is the good news

00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.519
 that you are hearing now,

00:24:48.639 --> 00:24:49.159
 the good news,

00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.220
 the same news

00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.139
 that the shepherds

00:24:51.139 --> 00:24:51.460
 announced,

00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:52.519
 that the angel announced

00:24:52.519 --> 00:24:53.720
 is what you're hearing

00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.420
 now,

00:24:54.860 --> 00:24:55.759
 the same message.

00:24:56.440 --> 00:24:57.460
 How will you respond

00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.840
 to this good news?

00:25:00.100 --> 00:25:00.779
 Will you be like

00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.579
 the people in Bethlehem

00:25:01.579 --> 00:25:02.759
 who merely wandered

00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:04.980
 and then moved on

00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:05.539
 with their lives?

00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.259
 Or will you be like

00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:09.180
 Mary who treasured

00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:09.940
 these things

00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:11.120
 and pondered them

00:25:11.120 --> 00:25:11.640
 in her heart?

00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:14.519
 Will you respond

00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.059
 with faith

00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:15.600
 and obedience?

00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:18.939
 The scene shifts

00:25:18.939 --> 00:25:19.439
 once again

00:25:19.439 --> 00:25:20.639
 in verses 21-40

00:25:20.639 --> 00:25:21.779
 this time to the temple

00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:22.399
 where we see

00:25:22.399 --> 00:25:23.319
 Jesus' identity

00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:24.159
 as the Savior.

00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.379
 It says in verses

00:25:25.379 --> 00:25:26.519
 21-24,

00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.420
 and at the end

00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:28.240
 of eight days

00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:30.000
 when he was circumcised

00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.759
 he was called

00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.220
 Jesus,

00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.039
 the name given

00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.700
 by the angel

00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.639
 before he was conceived

00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:34.160
 in the womb.

00:25:34.619 --> 00:25:35.359
 And when the time

00:25:35.359 --> 00:25:36.579
 came for their purification

00:25:36.579 --> 00:25:37.379
 according to the law

00:25:37.379 --> 00:25:37.759
 of Moses,

00:25:38.139 --> 00:25:38.660
 they brought him

00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:39.279
 up to Jerusalem

00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:40.000
 to present him

00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:40.619
 to the Lord

00:25:40.619 --> 00:25:41.480
 as it is written

00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:41.900
 in the law

00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:42.339
 of the Lord.

00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:43.059
 Every male

00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:43.839
 who first opens

00:25:43.839 --> 00:25:44.160
 the womb

00:25:44.160 --> 00:25:44.720
 shall be called

00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:45.599
 holy to the Lord

00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:46.339
 and to offer

00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.019
 a sacrifice

00:25:47.019 --> 00:25:47.639
 according to

00:25:47.639 --> 00:25:48.220
 what is sent

00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:48.660
 in the law

00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.099
 of the Lord.

00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:50.440
 A pair of turtle doves

00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:51.519
 or two young people.

00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.220
 We saw earlier

00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.940
 in verse 11

00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.420
 the angel

00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:55.220
 called Jesus

00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:55.940
 a Savior

00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:57.120
 and the name

00:25:57.120 --> 00:25:57.680
 Jesus

00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.400
 given here

00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:58.940
 according to

00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.500
 the angel's

00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:00.380
 announcement

00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:01.500
 means the Lord

00:26:01.500 --> 00:26:02.180
 saves.

00:26:03.380 --> 00:26:03.880
 And there are

00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:05.220
 two specific reasons

00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:06.480
 why Joseph and Mary

00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:07.460
 traveled to the temple

00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:07.860
 in Jerusalem

00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:08.759
 with baby Jesus

00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:09.740
 and they both

00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.500
 have something to do

00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.539
 with the Old Testament law.

00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:12.860
 The first purpose

00:26:12.860 --> 00:26:13.799
 is this,

00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:15.180
 the purification

00:26:15.180 --> 00:26:15.880
 according to

00:26:15.880 --> 00:26:16.519
 the law of Moses.

00:26:17.120 --> 00:26:18.000
 Due to the discharge

00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:18.580
 of blood

00:26:18.580 --> 00:26:19.720
 during the birth

00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.839
 a woman with a second birth

00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:21.559
 was required

00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:22.960
 by the Old Testament law

00:26:22.960 --> 00:26:23.500
 to go through

00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:23.980
 a ceremony

00:26:23.980 --> 00:26:24.700
 of purification

00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:25.880
 in Leviticus

00:26:25.880 --> 00:26:26.640
 chapter 12.

00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.120
 And according to

00:26:28.120 --> 00:26:29.079
 Leviticus chapter 12

00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:30.019
 verses 6 to 8

00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:31.579
 the purification ritual

00:26:31.579 --> 00:26:33.220
 required two sacrifices.

00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:34.360
 The sacrifices

00:26:34.360 --> 00:26:35.640
 of a male lamb

00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:36.380
 a year old

00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:37.400
 for a burnt offering

00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:39.079
 and a pigeon

00:26:39.079 --> 00:26:40.160
 or a turtle dove

00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:41.339
 for a sin offering.

00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:42.759
 But it's specified

00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.600
 that in the event

00:26:43.600 --> 00:26:44.200
 that the woman

00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:44.880
 and her husband

00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:46.000
 cannot afford

00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:46.980
 a male lamb

00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:47.720
 a year old

00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.559
 for burnt offering

00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.259
 they could

00:26:49.259 --> 00:26:49.879
 substitute

00:26:49.879 --> 00:26:51.299
 with the

00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:51.839
 substitute

00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:53.319
 the lamb

00:26:53.319 --> 00:26:54.099
 by using

00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.299
 two turtle doves

00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:56.940
 or two pigeons

00:26:56.940 --> 00:26:57.359
 instead.

00:26:57.920 --> 00:26:58.480
 And that's actually

00:26:58.480 --> 00:26:59.519
 what Joseph and Mary

00:26:59.519 --> 00:27:00.619
 do here

00:27:00.619 --> 00:27:01.720
 which shows us

00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:02.299
 that they were

00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.359
 not well off.

00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:04.359
 They could not afford

00:27:04.359 --> 00:27:04.980
 a male lamb

00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:05.559
 a year old

00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.400
 so they substitute

00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:06.920
 a pigeon

00:27:06.920 --> 00:27:08.039
 or a turtle dove.

00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.379
 They bring the poor

00:27:09.379 --> 00:27:09.980
 people's offering

00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:10.339
 to God

00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:11.099
 and that's the first

00:27:11.099 --> 00:27:11.480
 purpose.

00:27:11.599 --> 00:27:12.240
 That's purification.

00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:14.319
 The second purpose

00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.680
 was to present

00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.920
 Jesus to the Lord

00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.900
 as it is written

00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.259
 in the law

00:27:18.259 --> 00:27:18.700
 of the Lord

00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:20.039
 to every male

00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.960
 who first opens

00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:21.320
 the womb

00:27:21.320 --> 00:27:21.900
 shall be called

00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:22.960
 holy to the Lord

00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:24.120
 meaning set apart

00:27:24.120 --> 00:27:24.680
 for the Lord

00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.580
 and to offer

00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:26.620
 sacrifice according

00:27:26.620 --> 00:27:27.220
 to what is said

00:27:27.220 --> 00:27:27.600
 in the law

00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.039
 of the Lord.

00:27:28.600 --> 00:27:30.019
 So in Exodus 13

00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.900
 God said that

00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:32.360
 every firstborn male

00:27:32.360 --> 00:27:33.080
 in Israel

00:27:33.080 --> 00:27:34.779
 belongs to him.

00:27:35.340 --> 00:27:36.840
 Every firstborn male

00:27:36.840 --> 00:27:37.519
 animal

00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:38.720
 had to be

00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:39.460
 sacrificed

00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:40.100
 to the Lord

00:27:40.100 --> 00:27:41.600
 and every firstborn

00:27:41.600 --> 00:27:42.200
 son

00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.019
 had to be

00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.580
 redeemed

00:27:43.579 --> 00:27:44.480
 for the redemption

00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:46.179
 price of five shekels

00:27:46.179 --> 00:27:47.099
 specified in Numbers

00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:47.759
 chapter 18.

00:27:48.419 --> 00:27:49.339
 So this requirement

00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.500
 was in commemoration

00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.319
 of the Passover

00:27:51.319 --> 00:27:53.159
 when God struck down

00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:54.159
 the Egyptians

00:27:54.159 --> 00:27:55.659
 by killing all

00:27:55.659 --> 00:27:56.960
 the firstborn sons

00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:58.000
 of the Egyptians

00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.899
 and all their

00:27:58.899 --> 00:28:00.179
 firstborn male animals

00:28:00.179 --> 00:28:01.480
 because Pharaohs

00:28:01.480 --> 00:28:02.579
 stubbornly refused

00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:03.599
 to let God's people

00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.460
 Israel go

00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.740
 from their slavery.

00:28:06.639 --> 00:28:07.299
 And there's

00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:07.740
 this kind of

00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.839
 retributive justice here

00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:09.879
 because in Exodus

00:28:09.879 --> 00:28:10.819
 chapter 4.22

00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.399
 and elsewhere

00:28:11.399 --> 00:28:12.659
 God calls Israel

00:28:12.659 --> 00:28:13.199
 his people

00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:15.519
 my firstborn son.

00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:17.779
 And so Egypt's

00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.779
 firstborn sons

00:28:18.779 --> 00:28:20.120
 are struck down

00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:21.140
 for enslaving

00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:23.160
 God's firstborn son.

00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:24.100
 And that concept

00:28:24.100 --> 00:28:25.259
 of the firstborn son

00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:25.779
 is important

00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.740
 of course because

00:28:26.740 --> 00:28:27.759
 of the right

00:28:27.759 --> 00:28:28.519
 of inheritance

00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:29.420
 in this culture.

00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:30.640
 By virtue of being

00:28:30.640 --> 00:28:31.500
 the firstborn son

00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:32.920
 Jesus belonged to God

00:28:32.920 --> 00:28:33.980
 and since God

00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:35.140
 explicitly prohibits

00:28:35.140 --> 00:28:36.160
 child sacrifice

00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:37.299
 he makes a provision

00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:38.319
 for the redemption

00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:39.819
 of the firstborn son

00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:40.140
 instead

00:28:40.140 --> 00:28:40.860
 through the payment

00:28:40.860 --> 00:28:41.860
 of a ransom

00:28:41.860 --> 00:28:42.759
 price.

00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:45.220
 And all of these

00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.680
 rituals and sacrifices

00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.940
 serve as signs

00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:49.039
 that prefigure

00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:49.580
 the coming

00:28:49.580 --> 00:28:50.519
 of Jesus Christ

00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:51.860
 because he's

00:28:51.860 --> 00:28:52.720
 described in

00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:53.799
 Colossians chapter 1

00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:54.340
 verse 15

00:28:54.340 --> 00:28:55.519
 as the firstborn

00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:56.740
 of all creation.

00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:57.700
 That's who Jesus is.

00:28:57.840 --> 00:28:59.039
 That does not mean

00:28:59.039 --> 00:28:59.759
 that Jesus was

00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.640
 the first being

00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:01.340
 ever created

00:29:01.340 --> 00:29:02.039
 by God.

00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:04.039
 It's referring

00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:04.660
 to his right

00:29:04.660 --> 00:29:05.440
 of inheritance

00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:06.140
 because Jesus

00:29:06.140 --> 00:29:07.660
 is an uncreated being.

00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:08.900
 He's the second person

00:29:08.900 --> 00:29:09.420
 of the Trinity

00:29:09.420 --> 00:29:10.779
 as John chapter 1

00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.660
 verse 1 to 3

00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.279
 made clear.

00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.579
 But he is the

00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:14.799
 firstborn of all creation

00:29:14.799 --> 00:29:15.539
 meaning that he lays

00:29:15.539 --> 00:29:16.680
 claim on all creation

00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:17.519
 as an inheritance

00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:18.200
 because he is

00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:18.899
 the son of God.

00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:20.539
 But Jesus

00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.859
 and so this is

00:29:21.859 --> 00:29:23.240
 Jesus the firstborn son

00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:24.299
 and then according

00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:25.339
 to John 1 29

00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:26.180
 Jesus is also

00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:27.099
 the lamb of God

00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:27.879
 who takes away

00:29:27.879 --> 00:29:28.859
 the sin of the world.

00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:30.339
 He's the Passover lamb

00:29:30.339 --> 00:29:30.899
 sacrificed

00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:32.240
 for us.

00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:34.160
 So to a couple

00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:34.779
 that cannot afford

00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:36.539
 to sacrifice

00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:37.460
 the male lamb

00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.359
 for purification

00:29:38.359 --> 00:29:39.599
 and therefore

00:29:39.599 --> 00:29:40.279
 must substitute

00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:40.779
 a pigeon

00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:41.299
 or a turtle

00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:42.879
 to them

00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:43.519
 comes

00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:44.219
 the lamb

00:29:44.219 --> 00:29:44.759
 of God

00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.740
 who will die

00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.559
 as the atoning

00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:47.159
 sacrifice

00:29:47.159 --> 00:29:48.099
 the ultimate

00:29:48.099 --> 00:29:48.839
 substitute

00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:49.879
 for our

00:29:49.879 --> 00:29:50.699
 purification.

00:29:52.159 --> 00:29:53.279
 Joseph and Mary

00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:54.039
 present Jesus

00:29:54.039 --> 00:29:54.939
 at the temple

00:29:54.939 --> 00:29:55.839
 and pay

00:29:55.839 --> 00:29:56.719
 his redemption

00:29:56.719 --> 00:29:57.500
 price

00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.659
 and the ransom

00:29:58.659 --> 00:29:59.500
 that they pay

00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.559
 points to

00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:01.339
 the ultimate

00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:01.819
 ransom

00:30:01.819 --> 00:30:02.519
 that God

00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:03.919
 himself pays

00:30:03.919 --> 00:30:05.099
 with the death

00:30:05.099 --> 00:30:05.899
 of his one

00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:07.059
 and only son

00:30:07.059 --> 00:30:07.699
 Jesus Christ

00:30:07.700 --> 00:30:08.360
 to redeem

00:30:08.360 --> 00:30:09.259
 his people

00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.519
 from slavery

00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.400
 to sin and death.

00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:12.620
 That's why Jesus

00:30:12.620 --> 00:30:13.740
 describes his own

00:30:13.740 --> 00:30:14.480
 mission this way

00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.620
 in Mark 10 45

00:30:15.620 --> 00:30:16.840
 the son of man

00:30:16.840 --> 00:30:17.720
 came not to be

00:30:17.720 --> 00:30:18.740
 served but to serve

00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:19.819
 and to give his

00:30:19.819 --> 00:30:21.340
 life as a ransom

00:30:21.340 --> 00:30:22.559
 for many.

00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:24.620
 Because Jesus

00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:25.600
 died on the cross

00:30:25.600 --> 00:30:26.519
 for our sins

00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:27.740
 as the son of God

00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:29.019
 we can be spared

00:30:29.019 --> 00:30:30.059
 as God's people

00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:31.440
 and become adopted

00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:32.240
 children of God.

00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:34.039
 That's how Jesus

00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:35.319
 is the savior.

00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:37.080
 He saves others

00:30:37.079 --> 00:30:37.819
 by not sparing

00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:38.179
 himself.

00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.099
 He delivers

00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:39.859
 others by

00:30:39.859 --> 00:30:40.839
 delivering himself

00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:42.000
 over to be

00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:42.879
 crucified in the

00:30:42.879 --> 00:30:43.419
 hands of sin.

00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.339
 In verses 25

00:30:46.339 --> 00:30:46.859
 to 28

00:30:46.859 --> 00:30:47.619
 a man named

00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:48.240
 Simeon enters

00:30:48.240 --> 00:30:48.679
 the scene

00:30:48.679 --> 00:30:49.740
 and corroborates

00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.059
 this.

00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:51.179
 Verse 25

00:30:51.179 --> 00:30:51.980
 says that Simeon

00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:52.699
 was righteous

00:30:52.699 --> 00:30:53.579
 and devout

00:30:53.579 --> 00:30:54.359
 waiting for the

00:30:54.359 --> 00:30:55.019
 consolation of

00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.619
 Israel and the

00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:56.139
 Holy Spirit

00:30:56.139 --> 00:30:56.899
 was upon him

00:30:56.899 --> 00:30:57.819
 and God

00:30:57.819 --> 00:30:58.379
 had promised

00:30:58.379 --> 00:30:58.960
 this man

00:30:58.960 --> 00:30:59.559
 that he would

00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.179
 not die

00:31:00.179 --> 00:31:00.759
 until he had

00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:01.559
 seen with his

00:31:01.559 --> 00:31:02.419
 eyes the

00:31:02.419 --> 00:31:03.319
 Lord's Christ.

00:31:04.039 --> 00:31:04.639
 And this man

00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:05.039
 who had been

00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:05.799
 waiting and looking

00:31:05.799 --> 00:31:06.200
 out for the

00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:06.740
 Lord's Christ

00:31:06.740 --> 00:31:07.299
 of course

00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:08.139
 recognizes him

00:31:08.139 --> 00:31:08.639
 immediately

00:31:08.639 --> 00:31:09.859
 when baby

00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:10.500
 Jesus is brought

00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.119
 into the temple

00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:11.680
 to be presented

00:31:11.680 --> 00:31:12.399
 for redemption.

00:31:13.319 --> 00:31:14.159
 And he's quite

00:31:14.159 --> 00:31:14.480
 eager.

00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.659
 Hopefully he asks

00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:16.159
 for permission

00:31:16.159 --> 00:31:16.680
 but he takes

00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:17.019
 the baby

00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.539
 Jesus up in

00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.019
 his arms

00:31:18.019 --> 00:31:18.940
 and lifts

00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:19.359
 him up

00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:20.599
 and he

00:31:20.599 --> 00:31:21.339
 praises God

00:31:21.339 --> 00:31:21.740
 this way

00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:22.019
 in verses

00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:23.299
 29 to 32.

00:31:23.299 --> 00:31:24.319
 Lord

00:31:24.319 --> 00:31:25.440
 now you are

00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:25.960
 letting your

00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:26.279
 servant

00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:26.779
 depart

00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.339
 in peace

00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:28.299
 according to

00:31:28.299 --> 00:31:28.799
 your word

00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:29.859
 where my

00:31:29.859 --> 00:31:30.639
 eyes have

00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:31.180
 seen

00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:32.519
 your salvation

00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.480
 that you have

00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:34.359
 prepared in the

00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:34.799
 presence of

00:31:34.799 --> 00:31:35.539
 all peoples

00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.619
 a life for

00:31:36.619 --> 00:31:37.359
 revelation to

00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:38.019
 the Gentiles

00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:38.980
 and for glory

00:31:38.980 --> 00:31:40.039
 to your people

00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:40.980
 Israel.

00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:43.559
 Seeing the

00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:44.599
 Lord's Christ

00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:45.480
 in verse 26

00:31:45.480 --> 00:31:46.399
 parallels my

00:31:46.399 --> 00:31:47.440
 eyes have seen

00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:48.319
 your salvation

00:31:48.319 --> 00:31:49.740
 in verse 30.

00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:51.119
 The Lord's

00:31:51.119 --> 00:31:52.259
 Christ is

00:31:52.259 --> 00:31:53.140
 the salvation.

00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.119
 So seeing

00:31:54.119 --> 00:31:54.799
 salvation

00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.859
 he sees

00:31:55.859 --> 00:31:56.259
 salvation

00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:56.700
 when he sees

00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:57.099
 the Lord's

00:31:57.099 --> 00:31:57.379
 Christ.

00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:58.319
 And Jesus

00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:59.299
 because he is

00:31:59.299 --> 00:31:59.900
 the salvation

00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.480
 he will be

00:32:00.480 --> 00:32:01.240
 a light for

00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:01.779
 revelation

00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:02.799
 for Gentiles

00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:03.879
 and for glory

00:32:03.879 --> 00:32:04.599
 to God's

00:32:04.599 --> 00:32:05.400
 people Israel.

00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:06.660
 Christ brings

00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:07.660
 light to Gentiles

00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:08.299
 who live in

00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:08.759
 darkness

00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:09.740
 and this will

00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.759
 be for Israel's

00:32:10.759 --> 00:32:11.859
 glory because

00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.859
 Christ is the

00:32:12.859 --> 00:32:13.440
 Lord the

00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.740
 Savior he came

00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.640
 from among

00:32:15.640 --> 00:32:15.960
 them.

00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:16.900
 He was one of

00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:17.099
 them.

00:32:18.240 --> 00:32:19.079
 Sometimes people

00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:20.000
 dismiss the Old

00:32:20.000 --> 00:32:20.819
 Testament as being

00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.440
 narrow and

00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:22.119
 ethnocentric

00:32:22.119 --> 00:32:23.159
 but right from

00:32:23.159 --> 00:32:23.599
 the beginning

00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:24.259
 from the book

00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:24.799
 of Genesis

00:32:24.799 --> 00:32:25.579
 and onward

00:32:25.579 --> 00:32:26.179
 God says

00:32:26.179 --> 00:32:27.399
 repeatedly that

00:32:27.399 --> 00:32:28.139
 eventually

00:32:28.139 --> 00:32:29.239
 ultimately the

00:32:29.239 --> 00:32:30.199
 salvation plan

00:32:30.199 --> 00:32:31.000
 is for all

00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:31.679
 the nations.

00:32:32.239 --> 00:32:33.099
 The reason why

00:32:33.099 --> 00:32:33.799
 the Jewish nation

00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:34.279
 has such a

00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:35.039
 prominent place

00:32:35.039 --> 00:32:35.500
 in God's

00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:35.719
 redemption

00:32:35.719 --> 00:32:36.379
 history in

00:32:36.379 --> 00:32:36.579
 the Old

00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:36.879
 Testament

00:32:36.879 --> 00:32:37.839
 is because

00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:38.939
 it's from

00:32:38.939 --> 00:32:39.559
 them among

00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:39.959
 the Jewish

00:32:39.959 --> 00:32:40.819
 people that

00:32:40.819 --> 00:32:41.579
 Christ the

00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:42.239
 Lord will be

00:32:42.239 --> 00:32:42.839
 born who

00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:44.000
 brings salvation

00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:44.759
 to all

00:32:44.759 --> 00:32:45.179
 nations.

00:32:45.959 --> 00:32:46.459
 He is the

00:32:46.459 --> 00:32:47.119
 Davidic king

00:32:47.119 --> 00:32:48.159
 the Savior

00:32:48.159 --> 00:32:49.379
 of the Lord.

00:32:49.799 --> 00:32:50.199
 And having

00:32:50.200 --> 00:32:51.039
 praise God

00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.480
 for the

00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:51.819
 birth of

00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:52.059
 Jesus,

00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:52.600
 Simeon has

00:32:52.600 --> 00:32:53.100
 a specific

00:32:53.100 --> 00:32:53.759
 word for

00:32:53.759 --> 00:32:54.840
 Mary in

00:32:54.840 --> 00:32:55.600
 verse 34

00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:56.059
 35.

00:32:57.259 --> 00:32:57.799
 Behold,

00:32:58.360 --> 00:32:59.400
 this child is

00:32:59.400 --> 00:32:59.940
 appointed for

00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:00.640
 the fall and

00:33:00.640 --> 00:33:01.299
 rising of

00:33:01.299 --> 00:33:01.720
 many in

00:33:01.720 --> 00:33:02.720
 Israel and

00:33:02.720 --> 00:33:03.620
 for a sign

00:33:03.620 --> 00:33:05.440
 that is

00:33:05.440 --> 00:33:05.900
 opposed.

00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.420
 And a

00:33:07.420 --> 00:33:07.960
 sword will

00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:08.460
 pierce through

00:33:08.460 --> 00:33:08.920
 your own

00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:09.940
 soul also,

00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:10.720
 so that

00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.299
 thoughts from

00:33:11.299 --> 00:33:11.860
 many hearts

00:33:11.860 --> 00:33:12.440
 may be

00:33:12.440 --> 00:33:12.960
 healed.

00:33:13.740 --> 00:33:14.160
 It was

00:33:14.160 --> 00:33:14.980
 prophesied in

00:33:14.980 --> 00:33:16.299
 Isaiah 8,

00:33:16.980 --> 00:33:17.860
 14-15,

00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:18.400
 and Isaiah

00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:19.339
 28-16,

00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:20.039
 that the

00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.759
 Messiah would

00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.680
 be a rock.

00:33:22.319 --> 00:33:22.720
 He would be

00:33:22.720 --> 00:33:23.380
 a rock that

00:33:23.380 --> 00:33:24.140
 causes some

00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.740
 people to

00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:25.120
 stumble,

00:33:26.120 --> 00:33:26.819
 but he will

00:33:26.819 --> 00:33:27.339
 also be a

00:33:27.339 --> 00:33:27.920
 rock that

00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:28.579
 serves as a

00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:28.980
 precious

00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:30.059
 cornerstone of

00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:30.319
 a sure

00:33:30.319 --> 00:33:31.440
 foundation for

00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:31.860
 others.

00:33:32.279 --> 00:33:32.680
 For those

00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:33.339
 who reject

00:33:33.339 --> 00:33:34.799
 Christ, he

00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:35.539
 will be the

00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:36.039
 rock of

00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:36.640
 stumbling that

00:33:36.640 --> 00:33:37.099
 caused them

00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:37.559
 to fall,

00:33:37.860 --> 00:33:38.160
 but for

00:33:38.160 --> 00:33:38.460
 those who

00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.140
 receive him

00:33:39.140 --> 00:33:39.660
 in faith,

00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:41.140
 Christ will

00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:41.519
 be the

00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:41.819
 precious

00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:42.460
 cornerstone

00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:43.200
 that supports

00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:43.620
 them up.

00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:45.279
 Jesus'

00:33:45.519 --> 00:33:46.079
 coming is

00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:46.519
 such an

00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:47.240
 earth-shattering

00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:48.140
 event, such

00:33:48.140 --> 00:33:49.900
 a history-defying

00:33:49.900 --> 00:33:51.279
 event, that

00:33:51.279 --> 00:33:51.900
 his identity

00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:52.740
 and ministry

00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.680
 divide the

00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:54.160
 whole world

00:33:54.160 --> 00:33:54.680
 into two

00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:55.079
 parts.

00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.500
 Everybody is

00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:57.460
 defined according

00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:58.120
 to God by

00:33:58.120 --> 00:33:59.019
 how they relate

00:33:59.019 --> 00:33:59.500
 to Jesus

00:33:59.500 --> 00:34:00.019
 Christ.

00:34:04.680 --> 00:34:05.059
 And as

00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:08.019
 Jesus does

00:34:08.019 --> 00:34:08.679
 this, as he

00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:09.260
 divides the

00:34:09.260 --> 00:34:09.800
 world through

00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:10.380
 his ministry,

00:34:10.579 --> 00:34:11.159
 Simeon notes,

00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:12.219
 a sword will

00:34:12.219 --> 00:34:12.760
 pierce through

00:34:12.760 --> 00:34:13.599
 Mary's own

00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:14.900
 sword also.

00:34:15.699 --> 00:34:16.240
 The word

00:34:16.240 --> 00:34:17.539
 sword refers

00:34:17.539 --> 00:34:18.820
 to a large

00:34:18.820 --> 00:34:19.599
 and broad

00:34:19.599 --> 00:34:20.320
 double-edged

00:34:20.320 --> 00:34:21.280
 sword, which

00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:21.920
 makes this

00:34:21.920 --> 00:34:22.420
 image quite

00:34:22.420 --> 00:34:22.940
 graphic.

00:34:23.740 --> 00:34:24.420
 It's referring

00:34:24.420 --> 00:34:25.559
 to sharp

00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:26.719
 emotional

00:34:26.719 --> 00:34:28.420
 pain that

00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.079
 Mary will

00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:30.340
 experience as

00:34:30.340 --> 00:34:30.980
 a result of

00:34:30.980 --> 00:34:31.840
 Jesus' life

00:34:31.840 --> 00:34:32.860
 and ministry.

00:34:33.320 --> 00:34:33.679
 And of

00:34:33.679 --> 00:34:34.099
 course, that

00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:34.900
 pain comes

00:34:34.900 --> 00:34:35.159
 to a

00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:36.320
 climax in

00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:36.719
 Jesus'

00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:37.619
 crucifixion

00:34:37.619 --> 00:34:38.139
 when Mary,

00:34:38.280 --> 00:34:38.679
 according to

00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:39.719
 John 1925,

00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:40.519
 is looking at

00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:41.059
 him, watching

00:34:41.059 --> 00:34:41.599
 him in the

00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:42.079
 presence of

00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:42.480
 his son,

00:34:42.699 --> 00:34:43.360
 her son's,

00:34:43.360 --> 00:34:44.519
 crucifixion.

00:34:45.240 --> 00:34:45.900
 That's the

00:34:45.900 --> 00:34:46.539
 cost of

00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:47.340
 bearing the

00:34:47.340 --> 00:34:47.660
 son of

00:34:47.660 --> 00:34:48.420
 God, who

00:34:48.420 --> 00:34:48.840
 properly

00:34:48.840 --> 00:34:49.579
 belongs not

00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:50.420
 to her, but

00:34:50.420 --> 00:34:50.700
 to the

00:34:50.700 --> 00:34:50.920
 Lord.

00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:52.360
 And after

00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:52.940
 Simeon, a

00:34:52.940 --> 00:34:53.880
 prophetess named

00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:54.800
 Anna also

00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:56.720
 comes up, we

00:34:56.720 --> 00:34:57.280
 have a lot of

00:34:57.280 --> 00:34:58.180
 actually Annas in

00:34:58.180 --> 00:34:58.940
 our church.

00:34:59.960 --> 00:35:01.500
 And Anna is

00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:03.760
 a godly woman,

00:35:04.099 --> 00:35:04.760
 a devoted

00:35:04.760 --> 00:35:05.400
 person like

00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:05.740
 Simeon.

00:35:05.739 --> 00:35:07.039
 before the

00:35:07.039 --> 00:35:07.539
 death and

00:35:07.539 --> 00:35:08.159
 resurrection of

00:35:08.159 --> 00:35:08.659
 Christ and

00:35:08.659 --> 00:35:09.079
 the subsequent

00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:09.599
 outcome of

00:35:09.599 --> 00:35:09.939
 the Spirit,

00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:10.899
 actually only

00:35:10.899 --> 00:35:11.619
 five women

00:35:11.619 --> 00:35:11.979
 out in

00:35:11.979 --> 00:35:12.399
 Scripture,

00:35:12.659 --> 00:35:13.159
 before the

00:35:13.159 --> 00:35:13.519
 coming of

00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:13.739
 the Spirit,

00:35:14.039 --> 00:35:14.599
 are described

00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:15.139
 as true

00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:15.819
 prophetess.

00:35:15.899 --> 00:35:16.439
 Only five

00:35:16.439 --> 00:35:17.519
 in the Old

00:35:17.519 --> 00:35:18.219
 Testament and

00:35:18.219 --> 00:35:18.479
 here.

00:35:19.039 --> 00:35:19.479
 Miriam,

00:35:19.819 --> 00:35:20.299
 Deborah,

00:35:20.559 --> 00:35:20.859
 Koda,

00:35:21.339 --> 00:35:21.839
 Isaiah's

00:35:21.839 --> 00:35:22.199
 unnamed

00:35:22.199 --> 00:35:23.279
 wife, and

00:35:23.279 --> 00:35:24.119
 lastly, Anna.

00:35:25.239 --> 00:35:26.439
 So Anna is

00:35:26.439 --> 00:35:26.939
 a special

00:35:26.939 --> 00:35:27.539
 vessel of

00:35:27.539 --> 00:35:27.859
 God's

00:35:27.859 --> 00:35:28.279
 revelation.

00:35:29.199 --> 00:35:29.539
 And she

00:35:29.539 --> 00:35:29.939
 was so

00:35:29.939 --> 00:35:30.959
 devoted that

00:35:30.959 --> 00:35:31.619
 instead of

00:35:31.619 --> 00:35:32.719
 remarrying after

00:35:32.719 --> 00:35:33.439
 being widowed

00:35:33.439 --> 00:35:34.539
 after a short

00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:35.539
 few years,

00:35:35.739 --> 00:35:36.500
 she remained

00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:36.879
 the widow

00:35:36.879 --> 00:35:37.379
 until she

00:35:37.379 --> 00:35:38.159
 was 84,

00:35:38.759 --> 00:35:39.879
 worshipping with

00:35:39.879 --> 00:35:40.439
 fasting and

00:35:40.439 --> 00:35:41.179
 prayer daily in

00:35:41.179 --> 00:35:41.539
 the temple,

00:35:41.759 --> 00:35:42.139
 giving her

00:35:42.139 --> 00:35:43.019
 life exclusively

00:35:43.019 --> 00:35:43.759
 to the service

00:35:43.759 --> 00:35:44.139
 of God.

00:35:45.259 --> 00:35:45.719
 And this

00:35:45.719 --> 00:35:46.319
 godly and

00:35:46.319 --> 00:35:46.739
 reliable

00:35:46.739 --> 00:35:47.519
 prophetess of

00:35:47.519 --> 00:35:47.859
 the Lord,

00:35:47.979 --> 00:35:48.619
 after seeing

00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:49.039
 Jesus,

00:35:49.339 --> 00:35:50.019
 began to

00:35:50.019 --> 00:35:50.839
 give thanks

00:35:50.839 --> 00:35:51.299
 to God

00:35:51.299 --> 00:35:52.119
 and speak

00:35:52.119 --> 00:35:52.519
 of Him

00:35:52.519 --> 00:35:53.219
 to all

00:35:53.219 --> 00:35:53.919
 who were

00:35:53.919 --> 00:35:54.579
 waiting for

00:35:54.579 --> 00:35:55.199
 the redemption

00:35:55.199 --> 00:35:57.059
 of Jerusalem.

00:35:58.459 --> 00:35:58.979
 He's the

00:35:58.979 --> 00:35:59.739
 long-awaitest

00:35:59.739 --> 00:36:00.379
 Savior that

00:36:00.379 --> 00:36:00.859
 is to come.

00:36:01.539 --> 00:36:01.879
 And then

00:36:01.879 --> 00:36:02.399
 in the last

00:36:02.399 --> 00:36:02.699
 section,

00:36:02.799 --> 00:36:03.819
 verses 41 to

00:36:03.819 --> 00:36:04.239
 52,

00:36:04.779 --> 00:36:05.679
 we move

00:36:05.679 --> 00:36:06.440
 past Jesus'

00:36:06.659 --> 00:36:07.619
 infancy to

00:36:07.619 --> 00:36:08.119
 an account

00:36:08.119 --> 00:36:08.699
 from Jesus'

00:36:08.940 --> 00:36:09.480
 boyhood,

00:36:10.000 --> 00:36:10.719
 which teaches

00:36:10.719 --> 00:36:11.319
 that Jesus

00:36:11.319 --> 00:36:12.259
 is also the

00:36:12.259 --> 00:36:12.699
 Son of

00:36:12.699 --> 00:36:12.919
 God.

00:36:13.739 --> 00:36:14.519
 As faithful

00:36:14.519 --> 00:36:14.940
 Jews,

00:36:15.299 --> 00:36:15.539
 Jesus'

00:36:15.699 --> 00:36:16.239
 parents went

00:36:16.239 --> 00:36:16.659
 to Jerusalem

00:36:16.659 --> 00:36:17.359
 every year

00:36:17.359 --> 00:36:17.859
 at the

00:36:17.859 --> 00:36:18.339
 feast of

00:36:18.339 --> 00:36:18.799
 the Passover,

00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:19.779
 and on

00:36:19.779 --> 00:36:20.259
 one such

00:36:20.259 --> 00:36:20.659
 occasion,

00:36:20.779 --> 00:36:21.179
 when Jesus

00:36:21.179 --> 00:36:21.719
 was 12

00:36:21.719 --> 00:36:22.339
 years old,

00:36:22.679 --> 00:36:23.000
 as the

00:36:23.000 --> 00:36:23.579
 family made

00:36:23.579 --> 00:36:24.059
 a return

00:36:24.059 --> 00:36:24.579
 trip from

00:36:24.579 --> 00:36:25.039
 Jerusalem,

00:36:25.379 --> 00:36:26.199
 verses 43

00:36:26.199 --> 00:36:26.960
 to 45

00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:28.019
 follows this,

00:36:28.359 --> 00:36:28.879
 the boy

00:36:28.879 --> 00:36:30.059
 Jesus stayed

00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:30.899
 behind in

00:36:30.899 --> 00:36:31.299
 Jerusalem,

00:36:32.279 --> 00:36:32.819
 his parents

00:36:32.819 --> 00:36:33.399
 did not know

00:36:33.399 --> 00:36:33.619
 it,

00:36:34.099 --> 00:36:34.739
 but supposing

00:36:34.739 --> 00:36:35.139
 him to be

00:36:35.139 --> 00:36:35.339
 in the

00:36:35.339 --> 00:36:35.539
 group,

00:36:35.619 --> 00:36:35.899
 they went

00:36:35.899 --> 00:36:36.599
 a day's

00:36:36.599 --> 00:36:36.959
 journey,

00:36:37.579 --> 00:36:38.019
 but then

00:36:38.019 --> 00:36:38.500
 they began

00:36:38.500 --> 00:36:39.099
 to search

00:36:39.099 --> 00:36:39.459
 for him

00:36:39.459 --> 00:36:39.979
 among their

00:36:39.979 --> 00:36:40.759
 relatives and

00:36:40.759 --> 00:36:41.459
 acquaintances,

00:36:41.879 --> 00:36:42.179
 and when

00:36:42.179 --> 00:36:42.719
 they did not

00:36:42.719 --> 00:36:43.519
 find him,

00:36:43.859 --> 00:36:44.459
 they returned

00:36:44.459 --> 00:36:45.459
 to Jerusalem

00:36:45.459 --> 00:36:46.699
 searching for him.

00:36:47.399 --> 00:36:48.219
 So for these

00:36:48.219 --> 00:36:48.719
 kinds of

00:36:48.719 --> 00:36:49.859
 major trips,

00:36:50.299 --> 00:36:51.000
 it was common

00:36:51.000 --> 00:36:52.119
 for an entire

00:36:52.119 --> 00:36:53.079
 village to travel

00:36:53.079 --> 00:36:53.599
 together,

00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:54.479
 so they would

00:36:54.479 --> 00:36:55.119
 have quite the

00:36:55.119 --> 00:36:55.339
 wedding,

00:36:55.500 --> 00:36:56.159
 Joseph and Mary

00:36:56.159 --> 00:36:56.519
 would be

00:36:56.519 --> 00:36:57.119
 accompanied by

00:36:57.119 --> 00:36:57.619
 their extended

00:36:57.619 --> 00:36:58.459
 family as well

00:36:58.459 --> 00:36:58.779
 as their

00:36:58.779 --> 00:36:59.639
 neighbors from

00:36:59.639 --> 00:37:00.239
 the village

00:37:00.239 --> 00:37:01.479
 of Nazareth,

00:37:02.019 --> 00:37:03.079
 and this is

00:37:03.079 --> 00:37:03.419
 why,

00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:03.939
 even though

00:37:03.939 --> 00:37:04.659
 Jesus wasn't

00:37:04.659 --> 00:37:05.379
 with them

00:37:05.379 --> 00:37:06.099
 during the

00:37:06.099 --> 00:37:06.599
 first day's

00:37:06.599 --> 00:37:06.939
 journey,

00:37:07.219 --> 00:37:07.899
 Joseph and

00:37:07.899 --> 00:37:08.299
 Mary kind

00:37:08.299 --> 00:37:08.779
 of assumed

00:37:08.779 --> 00:37:09.039
 that he

00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:09.299
 was in

00:37:09.299 --> 00:37:09.679
 the group

00:37:09.679 --> 00:37:10.199
 somewhere,

00:37:10.819 --> 00:37:11.379
 and so

00:37:11.379 --> 00:37:12.599
 they didn't

00:37:12.599 --> 00:37:13.139
 worry too

00:37:13.139 --> 00:37:13.299
 much,

00:37:13.359 --> 00:37:13.659
 but then at

00:37:13.659 --> 00:37:13.859
 the end

00:37:13.859 --> 00:37:14.359
 of the day,

00:37:14.479 --> 00:37:14.859
 when everyone

00:37:14.859 --> 00:37:15.699
 gets together

00:37:15.699 --> 00:37:17.019
 again to settle

00:37:17.019 --> 00:37:17.479
 down for the

00:37:17.479 --> 00:37:17.739
 night,

00:37:17.939 --> 00:37:18.379
 Joseph and

00:37:18.379 --> 00:37:18.959
 Mary discover

00:37:18.959 --> 00:37:19.419
 that Jesus

00:37:19.419 --> 00:37:20.239
 is not in

00:37:20.239 --> 00:37:20.639
 the group,

00:37:20.939 --> 00:37:21.259
 so they

00:37:21.259 --> 00:37:21.799
 frantically

00:37:21.799 --> 00:37:22.559
 search for

00:37:22.559 --> 00:37:22.779
 him,

00:37:22.919 --> 00:37:23.539
 and eventually

00:37:23.539 --> 00:37:24.259
 return to

00:37:24.259 --> 00:37:24.579
 Jerusalem

00:37:24.579 --> 00:37:25.900
 in search

00:37:25.900 --> 00:37:26.460
 of him,

00:37:27.159 --> 00:37:27.980
 and they

00:37:27.980 --> 00:37:29.360
 find something

00:37:29.360 --> 00:37:31.299
 astonishing in

00:37:31.299 --> 00:37:32.039
 verse 46,

00:37:32.500 --> 00:37:32.739
 it says,

00:37:33.059 --> 00:37:33.559
 after three

00:37:33.559 --> 00:37:33.960
 days,

00:37:34.360 --> 00:37:34.940
 they find

00:37:34.940 --> 00:37:35.480
 him in

00:37:35.480 --> 00:37:36.199
 the temple,

00:37:36.779 --> 00:37:37.639
 sitting among

00:37:37.639 --> 00:37:38.360
 the teachers,

00:37:38.860 --> 00:37:39.440
 listening to

00:37:39.440 --> 00:37:39.840
 them and

00:37:39.840 --> 00:37:40.519
 asking them

00:37:40.519 --> 00:37:41.019
 questions.

00:37:42.299 --> 00:37:42.559
 It was

00:37:42.559 --> 00:37:43.299
 common for

00:37:43.299 --> 00:37:44.239
 Jewish teachers

00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:44.679
 of the law

00:37:44.679 --> 00:37:45.259
 to be surrounded

00:37:45.259 --> 00:37:46.039
 by students

00:37:46.039 --> 00:37:46.980
 who sat by

00:37:46.980 --> 00:37:47.599
 their feet

00:37:47.599 --> 00:37:48.119
 to receive

00:37:48.119 --> 00:37:48.659
 instruction,

00:37:48.900 --> 00:37:49.159
 so the

00:37:49.159 --> 00:37:49.719
 technical way

00:37:49.719 --> 00:37:50.259
 to describe

00:37:50.259 --> 00:37:50.819
 that relationship

00:37:50.819 --> 00:37:51.380
 is for them

00:37:51.380 --> 00:37:52.380
 to sit before

00:37:52.380 --> 00:37:53.179
 the teacher's

00:37:53.179 --> 00:37:53.500
 feet,

00:37:53.860 --> 00:37:54.219
 as it says

00:37:54.219 --> 00:37:55.000
 in Acts 22

00:37:55.000 --> 00:37:55.419
 3,

00:37:55.759 --> 00:37:56.279
 but that

00:37:56.279 --> 00:37:57.079
 typical scene

00:37:57.079 --> 00:37:57.899
 is kind of

00:37:57.899 --> 00:37:59.059
 mixed up here

00:37:59.059 --> 00:37:59.819
 in verse 46,

00:37:59.939 --> 00:38:00.659
 because Jesus

00:38:00.659 --> 00:38:02.619
 is not sitting

00:38:02.619 --> 00:38:03.259
 before the

00:38:03.259 --> 00:38:03.879
 teachers' feet,

00:38:04.319 --> 00:38:04.859
 he says he's

00:38:04.859 --> 00:38:05.899
 sitting among

00:38:05.899 --> 00:38:06.959
 the teachers,

00:38:08.439 --> 00:38:09.079
 listening to

00:38:09.079 --> 00:38:09.879
 them and

00:38:09.879 --> 00:38:10.839
 questioning them.

00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:12.480
 In verse 47,

00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:12.899
 it says,

00:38:13.199 --> 00:38:13.899
 and all who

00:38:13.899 --> 00:38:14.759
 heard him

00:38:14.759 --> 00:38:16.179
 were amazed

00:38:16.179 --> 00:38:16.879
 at his

00:38:16.879 --> 00:38:17.480
 understanding

00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.639
 and his

00:38:18.639 --> 00:38:19.219
 answers.

00:38:19.679 --> 00:38:20.039
 The word

00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:20.699
 understanding

00:38:20.699 --> 00:38:21.639
 here refers

00:38:21.639 --> 00:38:22.639
 to penetrated

00:38:22.639 --> 00:38:23.159
 insight.

00:38:23.159 --> 00:38:24.719
 Jesus is

00:38:24.719 --> 00:38:25.339
 a full

00:38:25.339 --> 00:38:26.039
 conversational

00:38:26.039 --> 00:38:26.440
 partner

00:38:26.440 --> 00:38:27.319
 with these

00:38:27.319 --> 00:38:28.099
 teachers of

00:38:28.099 --> 00:38:28.420
 the law,

00:38:28.500 --> 00:38:28.839
 and in fact,

00:38:28.899 --> 00:38:29.559
 he dazzles

00:38:29.559 --> 00:38:29.940
 them with

00:38:29.940 --> 00:38:30.519
 his own

00:38:30.519 --> 00:38:31.319
 penetrating

00:38:31.319 --> 00:38:31.799
 insights,

00:38:31.899 --> 00:38:32.639
 his understanding

00:38:32.639 --> 00:38:33.319
 and his

00:38:33.319 --> 00:38:34.259
 answers to

00:38:34.259 --> 00:38:34.819
 the questions

00:38:34.819 --> 00:38:35.299
 and problems

00:38:35.299 --> 00:38:35.639
 that they

00:38:35.639 --> 00:38:35.960
 pose.

00:38:36.799 --> 00:38:37.339
 And finding

00:38:37.339 --> 00:38:38.339
 Jesus sitting

00:38:38.339 --> 00:38:39.339
 casually among

00:38:39.339 --> 00:38:39.879
 the teachers

00:38:39.879 --> 00:38:41.019
 and conversing

00:38:41.019 --> 00:38:41.500
 with them

00:38:41.500 --> 00:38:43.179
 is understandably

00:38:43.179 --> 00:38:44.219
 upsetting to

00:38:44.219 --> 00:38:44.859
 the parents

00:38:44.859 --> 00:38:45.599
 who have

00:38:45.599 --> 00:38:46.079
 been searching

00:38:46.079 --> 00:38:46.839
 practically for

00:38:46.839 --> 00:38:47.119
 them for

00:38:47.119 --> 00:38:47.759
 three days.

00:38:47.760 --> 00:38:49.380
 So Mary

00:38:49.380 --> 00:38:49.980
 scolds them

00:38:49.980 --> 00:38:50.760
 in verse 48,

00:38:51.640 --> 00:38:52.040
 Son,

00:38:53.760 --> 00:38:54.340
 why have

00:38:54.340 --> 00:38:54.740
 you treated

00:38:54.740 --> 00:38:55.260
 us so?

00:38:56.040 --> 00:38:56.420
 Behold,

00:38:56.540 --> 00:38:57.180
 your father

00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:57.560
 and I

00:38:57.560 --> 00:38:57.900
 have been

00:38:57.900 --> 00:38:58.460
 searching for

00:38:58.460 --> 00:38:58.880
 you in

00:38:58.880 --> 00:39:00.620
 great distress.

00:39:02.220 --> 00:39:02.840
 But if they

00:39:02.840 --> 00:39:03.660
 were astounded

00:39:03.660 --> 00:39:04.080
 earlier,

00:39:04.260 --> 00:39:05.220
 Jesus' response

00:39:05.220 --> 00:39:06.300
 floors them

00:39:06.300 --> 00:39:07.020
 in verse 49,

00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:09.820
 Why were

00:39:09.820 --> 00:39:10.300
 you looking

00:39:10.300 --> 00:39:10.760
 for me?

00:39:11.900 --> 00:39:12.280
 Did you

00:39:12.280 --> 00:39:13.180
 not know

00:39:13.179 --> 00:39:14.599
 that I

00:39:14.599 --> 00:39:15.319
 must be

00:39:15.319 --> 00:39:15.960
 in my

00:39:15.960 --> 00:39:16.419
 father's

00:39:16.419 --> 00:39:16.719
 house?

00:39:20.359 --> 00:39:21.779
 If Jesus

00:39:21.779 --> 00:39:22.339
 weren't really

00:39:22.339 --> 00:39:22.799
 the son of

00:39:22.799 --> 00:39:23.079
 God,

00:39:23.699 --> 00:39:24.219
 if this

00:39:24.219 --> 00:39:25.940
 weren't true,

00:39:26.679 --> 00:39:27.099
 this would

00:39:27.099 --> 00:39:27.619
 be like the

00:39:27.619 --> 00:39:27.960
 height of

00:39:27.960 --> 00:39:28.419
 insolence,

00:39:28.519 --> 00:39:28.699
 right?

00:39:29.460 --> 00:39:30.159
 How dare

00:39:30.159 --> 00:39:30.379
 you,

00:39:30.480 --> 00:39:30.799
 child,

00:39:31.299 --> 00:39:31.919
 talk to me

00:39:31.919 --> 00:39:32.199
 this way,

00:39:32.279 --> 00:39:32.579
 but that

00:39:32.579 --> 00:39:33.079
 because he

00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:33.259
 is the

00:39:33.259 --> 00:39:33.500
 son of

00:39:33.500 --> 00:39:33.639
 God,

00:39:33.699 --> 00:39:33.940
 this is

00:39:33.940 --> 00:39:34.279
 true.

00:39:35.419 --> 00:39:35.839
 And look

00:39:35.839 --> 00:39:36.079
 at the

00:39:36.079 --> 00:39:36.599
 contrast

00:39:36.599 --> 00:39:36.899
 between

00:39:36.899 --> 00:39:37.519
 verse 48

00:39:37.519 --> 00:39:37.799
 and verse

00:39:37.799 --> 00:39:38.259
 49.

00:39:38.379 --> 00:39:38.639
 In verse

00:39:38.639 --> 00:39:39.319
 48,

00:39:39.739 --> 00:39:41.139
 Mary addresses

00:39:41.139 --> 00:39:41.980
 Jesus as

00:39:41.980 --> 00:39:42.619
 son,

00:39:43.179 --> 00:39:43.980
 and then

00:39:43.980 --> 00:39:44.119
 she

00:39:44.119 --> 00:39:44.699
 emphasizes

00:39:44.699 --> 00:39:45.159
 your

00:39:45.159 --> 00:39:46.039
 father and

00:39:46.039 --> 00:39:47.099
 I have

00:39:47.099 --> 00:39:47.419
 been looking

00:39:47.419 --> 00:39:47.879
 for you.

00:39:49.319 --> 00:39:49.980
 And Jesus'

00:39:50.179 --> 00:39:50.699
 response

00:39:50.699 --> 00:39:52.879
 directly answers

00:39:52.879 --> 00:39:53.219
 that.

00:39:55.059 --> 00:39:55.799
 Why are you

00:39:55.799 --> 00:39:56.199
 surprised?

00:39:56.319 --> 00:39:56.639
 Do you not

00:39:56.639 --> 00:39:57.199
 know that I

00:39:57.199 --> 00:39:57.919
 must be in

00:39:57.919 --> 00:39:59.759
 my father's

00:39:59.759 --> 00:40:00.519
 house?

00:40:01.779 --> 00:40:02.539
 He's been

00:40:02.539 --> 00:40:02.879
 in his

00:40:02.879 --> 00:40:03.339
 father's

00:40:03.339 --> 00:40:03.940
 house this

00:40:03.940 --> 00:40:04.319
 whole time.

00:40:05.779 --> 00:40:06.579
 This reveals

00:40:06.579 --> 00:40:07.219
 Jesus'

00:40:07.559 --> 00:40:08.980
 self-awareness

00:40:08.980 --> 00:40:10.299
 and identity

00:40:10.299 --> 00:40:11.819
 and purpose,

00:40:12.219 --> 00:40:12.919
 his priority.

00:40:13.179 --> 00:40:14.319
 He must

00:40:14.319 --> 00:40:15.199
 be in

00:40:15.199 --> 00:40:15.659
 his

00:40:15.659 --> 00:40:16.259
 father's

00:40:16.259 --> 00:40:16.599
 house.

00:40:16.739 --> 00:40:17.079
 It's a

00:40:17.079 --> 00:40:17.679
 necessity

00:40:17.679 --> 00:40:18.980
 placed upon

00:40:18.980 --> 00:40:19.839
 him through

00:40:19.839 --> 00:40:20.440
 his true

00:40:20.440 --> 00:40:21.559
 identity as

00:40:21.559 --> 00:40:22.219
 the son

00:40:22.219 --> 00:40:23.159
 of God.

00:40:24.319 --> 00:40:24.960
 Biologically,

00:40:25.179 --> 00:40:25.699
 as a human

00:40:25.699 --> 00:40:26.119
 being,

00:40:26.419 --> 00:40:27.039
 Jesus is

00:40:27.039 --> 00:40:27.559
 the son of

00:40:27.559 --> 00:40:27.779
 Mary.

00:40:29.139 --> 00:40:29.940
 Genealogically,

00:40:30.419 --> 00:40:31.539
 Joseph is

00:40:31.539 --> 00:40:32.199
 Jesus'

00:40:32.460 --> 00:40:32.839
 father.

00:40:33.279 --> 00:40:34.159
 But spiritually,

00:40:34.839 --> 00:40:35.539
 internally,

00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:37.000
 Jesus is the

00:40:37.000 --> 00:40:37.639
 son of God.

00:40:37.639 --> 00:40:37.719
 God.

00:40:38.519 --> 00:40:39.500
 This is such a

00:40:39.500 --> 00:40:40.000
 bold statement

00:40:40.000 --> 00:40:40.400
 that Joseph

00:40:40.400 --> 00:40:40.819
 and Mary

00:40:40.819 --> 00:40:41.460
 are taken

00:40:41.460 --> 00:40:41.739
 aback.

00:40:41.799 --> 00:40:42.119
 They don't

00:40:42.119 --> 00:40:42.599
 quite even

00:40:42.599 --> 00:40:43.779
 understand what

00:40:43.779 --> 00:40:44.500
 Jesus means

00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:45.019
 by this.

00:40:45.699 --> 00:40:46.699
 And nevertheless,

00:40:47.759 --> 00:40:49.159
 verse 41 tells

00:40:49.159 --> 00:40:49.599
 us that in

00:40:49.599 --> 00:40:50.239
 spite of his

00:40:50.239 --> 00:40:50.920
 identity as the

00:40:50.920 --> 00:40:51.500
 son of God,

00:40:51.920 --> 00:40:52.799
 Jesus was

00:40:52.799 --> 00:40:54.339
 submissive to

00:40:54.339 --> 00:40:55.199
 his earthly

00:40:55.199 --> 00:40:55.739
 parents.

00:40:56.719 --> 00:40:57.279
 And Mary,

00:40:57.619 --> 00:40:58.119
 once again,

00:40:58.359 --> 00:40:59.239
 treasured up all

00:40:59.239 --> 00:41:00.379
 these things in

00:41:00.379 --> 00:41:00.799
 her heart.

00:41:01.500 --> 00:41:02.059
 You can see

00:41:02.059 --> 00:41:04.079
 Jesus' growth and

00:41:04.079 --> 00:41:04.879
 progression in

00:41:04.880 --> 00:41:05.680
 this chapter by

00:41:05.680 --> 00:41:06.320
 looking at what

00:41:06.320 --> 00:41:07.079
 words are used

00:41:07.079 --> 00:41:08.099
 to describe him,

00:41:08.420 --> 00:41:09.119
 to call him.

00:41:09.700 --> 00:41:10.300
 Because verse

00:41:10.300 --> 00:41:12.380
 52 provides

00:41:12.380 --> 00:41:13.740
 another growth

00:41:13.740 --> 00:41:14.680
 chart for

00:41:14.680 --> 00:41:15.680
 child genes for

00:41:15.680 --> 00:41:15.800
 us.

00:41:15.900 --> 00:41:16.039
 It says,

00:41:16.240 --> 00:41:16.599
 And Jesus

00:41:16.599 --> 00:41:18.039
 increased in

00:41:18.039 --> 00:41:19.180
 wisdom and

00:41:19.180 --> 00:41:20.660
 in stature and

00:41:20.660 --> 00:41:21.820
 in favor with

00:41:21.820 --> 00:41:22.240
 God and

00:41:22.240 --> 00:41:22.440
 men.

00:41:22.680 --> 00:41:23.360
 In this

00:41:23.360 --> 00:41:23.640
 chapter,

00:41:23.820 --> 00:41:24.340
 Jesus has

00:41:24.340 --> 00:41:24.700
 gone from

00:41:24.700 --> 00:41:25.119
 being a

00:41:25.119 --> 00:41:26.099
 baby in

00:41:26.099 --> 00:41:27.099
 verse 16

00:41:27.099 --> 00:41:27.660
 to a

00:41:27.660 --> 00:41:28.380
 child in

00:41:28.380 --> 00:41:29.180
 verse 40

00:41:29.180 --> 00:41:29.840
 to a

00:41:29.840 --> 00:41:30.500
 boy in

00:41:30.500 --> 00:41:31.460
 verse 43.

00:41:31.680 --> 00:41:32.140
 And finally

00:41:32.140 --> 00:41:32.460
 here in

00:41:32.460 --> 00:41:33.160
 verse 52,

00:41:33.579 --> 00:41:34.140
 he simply

00:41:34.140 --> 00:41:34.840
 referred to

00:41:34.840 --> 00:41:35.280
 by his

00:41:35.280 --> 00:41:35.579
 name,

00:41:35.760 --> 00:41:36.079
 Jesus.

00:41:37.900 --> 00:41:38.380
 And this

00:41:38.380 --> 00:41:38.780
 is a

00:41:38.780 --> 00:41:39.280
 noteworthy

00:41:39.280 --> 00:41:39.740
 statement that

00:41:39.740 --> 00:41:40.460
 reveals Jesus'

00:41:40.680 --> 00:41:41.240
 nature as

00:41:41.240 --> 00:41:41.680
 being both

00:41:41.680 --> 00:41:42.360
 fully God

00:41:42.360 --> 00:41:42.800
 and fully

00:41:42.800 --> 00:41:43.120
 man,

00:41:43.340 --> 00:41:43.800
 because it

00:41:43.800 --> 00:41:44.220
 says that

00:41:44.220 --> 00:41:45.260
 he increased

00:41:45.260 --> 00:41:46.340
 in three

00:41:46.340 --> 00:41:46.960
 categories,

00:41:47.140 --> 00:41:47.600
 wisdom,

00:41:48.360 --> 00:41:48.780
 stature,

00:41:49.160 --> 00:41:49.700
 and favor.

00:41:50.640 --> 00:41:51.519
 Jesus grew

00:41:51.519 --> 00:41:52.120
 mentally,

00:41:52.640 --> 00:41:53.079
 physically,

00:41:53.579 --> 00:41:54.680
 and morally

00:41:54.680 --> 00:41:55.720
 in terms of

00:41:55.720 --> 00:41:56.519
 the favorable

00:41:56.519 --> 00:41:57.559
 moral standing

00:41:57.559 --> 00:41:58.640
 he had before

00:41:58.640 --> 00:41:59.039
 God and

00:41:59.039 --> 00:41:59.240
 men.

00:42:00.180 --> 00:42:00.840
 Jesus did

00:42:00.840 --> 00:42:01.579
 not have

00:42:01.579 --> 00:42:02.019
 all of

00:42:02.019 --> 00:42:02.579
 these things

00:42:02.579 --> 00:42:03.320
 in fullness

00:42:03.320 --> 00:42:03.760
 from the

00:42:03.760 --> 00:42:04.059
 beginning.

00:42:04.840 --> 00:42:06.360
 He increased

00:42:06.360 --> 00:42:06.840
 in them.

00:42:07.460 --> 00:42:07.980
 Jesus is

00:42:07.980 --> 00:42:08.700
 fully the

00:42:08.700 --> 00:42:09.180
 Son of

00:42:09.180 --> 00:42:09.460
 God,

00:42:09.539 --> 00:42:10.160
 but in

00:42:10.160 --> 00:42:11.019
 his full

00:42:11.019 --> 00:42:12.160
 identity as

00:42:12.160 --> 00:42:12.559
 Son of

00:42:12.559 --> 00:42:12.980
 Man,

00:42:13.559 --> 00:42:14.519
 he grew

00:42:14.519 --> 00:42:14.940
 and he

00:42:14.940 --> 00:42:15.519
 increased

00:42:15.519 --> 00:42:15.900
 in these

00:42:15.900 --> 00:42:16.100
 things.

00:42:16.200 --> 00:42:16.760
 His divine

00:42:16.760 --> 00:42:17.579
 nature and

00:42:17.579 --> 00:42:18.120
 his human

00:42:18.120 --> 00:42:18.660
 nature are

00:42:18.660 --> 00:42:19.019
 united

00:42:19.019 --> 00:42:19.960
 separately and

00:42:19.960 --> 00:42:20.940
 eternally in

00:42:20.940 --> 00:42:21.539
 the person

00:42:21.539 --> 00:42:22.480
 of Jesus

00:42:22.480 --> 00:42:22.940
 Christ.

00:42:24.120 --> 00:42:24.660
 And throughout

00:42:24.660 --> 00:42:25.200
 this entire

00:42:25.200 --> 00:42:25.519
 chapter,

00:42:25.640 --> 00:42:26.120
 we've seen

00:42:26.120 --> 00:42:26.740
 the greatness

00:42:26.740 --> 00:42:27.340
 of Jesus

00:42:27.340 --> 00:42:28.120
 according to

00:42:28.120 --> 00:42:28.740
 heaven's

00:42:28.740 --> 00:42:29.360
 estimation,

00:42:29.360 --> 00:42:29.480
 salvation,

00:42:30.380 --> 00:42:31.559
 put right

00:42:31.559 --> 00:42:31.940
 next to

00:42:31.940 --> 00:42:32.519
 side-by-side

00:42:32.519 --> 00:42:33.220
 with his

00:42:33.220 --> 00:42:33.780
 lowliness

00:42:33.780 --> 00:42:34.460
 from an

00:42:34.460 --> 00:42:34.780
 earthy

00:42:34.780 --> 00:42:35.220
 perspective.

00:42:37.740 --> 00:42:38.440
 And if

00:42:38.440 --> 00:42:38.720
 you are

00:42:38.720 --> 00:42:39.039
 ready to

00:42:39.039 --> 00:42:39.599
 follow Christ,

00:42:39.680 --> 00:42:40.039
 brothers and

00:42:40.039 --> 00:42:40.280
 sisters,

00:42:40.500 --> 00:42:41.400
 this is

00:42:41.400 --> 00:42:41.960
 your calling

00:42:41.960 --> 00:42:42.360
 as well.

00:42:43.200 --> 00:42:43.620
 Because if

00:42:43.620 --> 00:42:44.640
 you wish to

00:42:44.640 --> 00:42:45.160
 follow Jesus

00:42:45.160 --> 00:42:45.539
 Christ,

00:42:45.680 --> 00:42:46.300
 the path that

00:42:46.300 --> 00:42:47.120
 we too must

00:42:47.120 --> 00:42:48.059
 follow to the

00:42:48.059 --> 00:42:48.680
 greatness that

00:42:48.680 --> 00:42:50.320
 he has is

00:42:50.320 --> 00:42:51.000
 the path to

00:42:51.000 --> 00:42:51.599
 lowliness.

00:42:52.740 --> 00:42:53.140
 To reach

00:42:53.140 --> 00:42:53.800
 glory, the

00:42:53.800 --> 00:42:54.360
 Christian must

00:42:54.360 --> 00:42:54.940
 walk through

00:42:54.940 --> 00:42:55.519
 the path of

00:42:55.519 --> 00:42:55.960
 humility.

00:42:55.960 --> 00:42:57.559
 Philippians

00:42:57.559 --> 00:42:58.240
 chapter 2,

00:42:58.360 --> 00:42:59.079
 3-8 puts

00:42:59.079 --> 00:42:59.619
 it this way,

00:42:59.900 --> 00:43:00.500
 do nothing

00:43:00.500 --> 00:43:01.480
 from selfish

00:43:01.480 --> 00:43:02.159
 ambition or

00:43:02.159 --> 00:43:03.360
 conceit, but

00:43:03.360 --> 00:43:04.159
 in humility

00:43:04.159 --> 00:43:05.099
 count others

00:43:05.099 --> 00:43:06.019
 more significant

00:43:06.019 --> 00:43:06.800
 than yourselves.

00:43:07.280 --> 00:43:07.920
 Let each of

00:43:07.920 --> 00:43:08.599
 you look not

00:43:08.599 --> 00:43:09.380
 only to his

00:43:09.380 --> 00:43:10.260
 own interests,

00:43:10.460 --> 00:43:11.240
 but also to

00:43:11.240 --> 00:43:11.820
 the interests

00:43:11.820 --> 00:43:12.740
 of others.

00:43:13.420 --> 00:43:14.280
 Have this

00:43:14.280 --> 00:43:15.000
 mind among

00:43:15.000 --> 00:43:15.579
 yourselves,

00:43:16.000 --> 00:43:16.360
 which is

00:43:16.360 --> 00:43:17.019
 yours in

00:43:17.019 --> 00:43:17.920
 Christ Jesus,

00:43:18.159 --> 00:43:19.260
 who, though

00:43:19.260 --> 00:43:20.139
 he was in

00:43:20.139 --> 00:43:21.039
 the form of

00:43:21.039 --> 00:43:22.099
 God, did

00:43:22.099 --> 00:43:23.079
 not count

00:43:23.079 --> 00:43:23.960
 equality with

00:43:23.960 --> 00:43:24.539
 God a thing

00:43:24.539 --> 00:43:25.320
 to be grasped,

00:43:25.320 --> 00:43:26.360
 but emptied

00:43:26.360 --> 00:43:27.539
 himself, taking

00:43:27.539 --> 00:43:28.519
 the form of

00:43:28.519 --> 00:43:29.240
 a servant,

00:43:29.980 --> 00:43:30.860
 being born in

00:43:30.860 --> 00:43:31.720
 the likeness of

00:43:31.720 --> 00:43:33.059
 man, and

00:43:33.059 --> 00:43:34.059
 being found in

00:43:34.059 --> 00:43:35.440
 human form, he

00:43:35.440 --> 00:43:36.320
 humbled himself

00:43:36.320 --> 00:43:36.820
 by becoming

00:43:36.820 --> 00:43:37.720
 obedient to the

00:43:37.720 --> 00:43:38.340
 point of death,

00:43:38.800 --> 00:43:40.019
 even death on

00:43:40.019 --> 00:43:40.780
 a cross.

00:43:43.400 --> 00:43:45.519
 Christ established

00:43:45.519 --> 00:43:46.200
 the pattern in

00:43:46.200 --> 00:43:46.660
 which we are to

00:43:46.660 --> 00:43:46.920
 walk.

00:43:47.440 --> 00:43:48.240
 So don't pretend

00:43:48.240 --> 00:43:49.019
 like you have

00:43:49.019 --> 00:43:49.860
 everything put

00:43:49.860 --> 00:43:50.200
 together.

00:43:51.220 --> 00:43:51.920
 Share your

00:43:51.920 --> 00:43:52.519
 weakness with

00:43:52.519 --> 00:43:52.920
 your fellow

00:43:52.920 --> 00:43:53.460
 Christian brothers

00:43:53.460 --> 00:43:54.039
 and sisters.

00:43:54.039 --> 00:43:55.380
 confess your

00:43:55.380 --> 00:43:56.159
 sins to one

00:43:56.159 --> 00:43:56.460
 another.

00:43:57.800 --> 00:43:58.619
 Don't try to

00:43:58.619 --> 00:43:59.259
 go in alone

00:43:59.259 --> 00:44:00.019
 trying to earn

00:44:00.019 --> 00:44:00.759
 salvation with

00:44:00.759 --> 00:44:01.739
 your own moral

00:44:01.739 --> 00:44:03.219
 living, self-righteousness.

00:44:03.539 --> 00:44:04.400
 Instead, renounce

00:44:04.400 --> 00:44:05.480
 your self-righteousness

00:44:05.480 --> 00:44:06.239
 and cling to

00:44:06.239 --> 00:44:07.400
 Christ's righteousness

00:44:07.400 --> 00:44:08.159
 alone for

00:44:08.159 --> 00:44:08.599
 salvation.

00:44:09.880 --> 00:44:10.800
 Don't live to

00:44:10.800 --> 00:44:11.659
 advance your own

00:44:11.659 --> 00:44:12.159
 interests.

00:44:13.259 --> 00:44:13.779
 Look to the

00:44:13.779 --> 00:44:14.460
 interests of

00:44:14.460 --> 00:44:15.340
 others as

00:44:15.340 --> 00:44:16.779
 Christ sacrificed

00:44:16.779 --> 00:44:17.559
 for you.

00:44:18.500 --> 00:44:19.360
 Humble yourself

00:44:19.360 --> 00:44:20.159
 before others.

00:44:20.699 --> 00:44:21.199
 Don't lift

00:44:21.199 --> 00:44:21.980
 yourself up by

00:44:21.980 --> 00:44:22.599
 bringing others

00:44:22.599 --> 00:44:23.119
 down with

00:44:23.119 --> 00:44:23.619
 your words.

00:44:24.460 --> 00:44:25.279
 Count others

00:44:25.279 --> 00:44:26.039
 more significant

00:44:26.039 --> 00:44:27.219
 than yourself.

00:44:28.599 --> 00:44:29.159
 If you're not

00:44:29.159 --> 00:44:29.619
 yet a follower

00:44:29.619 --> 00:44:30.000
 of Christ,

00:44:30.119 --> 00:44:30.839
 this Christmas

00:44:30.839 --> 00:44:31.440
 is also an

00:44:31.440 --> 00:44:32.219
 invitation to

00:44:32.219 --> 00:44:32.480
 you.

00:44:33.440 --> 00:44:34.019
 1 Timothy

00:44:34.019 --> 00:44:34.739
 chapter 2

00:44:34.739 --> 00:44:35.279
 verse 5

00:44:35.279 --> 00:44:35.559
 says,

00:44:35.679 --> 00:44:36.380
 For there is

00:44:36.380 --> 00:44:37.179
 one God

00:44:37.179 --> 00:44:38.099
 and there is

00:44:38.099 --> 00:44:39.139
 one mediator

00:44:39.139 --> 00:44:40.119
 between God

00:44:40.119 --> 00:44:40.619
 and man,

00:44:40.799 --> 00:44:41.380
 the man

00:44:41.380 --> 00:44:42.880
 Christ Jesus.

00:44:43.960 --> 00:44:44.699
 All of

00:44:44.699 --> 00:44:45.179
 humanity

00:44:45.179 --> 00:44:45.739
 rebelled

00:44:45.739 --> 00:44:46.440
 against God

00:44:46.440 --> 00:44:47.239
 and sinned

00:44:47.239 --> 00:44:47.860
 against Him

00:44:47.860 --> 00:44:48.579
 by resorting

00:44:48.579 --> 00:44:49.039
 to living

00:44:49.039 --> 00:44:49.860
 according to

00:44:49.860 --> 00:44:50.940
 their own

00:44:50.940 --> 00:44:51.559
 wills rather

00:44:51.559 --> 00:44:52.159
 than following

00:44:52.159 --> 00:44:52.599
 the will of

00:44:52.599 --> 00:44:52.820
 God.

00:44:54.019 --> 00:44:54.440
 And the

00:44:54.440 --> 00:44:55.260
 just penalty

00:44:55.260 --> 00:44:55.700
 for that

00:44:55.700 --> 00:44:56.500
 treason is

00:44:56.500 --> 00:44:57.260
 eternal man.

00:44:58.159 --> 00:44:58.880
 Because God

00:44:58.880 --> 00:44:59.679
 who was the

00:44:59.679 --> 00:45:00.619
 defended party

00:45:00.619 --> 00:45:01.300
 is an eternal

00:45:01.300 --> 00:45:01.740
 king.

00:45:02.340 --> 00:45:02.679
 Someone of

00:45:02.679 --> 00:45:03.000
 eternal

00:45:03.000 --> 00:45:03.340
 will.

00:45:04.679 --> 00:45:05.539
 And this is

00:45:05.539 --> 00:45:06.220
 too high a

00:45:06.220 --> 00:45:06.880
 price for any

00:45:06.880 --> 00:45:07.940
 man to

00:45:07.940 --> 00:45:08.360
 afford.

00:45:08.940 --> 00:45:09.260
 That's why

00:45:09.260 --> 00:45:10.119
 Psalm 49

00:45:10.119 --> 00:45:10.980
 7-8 says

00:45:10.980 --> 00:45:11.559
 that truly

00:45:11.559 --> 00:45:12.240
 a man,

00:45:12.619 --> 00:45:13.159
 no man,

00:45:13.260 --> 00:45:13.780
 can ransom

00:45:13.780 --> 00:45:14.639
 another or

00:45:14.639 --> 00:45:15.320
 give to God

00:45:15.320 --> 00:45:15.920
 the price of

00:45:15.920 --> 00:45:16.360
 his life.

00:45:16.679 --> 00:45:16.920
 For the

00:45:16.920 --> 00:45:17.460
 ransom of

00:45:17.460 --> 00:45:17.920
 their life

00:45:17.920 --> 00:45:18.579
 is costly

00:45:18.579 --> 00:45:18.920
 and can

00:45:18.920 --> 00:45:19.220
 never

00:45:19.220 --> 00:45:20.019
 suffice.

00:45:20.019 --> 00:45:21.360
 Only God

00:45:21.360 --> 00:45:22.259
 can pay

00:45:22.259 --> 00:45:22.980
 to bear

00:45:22.980 --> 00:45:23.480
 the ransom

00:45:23.480 --> 00:45:24.500
 price of

00:45:24.500 --> 00:45:24.940
 a man's

00:45:24.940 --> 00:45:25.259
 life.

00:45:26.679 --> 00:45:27.139
 And yet

00:45:27.139 --> 00:45:28.320
 man,

00:45:28.659 --> 00:45:29.079
 humankind

00:45:29.079 --> 00:45:29.800
 must bear

00:45:29.800 --> 00:45:30.259
 the punishment

00:45:30.259 --> 00:45:31.739
 because man

00:45:31.739 --> 00:45:32.460
 is responsible.

00:45:33.380 --> 00:45:34.639
 Hebrews 2-14-18

00:45:34.639 --> 00:45:35.079
 tells that

00:45:35.079 --> 00:45:35.719
 because God's

00:45:35.719 --> 00:45:36.340
 people were

00:45:36.340 --> 00:45:36.860
 of flesh

00:45:36.860 --> 00:45:37.460
 and blood

00:45:37.460 --> 00:45:38.420
 that Christ

00:45:38.420 --> 00:45:39.179
 too had to

00:45:39.179 --> 00:45:39.619
 be made

00:45:39.619 --> 00:45:40.340
 like us

00:45:40.340 --> 00:45:41.019
 to take on

00:45:41.019 --> 00:45:41.559
 flesh and

00:45:41.559 --> 00:45:41.840
 blood

00:45:41.840 --> 00:45:42.460
 so that in

00:45:42.460 --> 00:45:44.519
 every respect

00:45:44.519 --> 00:45:45.199
 He might be

00:45:45.199 --> 00:45:45.619
 able to make

00:45:45.619 --> 00:45:46.259
 propitiation

00:45:46.259 --> 00:45:46.800
 for the sins

00:45:46.800 --> 00:45:47.340
 of His people.

00:45:47.980 --> 00:45:48.400
 That's why

00:45:48.400 --> 00:45:49.320
 Christ alone

00:45:49.320 --> 00:45:49.720
 is the

00:45:49.720 --> 00:45:50.200
 sufficient

00:45:50.200 --> 00:45:50.820
 Savior

00:45:50.820 --> 00:45:51.920
 because He

00:45:51.920 --> 00:45:52.460
 is both

00:45:52.460 --> 00:45:52.820
 the Son

00:45:52.820 --> 00:45:53.280
 of God

00:45:53.280 --> 00:45:53.760
 and the

00:45:53.760 --> 00:45:54.080
 Son of

00:45:54.080 --> 00:45:54.320
 Man.

00:45:54.820 --> 00:45:55.220
 He's the

00:45:55.220 --> 00:45:56.360
 one mediator

00:45:56.360 --> 00:45:57.559
 between God

00:45:57.559 --> 00:45:58.080
 and man.

00:45:58.440 --> 00:45:58.740
 And the

00:45:58.740 --> 00:45:59.440
 only way

00:45:59.440 --> 00:45:59.960
 to be saved

00:45:59.960 --> 00:46:00.300
 is to

00:46:00.300 --> 00:46:00.780
 entrust

00:46:00.780 --> 00:46:01.400
 yourself

00:46:01.400 --> 00:46:01.780
 to Him.

00:46:03.240 --> 00:46:04.019
 I begin

00:46:04.019 --> 00:46:04.460
 with an

00:46:04.460 --> 00:46:04.900
 illustration

00:46:04.900 --> 00:46:05.920
 from the

00:46:05.920 --> 00:46:06.539
 first book

00:46:06.539 --> 00:46:07.019
 in C.S.

00:46:07.039 --> 00:46:07.200
 Lewis'

00:46:07.760 --> 00:46:08.440
 series,

00:46:08.600 --> 00:46:09.000
 Chronicles of

00:46:09.000 --> 00:46:09.340
 Narnia.

00:46:09.840 --> 00:46:10.220
 And in

00:46:10.220 --> 00:46:10.680
 the last

00:46:10.680 --> 00:46:11.059
 book of

00:46:11.059 --> 00:46:11.519
 the series,

00:46:11.960 --> 00:46:12.440
 The Last

00:46:12.440 --> 00:46:12.860
 Battle,

00:46:13.480 --> 00:46:13.820
 when the

00:46:13.820 --> 00:46:14.640
 last great

00:46:14.640 --> 00:46:15.120
 battle is

00:46:15.120 --> 00:46:15.840
 being waged

00:46:15.840 --> 00:46:16.320
 for the

00:46:16.320 --> 00:46:16.660
 fate of

00:46:16.660 --> 00:46:17.000
 Narnia,

00:46:17.280 --> 00:46:17.800
 the last

00:46:17.800 --> 00:46:18.140
 king,

00:46:18.139 --> 00:46:19.960
 Tyrion and

00:46:19.960 --> 00:46:20.319
 all his

00:46:20.319 --> 00:46:22.179
 loyal servants

00:46:22.179 --> 00:46:22.719
 are forced

00:46:22.719 --> 00:46:23.039
 to make

00:46:23.039 --> 00:46:23.440
 a last

00:46:23.440 --> 00:46:23.779
 stand

00:46:23.779 --> 00:46:24.159
 against

00:46:24.159 --> 00:46:24.339
 the

00:46:24.339 --> 00:46:24.779
 enemies.

00:46:25.379 --> 00:46:25.759
 And they're

00:46:25.759 --> 00:46:26.339
 forced into

00:46:26.339 --> 00:46:26.799
 a small

00:46:26.799 --> 00:46:27.659
 stable on

00:46:27.659 --> 00:46:28.319
 top of

00:46:28.319 --> 00:46:28.960
 a hill.

00:46:30.440 --> 00:46:31.739
 And Tyrion

00:46:31.739 --> 00:46:33.460
 is amazed

00:46:33.460 --> 00:46:34.019
 to discover

00:46:34.019 --> 00:46:34.619
 that this

00:46:34.619 --> 00:46:35.339
 small stable

00:46:35.339 --> 00:46:35.920
 is actually

00:46:35.920 --> 00:46:36.400
 a portal

00:46:36.400 --> 00:46:36.940
 to another

00:46:36.940 --> 00:46:37.239
 world.

00:46:38.679 --> 00:46:39.159
 And this

00:46:39.159 --> 00:46:39.500
 is what he

00:46:39.500 --> 00:46:39.719
 says.

00:46:39.819 --> 00:46:40.639
 This is what

00:46:40.639 --> 00:46:40.980
 the book

00:46:40.980 --> 00:46:41.219
 says.

00:46:41.299 --> 00:46:41.679
 Tyrion

00:46:41.679 --> 00:46:42.460
 looked round

00:46:42.460 --> 00:46:42.919
 and again

00:46:42.919 --> 00:46:43.319
 and could

00:46:43.319 --> 00:46:43.719
 hardly

00:46:43.719 --> 00:46:44.219
 believe his

00:46:44.219 --> 00:46:44.539
 eyes.

00:46:45.059 --> 00:46:45.500
 There was

00:46:45.500 --> 00:46:45.960
 the blue

00:46:45.960 --> 00:46:46.839
 sky overhead

00:46:46.839 --> 00:46:47.579
 and grassy

00:46:47.579 --> 00:46:48.379
 country spreading

00:46:48.379 --> 00:46:49.059
 as far as

00:46:49.059 --> 00:46:49.299
 he could

00:46:49.299 --> 00:46:49.659
 see in

00:46:49.659 --> 00:46:50.319
 every direction

00:46:50.319 --> 00:46:51.059
 and his

00:46:51.059 --> 00:46:51.739
 new friends

00:46:51.739 --> 00:46:52.419
 all around

00:46:52.419 --> 00:46:53.179
 him laughing.

00:46:54.059 --> 00:46:54.599
 It seems

00:46:54.599 --> 00:46:54.919
 then,

00:46:55.139 --> 00:46:55.699
 said Tyrion,

00:46:55.859 --> 00:46:56.199
 smiling

00:46:56.199 --> 00:46:56.699
 himself,

00:46:57.119 --> 00:46:57.480
 that the

00:46:57.480 --> 00:46:58.199
 stable seen

00:46:58.199 --> 00:46:58.899
 from within

00:46:58.899 --> 00:46:59.559
 and the

00:46:59.559 --> 00:47:00.179
 stable seen

00:47:00.179 --> 00:47:00.799
 from without

00:47:00.799 --> 00:47:01.319
 are two

00:47:01.319 --> 00:47:01.619
 different

00:47:01.619 --> 00:47:02.079
 places.

00:47:02.960 --> 00:47:03.359
 Yes,

00:47:03.799 --> 00:47:04.279
 said the

00:47:04.279 --> 00:47:04.500
 Lord

00:47:04.500 --> 00:47:04.879
 Diggory,

00:47:05.480 --> 00:47:05.699
 its

00:47:05.699 --> 00:47:06.839
 inside is

00:47:06.839 --> 00:47:07.480
 bigger than

00:47:07.480 --> 00:47:08.059
 its outside.

00:47:08.980 --> 00:47:09.359
 Yes,

00:47:09.799 --> 00:47:10.359
 said Queen

00:47:10.360 --> 00:47:10.740
 Lucy,

00:47:11.460 --> 00:47:12.059
 in our

00:47:12.059 --> 00:47:12.860
 world too,

00:47:13.579 --> 00:47:14.180
 a stable

00:47:14.180 --> 00:47:14.900
 once had

00:47:14.900 --> 00:47:15.760
 something inside

00:47:15.760 --> 00:47:16.460
 it that

00:47:16.460 --> 00:47:17.000
 was bigger

00:47:17.000 --> 00:47:18.019
 than our

00:47:18.019 --> 00:47:18.920
 whole world.

00:47:21.940 --> 00:47:22.920
 That's the

00:47:22.920 --> 00:47:24.260
 mystery and

00:47:24.260 --> 00:47:25.860
 wonder of

00:47:25.860 --> 00:47:26.420
 Christmas,

00:47:27.039 --> 00:47:28.200
 that once a

00:47:28.200 --> 00:47:29.180
 stable held

00:47:29.180 --> 00:47:29.980
 something that

00:47:29.980 --> 00:47:30.579
 was bigger

00:47:30.579 --> 00:47:31.420
 than our

00:47:31.420 --> 00:47:32.539
 whole world.

00:47:33.599 --> 00:47:34.700
 That Christ

00:47:34.700 --> 00:47:35.460
 the Lord

00:47:35.460 --> 00:47:36.340
 came to

00:47:36.340 --> 00:47:37.519
 redeem God's

00:47:37.519 --> 00:47:37.860
 people.

00:47:39.559 --> 00:47:39.920
 In the

00:47:39.920 --> 00:47:40.280
 human,

00:47:40.579 --> 00:47:40.940
 as a

00:47:40.940 --> 00:47:41.220
 human

00:47:41.220 --> 00:47:41.519
 being,

00:47:44.740 --> 00:47:45.099
 this

00:47:45.099 --> 00:47:46.340
 manger

00:47:46.340 --> 00:47:46.820
 king,

00:47:47.599 --> 00:47:48.420
 king in

00:47:48.420 --> 00:47:48.539
 the

00:47:48.539 --> 00:47:48.800
 manger,

00:47:49.059 --> 00:47:49.780
 this is

00:47:49.780 --> 00:47:50.059
 God's

00:47:50.059 --> 00:47:50.480
 plan for

00:47:50.480 --> 00:47:50.940
 salvation.

00:47:52.200 --> 00:47:52.619
 Dietrich

00:47:52.619 --> 00:47:53.619
 Bonhoeffer

00:47:53.619 --> 00:47:54.559
 comments on

00:47:54.559 --> 00:47:55.260
 this reality

00:47:55.260 --> 00:47:55.760
 in his book,

00:47:55.900 --> 00:47:56.619
 God is in

00:47:56.619 --> 00:47:57.079
 the manger.

00:47:57.559 --> 00:47:58.059
 He asks,

00:47:58.500 --> 00:47:59.059
 who among

00:47:59.059 --> 00:47:59.539
 us will

00:47:59.539 --> 00:48:00.079
 celebrate

00:48:00.079 --> 00:48:00.519
 Christmas

00:48:00.519 --> 00:48:01.099
 correctly?

00:48:02.559 --> 00:48:03.200
 Whoever

00:48:03.200 --> 00:48:04.360
 finally lays

00:48:04.360 --> 00:48:05.099
 down all

00:48:05.099 --> 00:48:05.539
 power,

00:48:05.960 --> 00:48:06.900
 all honor,

00:48:07.280 --> 00:48:08.360
 all reputation,

00:48:08.840 --> 00:48:09.700
 all vanity,

00:48:09.699 --> 00:48:10.960
 all arrogance,

00:48:11.579 --> 00:48:12.980
 all individualism

00:48:12.980 --> 00:48:14.019
 beside the

00:48:14.019 --> 00:48:14.379
 manger,

00:48:15.259 --> 00:48:16.319
 whoever remains

00:48:16.319 --> 00:48:17.119
 lowly and

00:48:17.119 --> 00:48:17.679
 lets God

00:48:17.679 --> 00:48:18.319
 alone be

00:48:18.319 --> 00:48:18.799
 high,

00:48:19.199 --> 00:48:19.759
 whoever looks

00:48:19.759 --> 00:48:20.059
 at the

00:48:20.059 --> 00:48:20.559
 child in

00:48:20.559 --> 00:48:21.079
 the manger

00:48:21.079 --> 00:48:22.059
 and sees

00:48:22.059 --> 00:48:22.619
 the glory

00:48:22.619 --> 00:48:23.199
 of God

00:48:23.199 --> 00:48:24.759
 precisely in

00:48:24.759 --> 00:48:25.159
 his

00:48:25.159 --> 00:48:26.179
 lowliness,

00:48:27.679 --> 00:48:28.219
 they are

00:48:28.219 --> 00:48:28.599
 those who

00:48:28.599 --> 00:48:29.119
 will celebrate

00:48:29.119 --> 00:48:29.799
 Christmas

00:48:29.799 --> 00:48:31.299
 properly.

00:48:32.759 --> 00:48:33.319
 So lay

00:48:33.319 --> 00:48:33.899
 aside your

00:48:33.899 --> 00:48:34.399
 tribes,

00:48:34.400 --> 00:48:38.220
 self-righteousness

00:48:38.220 --> 00:48:39.720
 and humbly

00:48:39.720 --> 00:48:40.519
 submit yourself

00:48:40.519 --> 00:48:40.880
 to the

00:48:40.880 --> 00:48:41.800
 king whose

00:48:41.800 --> 00:48:43.019
 cradle was

00:48:43.019 --> 00:48:43.559
 the manger

00:48:43.559 --> 00:48:44.059
 and whose

00:48:44.059 --> 00:48:45.260
 throne is

00:48:45.260 --> 00:48:45.920
 the cross.

00:48:47.119 --> 00:48:47.900
 Then and

00:48:47.900 --> 00:48:48.680
 only then

00:48:48.680 --> 00:48:49.579
 you will

00:48:49.579 --> 00:48:50.039
 celebrate

00:48:50.039 --> 00:48:50.680
 Christmas

00:48:50.680 --> 00:48:51.360
 correctly.

00:48:53.079 --> 00:48:53.519
 Let's

00:48:53.519 --> 00:48:54.420
 reflect on

00:48:54.420 --> 00:48:54.860
 this truth

00:48:54.860 --> 00:48:55.340
 a moment

00:48:55.340 --> 00:48:55.880
 and I'll

00:48:55.880 --> 00:48:56.599
 work it out.

00:48:57.340 --> 00:48:57.920
 For a few

00:48:57.920 --> 00:48:58.440
 moments we'll

00:48:58.440 --> 00:48:59.079
 respond by

00:48:59.079 --> 00:48:59.660
 praying a lot

00:48:59.659 --> 00:48:59.899
 to you.