The Cradle, the Cross and the Crown
Lk. 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Lk. 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Rev. 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Challenge to consider the whole story of Christ.
1.) These passages speak of three of the greatest days in history.
(1) Cradle (2) Cross (3) Crown.
2.) Let’s not eternally confine Jesus to a manger. [“no room…”]
Take with me a panoramic view of Jesus’ life and lets see what lessons we can learn.
1- When We Look At the Cradle We Should Realize That God Understands.
1.) The emphasis is on His humanity. [Incarnation] (Gal. 4:4)
2.) He had our common experiences.[Hunger, Poverty, Weariness, etc]
3.) He too was tempted. (Heb. 2:8, 4:15)
4.) He understands in more than a far off way your hurts and needs.
2- When We Look At the Cross We Should See God’s Plan to Meet Needs.
1.) His death was no mistake it was the plan of God! (Isa. 53:10-11)
2.) Christ “died for the ungodly” and proved God’s love. (Rom. 5:6)
3.) What does the Cross say to you?
3- When We Look At the Crown We Should See God’s Power to Meet Our Needs.
1.) Here the emphasis is on His Divinity. [Jesus is God]
2.) He is “Able to save to the uttermost.” (Heb. 7:25)
Conclusion: What we learn from this wholistic picture of Jesus. [I-III]
Application: We ought to accept the whole story about Jesus to our own benefit!
Appeal: Adore Him in the Cradle.
Stand in Awe at His Cross.
Glory in the Crown.
