Luke 2:11 THE THREE-FOLD IDENTITY OF BETHLEHEM’S BABE
Intro: Ill. The Majesty and the glory of the Christmas story.
Perhaps no other story in the Bible speaks with such clarity about the power
and the purpose of God. Just the fact that God stepped out of eternity into
time is almost mind-boggling. I read of the shepherds, lowly and undeserving,
yet called just the same. I read of the angels amazed that the Creator was
born in the image of the creature. I read of the wise men and I rejoice that
these pagans traveled so far and came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. I read
of the manger and I am reminded that Jesus laid aside certain attributes of
His deity that He might become a man and die for sinners. I read all these
things, and it is more than my mind can grasp.
Then, I am called back to the words of the angel who visited
the shepherds on that Judean hillside that night. In the angel’s words,
we find the true glory of Christmas. Because, no matter what else we may make
of it, Christmas will always be about the Baby born in Bethlehem. Tonight,
I want to take a look at the three-fold identity of Bethlehem’s Babe.
Notice what the angel had to say about who this Baby was.
I. SAVIOR – THE TITLE OF ACCEPTANCE
A. This child’s mission wasn’t to save the wealthy, or the righteous.
He came to set the sinner free – Luke 19:10. He came for those no one
else wanted – Mark 2:17.
B. As Savior, Jesus provided 3 essential services to the sinner:
1. We are Accepted in Him – Eph. 1:6 (Acceptance)
2. We are Delivered in Him – Delivered from sin’s
penalty, power and presence. Rev. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:18-19 (Deliverance)
3. We are Preserved in Him – Those whom Jesus saves
are forever saved – John 6:37; 1 Pet. 1:5 (Preservation)
C. Thank God, He came not as Judge, but as Savior – John 3:17
II. CHRIST – THE TITLE OF ACCESS
A. This child came to do more than provide simple salvation. He came to
allow us access into the very presence of Almighty God.
B. Through Jesus, we can:
1. Approach the Father – Heb. 4:16 (Ill. Jesus is the only
means of access – 1 Tim. 2:5)
2. Appeal to the Father – John 16:23
C. The Name "Christ" refers to Jesus as the "Anointed High
Priest." In this ministry, He addresses the father on our behalf. He
does this in two ways:
1. He talks to the Father on our behalf – Heb. 7:25
2. He pleads our case before the throne of God – 1 John 2:1
III. LORD – THE TITLE OF AUTHORITY
A. When the angel called Jesus Lord, He was referring to One who was to
be in absolute control.
B. This title of our Lord is a reminder to every Christian that Jesus Christ
is to be the absolute authority in our lives. We are to allow Him the Headship
in every area of our beings. (Ill. Rom. 12:1-2)
C. God’s demand for total obedience is not too much to ask. He knows
that true love is always shown by obedience to Him.
Conc: It’s Christmas time! As such, we need to remember
that the reason we are even here tonight is because of a little infant born
into this world 2,000 years ago. That infant was no ordinary baby. As Savior,
He is worthy of our worship. As Christ, He is worthy of our dependence. As
Lord, He is worthy of our obedience. As Jesus, He is worthy of all we can
give to Him. Have you given Jesus your all this Christmas?
