Sermon 4
The shepherds (we) are invited to go
Luke 2:1-15
Introduction
- Advent is a wonderful time of year for all Christians to celebrate
-- However, there is something that gets lost in the hustle/bustle of the holiday
-- APP: It is the love we should show others for the God that we serve every day
- “advent” means: an appearance or an occurrence of something; a revealing
- “invitation” means: the action of inviting someone to go or to do something
- As we finish exploring Advent, keep in mind this common idea:
-- Before someone can do something … an invitation is always required
- Today’s message is titled, “The shepherds (we) are invited to go”
- Read Luke 2:1-15 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – The Angels Appear (v8-10)
- Joseph was living in Nazareth at the time, with a pregnant Mary
-- Originally from Bethlehem, he took his family to complete the census
- In about 750 B.C, a prophet named Micah proclaimed in Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
- Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth but had to go home for a census
-- CONSIDER: Did you know that God used Caesar to fulfill His prophecy?
-- Caesar caused the census to be done; but God already directed the events!
- This leads us to the place in our story when our Savior is born into the world
- In a manger, in a place where animals ate, our Lord was laid to rest
-- In my mind I’ve always imagined that the animals were in awe
-- And … why not? Why would they not be rejoicing?
- APP: Jesus taught later in Luke 19:40 about worship in the presence of the Messiah – he said (when the Pharisees asked Him to silence the disciples), “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
-- DEEPER: So, what about us? Will we shout for joy that He has been born?
-- Will we rejoice with the angels and PROCLAIM the GLORY given to us?
- Notice, that the announcement of His arrival was not on CNN, Fox, MSNBC
-- God sent an angel to proclaim to societies lowest … men living in fields!
- Re-read verse 8-10
- These men, who lived amongst the animals in the fields, got incredible news
-- These men were tending the animals, probably very cold from the elements
-- Maybe hopeless & without a future, are given the greatest news ever!!
-- The Invitation: They hear the Gospel preached first from Heaven’s choir
- And what are they told in response? “DO NOT BE AFRAID!!”
-- APP: Church, if God’s angels told them to not be afraid, how can we be afraid?
- (LOOK AT ME): How can we be ashamed, afraid, worried, or anything about proclaiming the Gospel to a world desperately in need?
-- This invitation causes them to move; to WANT to go and see this event
- TRANS: Look at the impact of this GLORIOUS announcement that was made
∆ Point 2 – A Glorious Announcement
- As the angel is proclaiming that the Savior has been born, look what happens …
-- Suddenly, out of nowhere … ALL OF HEAVEN JOINS IN!!
- v13-14, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
- IMP: Do you know why the angels & all of Heaven praise Him in this manner?
- Here it is: BECAUSE HE IS GOD; Immanuel, literally – God with us
- APP: It is the understanding of God’s glory by all of creation that cries out
- APP: The angels could no longer be silent when the Good News was proclaimed
- Did you know that God has called us to worship Him in the same manner?
-- We are invited to be a part of something much larger than our day to day lives
-- We’ve been given an entire mission field to proclaim the gift of our Lord
- Challenge: But, what did you celebrate this week?
-- Was it the latest technology gift or the arrival of the greatest gift of all?
- If the angels proclaimed in v14 the praise of God, so why shouldn’t we?
- TRANS: So, right now in this place, where does this leave us?
∆ Point 3 – Will We Seek Him, Too?
- Re-read verse 15
- These men, these shepherds in the fields, needed NO additional convincing
-- They heard from Heaven and they responded by leaving everything to go see
-- Church, what are we waiting for? What signs do you need for convincing?
- How about this:
-- It is estimated that 6.2 Billion people have died since the year 1900
-- Today, there are estimated to be 7.3 Billion people alive on the Earth
-- How many of those need Jesus? The answer is: Every single one of them!
Upon their arrival at the manger notice the position they take
It is not of inquisition; it is not to question why this would happen
Nor did they develop a theology and set up lectures in the land
- First in v17 they “spread the word”; then v20 “glorifying and praising God …”
-- The testified because what God said would be … was (v20)
-- They needed no additional convincing; all they did was see and go
- TRANS: But why? Let’s land the plane on our advent series …
∆ Big Ideas
- When the shepherds went to seek Him, it’s because they knew God had spoken
-- When we hear the Gospel preached, it is because we need a Savior
-- The shepherds moved because God motivated them; He proved Himself true
- This morning, we are charged with heralding the very same GOOD NEWS!
-- The good news: Jesus has been born, has died for our sins; has been resurrected
- There is NO other way to be reconciled to God
-- Allah will not save you,
-- Buddha will not save you,
-- Your checkbook will not save you,
-- How much time you’ve spent working will not save you,
-- Your good intentions will not save you … it is ONLY Jesus that saves!
- What better time than Christmas to rejoice and proclaim what God has done?
-- What better time to celebrate God’s good news being proclaimed to you and I?
- Today, we celebrate God’s incredible gift – remembering three things:
-- 1. Jesus was born into this world by a God who loves you
-- 2. He later died for our sin, so that His resurrection would bring forgiveness
-- 3. We must accept Him as Lord in order to share in His glory & fellowship
- IMP: There is no other name on Heaven or Earth in which you must be saved
-- Have you accepted Him? Have you turned over your entire life to Him?
-- If not, you can right at this time be forgiven of your sins and receive Him
Very Short Prayer
∆ Lord’s Supper
- Before we take the Lord’s Supper, the Bible warns us about doing so improperly
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”
- God's word stands as a warning to us to take communion properly
-- So, this is your time to confess where you need forgiveness in your life
-- But also, to rejoice and celebrate what you've been freely invited too
- The Lord’s Table is open to all who are believers in Christ
-- But if you’re not, I’d love to introduce you to Him this morning
-- The table is set and when God prompts you, please, come and partake ...
∆ Closing Song (“Good, Good Father”)
