As parents, many of us look forward to Christmas, to see our children’s faces and their reactions on Christmas morning. But some parents face Christmas with empty arms, rooms, and houses; they walk through these days with sorrow, pain, and tears. As we read the Christmas story portrayed throughout the gospels, we marvel at all that transpired with the coming of Jesus to earth as a baby in a manger. We ponder the lives of the characters that God used and are amazed at the prophetic details that came into perfect fulfillment. But the Christmas story also points to a future, second, final Advent.
John writes little or no details about the first Advent in his gospel, but he tells us in the book of Revelation of a place yet in the future and gives us enough details to know that this place will be perfect in every way.
Revelation 21:1-7:
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
(Revelation 21:1-7, English Standard Version)
This is a place of extreme light and incredible beauty. It is a place where the prophecies of centuries before that were partially fulfilled will then be wholly fulfilled. It is a place where the promises that God has made centuries, eons, millennia ago will be finally kept for all of eternity. It is a place of ‘Eternal Emmanuel,’ where God is bringing His dwelling place with man, where God will dwell with them, and finally and forever, God Himself will be with us, and we will be with God!
The new heaven and new earth will not only be a place of indescribable beauty; there will be no more crying or anything that causes sadness or pain. It would be enough if heaven was a place of no more tears, but John says that God goes further; He reaches out and touches us in the way that only He can (like Jesus did with the leper), and He will wipe all our tears away as He ushers us into His new eternal dwelling!
Many times, we cry as the Israelites of old did, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” We long for this place where we will be with God, and God will be with us, this place of no more crying or pain or tears. The Lord God of Heaven sees, knows, and cares about our tears and sorrows. One day, He will wipe them all away in the place where all things are new.
Jesus is coming again to bring us to this place that He is preparing for us, not as an infant tender and mild in Bethlehem, but as a glorious, conquering king with all the glory and power He possesses.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18:
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, English Standard Version)
As Paul did, we look and listen for the time yet in the future, which could be today!
Titus 2:13:
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
(Titus 2:13, King James Version)
Merry Christmas! Come, Lord Jesus; come, Emmanuel!
About the Author: Dave Kother, or ‘DK’ as he’s known to Millington’s AWANA kids, has worked for the City of Linden as a police detective for over 28 years. He and his wife Denise live in Scotch Plains and are blessed with four children.
About 1000 years before Jesus’ birth, Nathan the prophet came to King David and delivered an amazing promise from the Lord:
“I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth . . .
Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me.
Your throne shall be established forever.” (II Samuel 7:9, 16)
Overwhelmed, David “sat before the Lord” (II Samuel 7: 18) and thanked him for this promise: an unbroken line of great kings, stretching out forever.
But it didn’t take long for the promise to falter, seemingly. The northern tribes rejected David’s grandson Rehoboam and set up a separate kingdom. David’s line continued in Judah, but many of his descendants did evil in God’s sight. So much evil, that God allowed the Babylonians to conquer and enslave his people. The last Davidic king was Zedekiah, whose children were slaughtered by Nebuchadnezzar before his eyes (Jeremiah 39).
By the time the young virgin Mary was engaged to Joseph, the Jewish people may have wondered if God had forgotten his promise to David. Or maybe they considered the promise an old, irrelevant story. Joseph was “of the house of David” (Luke 1:27), but the kingly line seemed to have petered out.
Then, in Luke chapter 1, we read of God breaking 400 years of silence, re-lighting the candle of promise. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and foretells a miraculous son. Gabriel says,
“The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33)
The great promise, fulfilled in Jesus! A new king from the line of David who will reign forever. Not his descendants, but King Jesus himself. Not an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one.
One thing strikes me about this new Davidic promise. Matthew’s gospel connects Jesus to David through the line of Joseph, even though he was not Jesus’ biological father. (Luke’s genealogy probably traces Mary’s line, naming Joseph as “supposed” father. Luke 3:23) By tracing the genealogy of Jesus through his adoptive father, the Scriptures are calling Joseph a “real” parent. As an adoptive parent myself, I’m grateful that Joseph’s parental role receives this honor.
Like Joseph’s relationship to Jesus, our relationship to God is not dependent on heredity or biology. It doesn’t matter who our parents are; we become children of God through faith. When we receive the “Son of David” as our king, we become citizens of the kingdom of heaven, as God rules in our hearts.
In the last chapter of Revelation, Jesus gives us another promise:
“I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star . . .
Surely I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22: 16, 20)
Jesus, who is both the root (father-creator) and descendant of David, will return one day soon. King Jesus will establish a righteous kingdom, a New Jerusalem, the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven.
Maybe, like God’s people two thousand years ago, we feel that day is long delayed. Maybe we wonder if it will ever arrive. But we know that God keeps his promises! As we celebrate the arrival of the baby born to Mary, may the Lord re-light the candle of anticipation in our hearts. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
About the Author: Kathy Wilford serves in the Children’s Ministry and the Missions Team at MBC. She’s an instructor in the Writing Program at Rutgers University and the author of Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt, a middle-grade novel. Kathy and her husband Paul have been attending MBC for more than 40 years. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandkids.
The problem is that we romanticize the birth of Jesus, meaning we tidy it up; we view it through overly positive eyes. The nativity becomes beautiful, pastoral, and lovely, it fits nicely on our coffee table.
But when we romanticize Christmas, we lose the meaning of Christmas. We begin to think that within the story itself, in the details, we find a joyful set of characters.
To understand biblical joy, we must remember that nothing about the Christmas story, in and of itself, was joyful. Jesus was born into scandal to an unwed mother, into an oppressed nation to a poor family, in an unwelcoming town, on the back of another tax increase. Joy comes down to us from heaven in the most joyless of circumstances. And this is the point.
Jesus brought joy to the world, because there was no joy in the world.
The Christmas story is a series of tragedies and trials, and it is into that mess that God’s love and grace brings joy in the person of Jesus Christ. If you are hurting this Advent season remember Jesus can also bring joy into your life. That is what he did so many years ago, and this is what He continues to do today.
Nativity Tears
Groom is panicked – pregnant bride
Gossip spreads through wagging tongues
Worried hands wring out divorce
shame crumbles plans to dust
Joseph’s tears fall
On sagging shoulders taxes weigh
Callused hands and empty purse
Rome smiles and picks its teeth
Forcing all to ancestral homes
Israel’s tears fall
Donkey hoofs shake swollen belly
Young woman, brave, sets her face
No comfort, mother, or homemade bed
Joseph knocks on one more door
Mary’s tears fall
Darkness spreads to narrow streets
The baby ignores his parent’s fears
Another slam, contractions start
Into a barn she screams in pain
Crying, Jesus is born
Disturbed about Messiah king
Herod vomits a nightmare plan
Baby’s blood soak up the dust
Throne secured for one more day
Heaven’s tears fall
“Get up and flee!” the Angel warns
Confusion, fear, and panic sing
Egypt protects its refugees
No family to watch the baby grow
Grandparents tear’s fall.
Joy to the World, the Lord has come
Let earth receive her king.
Refugees, survivors, and unwed mothers
Oppressed by others your time has come
Shed tears of joy –
The Savior has come to you
About the Author: Craig Schill pastors The Grove Community Church in Rowlett, Texas. Craig and Pastor Dave went to DTS together and their families have maintained a close friendship over the years. Craig and his wife Tammy have four grown children. You can find more of his writing at ComeOChurch.com
As we read the Advent story throughout the gospels, not only is the story of Jesus coming to earth an incredible and miraculous event, but the stories of the characters within the narrative are equally important. Some of the characters have more significant roles than others, but all of them show, in many ways, how God has used these seemingly minor characters in His plan of salvation.
By the time we read about Joseph in Luke’s gospel, he is dealing with a dilemma that was not of his making and one that might have ended differently.
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
(Luke 2:1-5, English Standard Version)
Joseph’s life was in a state of upheaval because of the Roman mandate that forced him to pack up and travel to his hometown and because of the state of his betrothed wife, Mary. Matthew‘s gospel gives us some background on how Joseph had reached this point of their arrival in Bethlehem:
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
(Matthew 1:18-25, English Standard Version)
Joseph is a quiet, kind, impressive, underrated man facing incredible drama in his life. I’m sure he had many sleepless nights as he pondered the situation with his wife, Mary, and Joseph. He is facing this drama with quiet dignity and is considering what he must do with what he is faced with. As he considers these things, an angel of the Lord visits him in a dream. That angel addresses Joseph in a way that no one else was addressed in all of the gospels except for the Lord Jesus Christ; the angel addresses Joseph as ‘son of David.’ This title is an incredible honor to Joseph and perhaps a reminder of his genealogy throughout the ages, something I’m sure was far from his mind at the time. God graciously reminded Joseph of who he was and addressed him with the distinction of his lineage. The angel then encouraged Joseph about what the Lord was doing and gave him instructions on what to do.
When Joseph hears this message and realizes that this child would be the fulfillment of prophecy from hundreds of years prior, there is no more wondering about what is going on. Joseph obediently does what the angel of the Lord commands him, takes his wife, and cares for her. Soon after they arrive in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to that promised son:
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:6-7, English Standard Version)
As the angel told him to, Joseph calls his name Jesus, which means ‘Jehovah is salvation.’ The prophet of old said his name would be Emmanuel, which means ‘God With Us’. In these two names with their two meanings, God‘s one mission of saving the world from sin is revealed. Joseph obediently follows God’s will in his small role in this plan and takes full ownership of this situation. He could’ve done other things and would have been justified in them, but he follows God’s word in his quiet obedience.
The Christmas story is not one of silent nights and quiet snowfall scenes; it is an incredible invasion by God into our world in ways that bring upheaval and often questions. God‘s plan is working in absolutely unbelievable ways, even if we don’t understand how they affect us. When we listen and obey the god of the universe, we will better understand what He is doing.
About the Author: Dave Kother, or ‘DK’ as he’s known to Millington’s AWANA kids, has worked for the City of Linden as a police detective for over 28 years. He and his wife Denise live in Scotch Plains and are blessed with four children.
Since the Israel-Hamas led conflict broke out in October 2023, my daily prayers have never left the Middle East. There are two Bible verses that come to my mind when I am writing this blog today. It is Luke 1:78 and 2:14.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.” (Luke 1:78, ESV)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV)
I love traveling. In the last 30 years, I have visited over 25 countries or 40 cities in the world. If someone asked me to share my top unforgettable travel experiences, I would say my trip to the Middle East in February/March 1996. Among my 100s of trips, that was the only trip I lost my luggage. It was never found. The airline was not able to locate where they mis-shipped my checked in luggage when I arrived in Jordan. It was the Ramadan month, which made it harder to trace my precious cargo in the in-transit stop from Bahrain. Back in the 90s, there was no smart phones, eSIM, or even the internet. I was traveling with my best friend in the church. We did not realize that our adventure was just about to begin.
In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, suicide bombs in February and March 1996 killed 65 people, including three US citizens (Note 1). We were in Jerusalem when a suicide bomber killed 18 people in a bus. A few days later, another suicide bombing took place at the shopping center in Tel Aviv. We were at that mall for ice-cream the day before. God spared us again and we just missed it. We only learned about the news from the local tourist guide when we were on the way from Gaza to Egypt. I did not know how bad the attacks were until I arrived home. I guessed the guide did not want to scare the tourists. Nevertheless, I still sensed what the war meant to that region when I saw the tanks on the way to Egypt passing through the Sinai Peninsula. I was told they were residuals from the Six Days War. Losing the luggage is nothing to compare to losing the lives of the innocent. The sunset was beautiful along the Mediterranean Sea. It was the tender mercy of our God that I could see the sunrise again in the next morning when I arrived in Cairo.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.” (Luke 1:78, ESV)
My friend’s grandmother was a Holocaust survivor. She was very little when her whole family was terminated in the concentration camp. She once told me that living in Israel was like living in the heaven. Some of my classmates in graduate school and team members at my workplace are Palestinians. Their scars were not healed when they told their stories to me. The rivalry is deep-rooted. Twenty-seven years have passed since I visited Israel and the terrorist attacks continue. Many governments are still looking to play a role as mediators. Millions of the Chosen People are still waiting for the Messiah to come and praying for peace on earth. Do we not know that the Savior has come? The angels already proclaimed the good news to the shepherds 2000 years ago!
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV)
As a Christian, how well do we take that message and have the burden to share the good news to those around us?
About the author: Stella Strain was born and raised in Hong Kong and has lived in US for 20 years. She was an activist for CPM (Chosen People Ministries) and CWI (Christian Witness To Israel) during college. Currently she is working as the US financial controller of a global retailer.
(In Jerusalem, a few days before three suicide bombs took place)
Life often takes unexpected turns, plunging us into the depths of despair, much like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” standing on the bridge, praying for a sign. In these moments of darkness, we yearn for a guiding light, a glimmer of hope to illuminate the path ahead. The good news of Christmas is that God provides light in the darkness.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone. (Isa 9:2)
The Gospel of Luke, in chapters 1:39-80, captures the essence of finding light in the darkest corners of life, providing us hope, through divine intervention.
1) The Visit: Mary and Elizabeth’s Encounter
The journey begins with the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Mary, pregnant with the Son of God, seeks solace in the company of Elizabeth, who herself miraculously carries John the Baptist. As the two women greet each other, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. This encounter symbolizes the interconnectedness of God’s plan, transcending generations and knitting together the tapestry of salvation. Like them, we too can rejoice in the coming of Christ.
2) The Song: The Magnificat
Mary responds to Elizabeth’s blessing with a profound song of praise known as the Magnificat. This beautiful hymn exalts the greatness of God and marvels at His mercy for choosing Mary as the vessel for the Savior. The key theme in this song is that God exalts the humble, and humbles the proud. The Latin name for this song, Magnificat anima mea Dominum, reflects the humility and awe expressed by Mary as she magnifies the Lord for His wondrous deeds.
3) The Name: The Birth of John the Baptist
As the narrative unfolds, we witness the birth of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s son, heralded by a chorus of joy. When it comes time to name the child, against societal expectations, Elizabeth boldly declares, “He is to be called John.” This name, which means “God is gracious,” reflects the divine favor and intervention in the midst of human doubt and conventions. In response to Zechariah’s obediently naming his son John, God almighty restores his speech, a rich symbol of how God almighty is breaking His 400 years of silence.
4) The Blessing: Zechariah’s Prophecy
The final part of this passage is marked by Zechariah’s prophetic song, known as the Benedictus. In Latin, this term means “Blessed,” and Zechariah’s words bless God for fulfilling His promises and preparing the way for salvation. The Benedictus serves as a beacon of hope, foretelling the arrival of the Messiah and the redemption of humanity through the forgiveness of sins. This is all because of the “tender mercy” of God. He has provided the dayspring, the sunrise, to illumine our path and show us the way out of the shadow of death.
Christ, the Light in the Darkness
In the darkest moments of our lives, we may find ourselves praying for a guiding light, much like George Bailey on that fateful bridge. Luke 1:39-80 reminds us that in our moments of despair, God’s light shines brightest. When we place our trust in Christ, He becomes the light that remains when all others fade away. As Tim Keller aptly puts it, “He is the light when all the other lights go out.” (Hidden Christmas, p 15) This is the blessing of Christmas.
May you find comfort in the assurance that, through Christ, even the deepest darkness can be illuminated by the radiance of the good news of salvation.
As we enter the season of advent, we embark on a journey of anticipation, and our hearts are filled with the flickering flame of hope. In a world often shadowed by uncertainty, the advent wreath reminds us that a light pierces through the darkness.
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the story of a young woman named Mary, who, despite her initial fear and confusion, embraced the divine calling upon her life. Her “yes” to God became a resounding note of hope for all humanity. In the quiet town of Bethlehem, in the humblest of settings, hope was born.
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
(Luke 1:26-38, NIV)
Hope is more than wishful thinking; it is the confident expectation that God’s promises will be fulfilled. As we light the first candle on our advent wreath, let it symbolize the flame of hope ignited within us. The prophet Isaiah foretold a coming Messiah, a Prince of Peace who would bring hope to a broken world. This hope is not just historical; it is a living reality today.
In the midst of challenges and uncertainties, we can find hope in the promises of God. The psalmist declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Our hope is anchored in the unchanging character of God, who is our refuge and strength.
This advent, let us cultivate a spirit of hope. Take a moment each day to reflect on the source of your hope. Is it in circumstances or in the unchanging love of God? As we await the celebration of Christ’s birth, let the flame of hope burn brightly within us, dispelling the shadows and pointing us to the true Light of the world.
May this season be a time of renewed hope, a reminder that the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
As Luke tells the miraculous story of how God would save the world with the coming of His Son, he begins with the story of another miracle. The story of Jesus’s coming to earth is preceded by the miraculous arrival of the one who would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).
5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
(Luke 1:5-23, English Standard Version)
Zechariah was a dedicated priest, and his wife Elizabeth was a righteous and faithful servant of God. Luke describes their character as righteous and blameless in all aspects of their long lives of service to God, but there was one stark thing missing – Elizabeth was barren. Zechariah and I’m sure Elizabeth had prayed about this often, but years and years had passed.
As Zechariah encountered the angel Gabriel, his announcement was so extraordinary and beyond comprehension that Zechariah could hardly believe the words he was hearing. Because of his unbelief, no matter how rational, Zechariah was rendered speechless “until the days that these things take place” (Luke 1:20).
Not only would the birth of this child be the miraculous coming of the predecessor of the Savior, but he would bring inexplicable and long-awaited joy and gladness to his parents and many around them.
God was about to do an extraordinarily unimaginable miracle in sending His Son into this world, and He began by doing something equally unthinkable. He is not limited to how many miracles He does and to whom He does them. The Bible is a story of the Almighty God showing His miraculous power and plan for the saving of the world in a way that goes beyond our comprehension. This early story in Luke’s gospel shows us that God not only performs extraordinary miracles to bring about His eternal plan but also answers prayers in a way that can make us speechless. This Advent season, let’s continue to pray and see the miracles from this incredible God we serve!
About the Author: Dave Kother, or ‘DK’ as he’s known to Millington’s AWANA kids, has worked for the City of Linden as a police detective for over 28 years. He and his wife Denise live in Scotch Plains and are blessed with four children.
Who is Jesus? Sinclair Ferguson said, “Many years ago now, there was a scholarly movement that became known as ‘The Quest for the Historical Jesus.’ Scholars said, ‘Let’s try to get behind the Gospels to find out who Jesus really was, and what he was really like.’ So they took bits and pieces of the Gospel testimony and made a picture of Christ. One of the shrewdest things that was said about this movement was that these scholars were like people looking down a well to find Jesus, but didn’t realize that the ‘Jesus’ they saw was really just a reflection of themselves from the water at the bottom of the well!” (Excerpt from an interview with Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, 2008).
In this quest to truly understand Jesus, we turn to Luke 1:5-38. The Gospel of Luke provides a profound glimpse into the nature and character of Jesus. Let’s explore this passage and discover the facets of the Jesus of the Bible.
Part 1: Our God is a Speaking God
The story begins with Zechariah, a priest, being visited by the angel Gabriel. Zechariah doubted the possibility of his elderly wife, Elizabeth, bearing a child. The angel’s response reminds us that our God is a speaking God, and His words carry divine power.
“And the angel answered him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.'” (Luke 1:19)
Zechariah doubted in a way that was not simply seeking more information, it was really cynical unbelief, whereas Mary’s doubt was honest and open to belief.
Tim Keller writes in “Hidden Christmas,”
“The only real possibility is that the inner motivations and dynamics of Zechariah’s and Mary’s doubts were different. There’s a kind of doubt that really is seeking more information—that “wants” to believe if it’s possible. (but) There’s also a kind of doubt that really is looking for a way out, that doesn’t want to believe or submit, that’s looking for a way to keep control of one’s own life … the Bible doesn’t view doubts as always rebellious, nor does it encourage people to live in doubt perpetually.”
Part 2: Our God is a Personal God
The scene shifts to the young virgin Mary, visited by the same angel with the news of her miraculous conception. Mary’s response is a model of submission and trust, showcasing the personal nature of our God.
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Part 3: Our God is a Saving God
The name of the child would be “Jesus,” meaning “The Lord saves.” Our God is just, but our God also delights to show mercy. He has come to seek and save the lost. This reveals the redemptive purpose of God, offering salvation to all who believe.
Part 4: Our God is a Faithful God
The unfolding events in Luke affirm God’s faithfulness. Zechariah and Elizabeth, in their old age, conceived a son, and Mary became the vessel for the Savior. God’s faithfulness transcends human understanding and expectation. So many prophecies of God are fulfilled in this one chapter. How will this be? “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
In our attempt to understand Jesus, we often project our own images onto Him. The message of Christmas, however, is that Jesus wants to transform us into His image. As we reflect on the narratives in Luke, we see a God who speaks, a God who is personal, a God who saves, and a God who is faithful. This Christmas, let us embrace the transformative power of the true Jesus of the Bible.
In Luke 19 we find a well-known story about a man named Zacchaeus. One day, as Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he came through Jericho and Zacchaeus wanted to see him. But he was too short! To remedy the situation, he climbed up in a tree—and Jesus noticed him! Not only that, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house! Jesus goes and dines with a “sinner.” This was scandalous to the crowd. People wonder what he is doing! Do you remember what Jesus tells them?
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10, ESV)
Verses 10 captures Luke’s purpose for writing his Gospel: Salvation for those who are lost. It’s major theme in the Gospel. In fact, in Luke 15, another famous chapter, Jesus tells three stories centering on something that was lost: a coin, a sheep, and a son. In each story—people go to great lengths to find what was lost.
With that in mind, it is worth asking ourselves a question: Have you ever felt lost? This experience can take several forms. First, you could be physically lost. Maybe you are in a new location or you were driving and not paying attention. Second, you could feel emotionally lost. Someone hurt you. You don’t know your purpose. You were fired, your romance ended, or your favorite sports team did not make the playoffs! You feel like you are wandering in the wilderness without a guide. Either feeling is unsettling and they uncover a near universal human truth: we don’t like being or feeling lost. We go to great lengths to avoid it. We seek to live a NEVER LOST life. Nobody likes to admit they are lost—because then we don’t know what we are doing.
Are We Lost?
But are we really never lost? Technology has desensitized to the experience of lost-ness. It also taps into a core desire: We long to be found. We long to be known and loved. We were made to worship. The question is by what or by whom? What Luke shows us is that tell Jesus is seeking us, he is pursuing us, he leaves the 99 sheep just to find the one. But he is also going to show us that many of us don’t think we are lost. The elder brother in the prodigal son didn’t think he was lost. We miss our lost ness because run to other saviors. The mask our lost-ness. When you don’t know you are lost you don’t know you need to be found. You stop looking for help.
Luke’s Gospel is filled with people who don’t want to recognize they are lost. In Luke 18, we read the story of the Rich Young Ruler. He comes to Jesus with a question, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18:18, ESV)” This is the question all of us are asking and answering at some level. What does Jesus tell him? Give up the thing that is most precious to you; surrender the thing that has controlling position in your heart—the thing you worship instead of me. For the Rich Young Ruler it was money. What is it for you? What is masking your lostness.
This is a central message of Luke’s gospel: Jesus Christ came to save lost people who do not feel lost; who don’t want to admit they are lost. Like the Elder Brother, Like the Rich Young Ruler. We are all asking and answering the question: How do I inherit eternal life? Jesus says—it is me! I have come to save people who are pretending they are found.
Know The Narrative
Luke’s Gospel is a theological narrative. Darrell Bock is almost a world-renowned scholar on Luke and Acts. He notes, “[Luke’s Gospel] teaches theology while recounting the events surrounding [Jesus’] life.” It has a different flavor than Matthew, Mark, or John—all of which read like biographies. In fact, Luke, the author, is one of the only Gospel writers who was not an eyewitness to Jesus life. Instead, he is a historian who undertakes a major writing project for a wealthy patron, a man named Theophilus. Luke’s Gospel begins this way:
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, (Luke 1:1, ESV)
This verse, right at the beginning, tells you exactly what Luke is doing: he is telling a story of what happened with Jesus. As you read the Gospel, it will become clear that Luke has a goal: he wants you to believe in Jesus so that you may be saved from your sins; he wants you to know with certainty that Jesus is God.
Structurally, Luke has some natural breaking points, which our series will follow as well. (1) Advent: Luke 1-2 are about Christmas and the surrounding events. Those chapters will serve as the backdrop for the December section of our series. (2) Jesus Public Ministry: Luke 3-9 sees Jesus beginning his public ministry, which a heavy focus on his miracles. Essentially Jesus goes public and catches people’s interest with his teaching and ministry. (3) In Luke 9:51, there is a major turn. We read the Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Jesus goes ON THE ROAD. The next 10 chapters … a major portion of Luke’s Gospel, is Jesus walking with his disciples to Jerusalem. This section is very parable heavy—Jesus tells stories and teaches his disciples as he walks to accomplish his mission. (4) Luke 19:45-24:53 Jesus arrives at Jerusalem for the final week, the crucifixion and the resurrection appearances. We are going to break up out series into these chunks so it will feel like we are moving with Luke through his narrative. And if you want to be found, he have to know the narrative in its entirety.
Examine The Eyewitnesses
Luke begins his Gospel by telling us he is compiling a narrative—he is telling a story. But he acknowledges, he is not the first one to have attempted this feat. We read this in Luke 1:2,
Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, (Luke 1:2, ESV)
It was common for historians to acknowledge those who had written before them. However, his use of the word, “eyewitnesses,” was important. Hellenistic, or Greek, historians required eyewitnesses when recording history—it proved its veracity.
As you read the rest of Luke’s Gospel, you will see an account of these eyewitnesses and several themes emerge from those encounters:
First, the POWER of the Holy Spirit is evident. In fact, the evidence of the Spirit’s work gets a prominent place in Luke, which sets him apart from the other Gospel writers. Mark mentioned the Holy Spirit 6 times. Matthew 12 times. Luke references the Spirit 17 times—and then 70 times in Acts! Luke focused on the Holy Spirit. As Jesus enters the wilderness to be tempted, we read this in Luke 4:1,
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. (Luke 4:1-2, ESV)
The Spirit’s work is evident. We see the Spirit prominent at the birth of John and Jesus in Luke 1. The Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism in Luke 4. If you fast-forward to Acts, the Spirit is unleashed at Pentecost. Luke discovered the supernatural work of the Spirit in his investigations.
Second, Luke discovered the importance of PRAYER. Throughout Luke, there are parables about prayer. Luke records the Lord’s Prayer during the Sermon on the Plain. Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before his Crucifixion. Jesus is constantly telling his disciples, the eyewitnesses, TO PRAY! Prayer will be an important theme in Luke.
Third, people SING. Singing is a major part of Luke—especially in the first two chapters of the Gospel. In chapter 1-2, the action keeps being interrupted by song. Mary sings. The angels sing. Luke uses the word, “REJOICE,” more than any other author of Scripture. These eyewitnesses, who saw the Messiah, taught us to SING in response to God’s grace. When you know the narrative, when you examine the eyewitnesses—you discover the story is true and all you can do is sing in response!
Surrender To Certainty
We live in a world full of uncertainty. The stock market is up and down. Elections are more contentious than ever. Social media has caused a rift in friendships. Even medicine has taken a hit. It all exposes the reality that one day, if we have not already, one day we will suffer. Moreover, when suffering comes—where will you run? What savior will you turn to? So many of us run to idols, dead saviors who can’t help us. Luke tells us—turn to the only living Savior there is—Jesus Christ. How do I inherit eternal life? When you read Luke’s Gospel you know the narrative, you can examine the eyewitnesses. But, finally, the reason is to surrender to certainty. He concludes the opening this way:
[…] it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4, ESV)
Why did Luke write his Gospel? So you may have certainty of the things you have been taught. Some think that Theophilus was a nephew to the emperor Vespasian—no friend to the Christian church. If it became known that he was a Christian—he would suffer severe consequences. Loss of finances and relationships—maybe even his life. Remember, Luke was written, likely, during the period that Nero was persecuting Christians. In addition, he is watching the Jews attack the Christians, especially the Gentiles, and he is wondering … is this worth it? Is it worth my life and reputation? Is it worth jail time? Is it worth losing my fortune and status? Is it true?
And in that context, he commissions Luke, to investigate, to research whether it is true. Luke writes him not one, but two volumes with a resounding—YES! However, if Luke is so clear, if his evidence is so compelling, why do we still doubt? Why do we still resist? Gary Habermas wrote a wonderful little book entitled, “Dealing With Doubt.” He highlights three categories of doubt:
Emotional Doubt: We might have an emotional connection to a problem. In this category, our suffering comes to the forefront. You might have trouble believing in God or the Gospel because, you think, he let my loved one die. He allowed me to lose my job. That romance never materialized. You don’t think God cares … so you resist.
Intellectual Doubt: Others are asking very good intellectual questions. These are important—its good to ask questions so we can find answers. However, for some, there might be some questions we can’t get over. We must look under every rock. While I believe that there are good answers, and Luke provides some, for faith in Christ—I’ve also noticed some people keep coming back to the same questions over and over again.
Volitional Doubt: If that is the case, I wonder if we are getting into a third category of volitional doubt. Because sometimes, even when we find all the answers … we still resist. And we resist because we don’t want to surrender to Jesus. We want to be king of our own lives. We are willfully resisting, not because we have an emotional or intellectual hang up, but because we just don’t want to give in.
What Are You Holding On To?
What are you holding onto that you will not give to Jesus? In Luke 9:51, there is a shift in the Gospel. Jesus sets his face to Jerusalem; he knows it will be his last journey. He knows he is going to the cross to this death. Just before they begin the journey, he starts talking about the cost of following him. Jesus draws a line in the sand:
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9:23-25,ESV)
For first century Christians—death for Christ was real possibility. When they read Luke’s Gospel account this verse would have feel like a hard punch to the gut. While we, as 21st Century American Christians are not experiencing this level of persecution—yet—we are feeling more on the margins. This verse has more weight than it did even 10 years ago. Now, more than in recent memory, Jesus is asking us: what are you holding onto? You will surrender to something. Do you think money will save you? Do you think love and romance will save you? Do you think power and education and prestige will save you? What will it profit you if you gain the WHOLE WORLD but lose yourself in the process?
The reason Luke wrote his Gospel was so that you can know—for certain—that Jesus Christ is the Savior. He wrote it so you can know you are a sinner. He wrote it so you can surrender to the true King—Jesus. The one who came to save the world.
By: Dave Kother
