Savior
Christmas time is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus means savior. People asked then and continue to ask now, "Who shall save us?"
Throughout history, special men have risen up during times of need, to lead people through tough times of calamity. They always claimed they would lay power down once the crisis was averted, but it just never seemed to work out that way.
The Emperor during the birth of Jesus was born Gaius Octavius, but is better known as Caesar Augustus. After a power struggle caused by the death of Julius Caesar, Gaius consolidated power and took control of Rome. It was wondered if the Empire would continue or would he restore the Republic and give voice to the people. Initially he made overtures he would restore the Republic saying, "At the age of nineteen, on my own initiative and at my own expense, I raised an army which restored liberty to the republic, oppressed in tyranny." This though, did not last long.
You can tell by the historical record, that he believed being Emperor was an opportunity to serve his fellowman and along the way, bring glory to himself. From his point of view, it all just seemed like destiny. He couldn't help it if he was a "Caesar" - adopted son of Julius Caesar. Emperor was his birthright! The gods of Rome had brought him forth, at such a time as this, to bring peace to the world. The Senate voted him Emperor and took the title Augustus, meaning "worthy of Honor".
He settled the turmoil and established the famous Pax Romana, the Roman Peace. It was during his reign that Rome flourished and conquered more lands, increasing the coffers of Rome with foreign money. He needed it, as running the Empire was expensive.
One of his first decisions was to continue giving the peasants in Rome free grain. Many were farmers, but they did not feel obligated to work if the grain was just going to be handed out for free so they moved into the city. Augustus wanted to keep the masses appeased and sponsored expensive Gladiator games to keep the masses entertained. His building projects were numerous and said at his twilight, "I found Rome made of brick, and left it made of marble."
Augustus would want you to understand, government policy this wise and humanitarian takes a lot of tax money. This requires everyone to do their part, and so this is where Joseph and Mary come into the story. Even though they lived in far way Palestine, at the far end of the Empire, Augustus Caesar needed their pennies to keep the peasants in Rome from overrunning his palace. Augustus had a lot of important thinking to do and his comfort was a small price to pay for all that genius. From Augustus' point of view, " Who else was going to save the world?"
Luke 2:1–7 ESV
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. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
Let's look at the people in Luke's Account:
Caesar Augustus
By adoption he had the famous name “Caesar” and the Roman Senate declared him “Augustus.” He reigned until 14 A.D. He called himself the Son of God and had it printed on the coinage to remind everyone he was the son of god Julius Caesar. He used his tax money for many things like armies, social welfare, and for vanity projects.
To finance these projects he had to tax the people, but to properly tax the people he had to count them. This is the registration being referred to in verse Luke 2:2. You had to return to your hometown to verify your identity and the local government needed to ascertain what you could contribute to the glory of Rome. This all required a good face to face meeting.
Quirinius, Governor of Syria
Sir William Ramsay, famous explorer and researcher, found a monument which confirmed the existence of Quirinius and that he was twice governor in Syria and he was occupying this office when Augustus ordered this registration in verse two.
Joseph and Mary
Joseph and Mary were faithful Jews who lived during the reign of Augustus. Even though they were not pagans, they were good citizens and tried to honor the Emperor. So they endeavored to take the journey back home to be counted, after hearing of the edict. This was difficult for Mary, walking 70 miles with child, but she wanted to follow the law. My personal opinion, is the walk induced the birth itself, as the birth of Jesus was ordained.
Now we know the main characters in this real life drama, let's start asking some questions. The edict of Augustus - was it really the only sovereign command being fulfilled at that time in history? Long before Augustus existed, God decreed that His Son would be born in Bethlehem.
Mic. 5:2 ESV
But you, O Bethlehem, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
God is certainly in control, and knows the past from the future just as we know the present. G Campbell Morgan wrote of this verse “When I read that, uttered six hundred and fifty years before these events, I see that the really insignificant person in the drama is the little puppet in the city on the seven hills, called Caesar Augustus; and the significant personalities are the woman in whose womb tabernacles the Son of God, and the man who is guarding her.”
Luke 2:7 ESV
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.
I need to dispel some myths to this story, because the romanticized version of events, told through nativity scenes doesn't do justice to the plight of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. The word inn today is nothing like the reality of inns in that part of the world at that time. Imagine a shelter house, something more like you would find at a park, with just enough room to hide under a roof and tie up your camel or donkey. No hostess to take you to your room, but some man to allow you access to one of the divided sections with no fanfare, food, or mints under a pillow. If you were lucky, you may have received some water for you and your mounts. Now, that you understand this was no Holliday Inn, take note that their wasn't any room left even in the shelter house and you had to hunker down next to a wall in the stable area. They may have been exposed to the elements and we are hoping they had some kind of roof but we can't be sure. It would have been cold, and they would have wanted the animals nearby for warmth and shelter. You should also realize the "manger" little Jesus was placed in, is just a fancy word for trough. That means the swaddling clothes would have smelled like whatever the animals ate that day. We can assume that there was hay for Mary to lie in as she gave birth, surrounded by descendants of Noah's Ark!
Luke 2:8–12 ESV
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
The first visitors of the baby Jesus were shepherds. This was appropriate for two reasons.
Number one, they were the type of guest that wouldn't mind the smell! These were his people. The shepherds were common folk, who had to depend upon God for their daily bread. Instead of being born into wealth and prestige, Jesus was born into the same circumstances of the people he came to save. Of course, some who are rich come to know Christ, but it is difficult to give up the comforts of this world. If you don't have much, you have less to hold on too.
Secondly, these first visitors would model His future ministry. Shepherds had a special tool that looked like a staff called a crook. Because of its length, you could strike and keep wolves away. The other function was for rescue, as their was a curved part at the far end. The crook gave the shepherd the ability to reach down and pick up a lost sheep, trapped in a hole, for example. Jesus will grow up to be like these men, a defender and rescuer, the very definition of savior.
Take heart with these words about the shepherd ministry of Jesus.
John 10:11 ESV
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
1 Pet. 5:4 ESV
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
John 10:14 ESV
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
1 Pet. 2:25 ESV
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Rev. 7:17 ESV
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
How do you define savior? Jesus was born in lowly circumstances, Augustus was born into wealth and prestige. Jesus would build His Kingdom by preaching. Augustus had to use armies.
People who belong to the Kingdom of God are happier, self sufficient, and can help others from their blessings. Augustus had to conquer, tax and hand out scraps to people dependent upon him.
Jesus is building mansions in Heaven, Augustus laid down some marble.
Jesus makes us priest and kings. Augustus makes himself the King.
Jesus sets the captives free. Augustus makes people his slaves.
Do you need a savior? Do you need the Shepherd to set you free?
Throughout history, special men have risen up during times of need, to lead people through tough times of calamity. They always claimed they would lay power down once the crisis was averted, but it just never seemed to work out that way.
The Emperor during the birth of Jesus was born Gaius Octavius, but is better known as Caesar Augustus. After a power struggle caused by the death of Julius Caesar, Gaius consolidated power and took control of Rome. It was wondered if the Empire would continue or would he restore the Republic and give voice to the people. Initially he made overtures he would restore the Republic saying, "At the age of nineteen, on my own initiative and at my own expense, I raised an army which restored liberty to the republic, oppressed in tyranny." This though, did not last long.
You can tell by the historical record, that he believed being Emperor was an opportunity to serve his fellowman and along the way, bring glory to himself. From his point of view, it all just seemed like destiny. He couldn't help it if he was a "Caesar" - adopted son of Julius Caesar. Emperor was his birthright! The gods of Rome had brought him forth, at such a time as this, to bring peace to the world. The Senate voted him Emperor and took the title Augustus, meaning "worthy of Honor".
He settled the turmoil and established the famous Pax Romana, the Roman Peace. It was during his reign that Rome flourished and conquered more lands, increasing the coffers of Rome with foreign money. He needed it, as running the Empire was expensive.
One of his first decisions was to continue giving the peasants in Rome free grain. Many were farmers, but they did not feel obligated to work if the grain was just going to be handed out for free so they moved into the city. Augustus wanted to keep the masses appeased and sponsored expensive Gladiator games to keep the masses entertained. His building projects were numerous and said at his twilight, "I found Rome made of brick, and left it made of marble."
Augustus would want you to understand, government policy this wise and humanitarian takes a lot of tax money. This requires everyone to do their part, and so this is where Joseph and Mary come into the story. Even though they lived in far way Palestine, at the far end of the Empire, Augustus Caesar needed their pennies to keep the peasants in Rome from overrunning his palace. Augustus had a lot of important thinking to do and his comfort was a small price to pay for all that genius. From Augustus' point of view, " Who else was going to save the world?"
Luke 2:1–7 ESV
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. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
Let's look at the people in Luke's Account:
Caesar Augustus
By adoption he had the famous name “Caesar” and the Roman Senate declared him “Augustus.” He reigned until 14 A.D. He called himself the Son of God and had it printed on the coinage to remind everyone he was the son of god Julius Caesar. He used his tax money for many things like armies, social welfare, and for vanity projects.
To finance these projects he had to tax the people, but to properly tax the people he had to count them. This is the registration being referred to in verse Luke 2:2. You had to return to your hometown to verify your identity and the local government needed to ascertain what you could contribute to the glory of Rome. This all required a good face to face meeting.
Quirinius, Governor of Syria
Sir William Ramsay, famous explorer and researcher, found a monument which confirmed the existence of Quirinius and that he was twice governor in Syria and he was occupying this office when Augustus ordered this registration in verse two.
Joseph and Mary
Joseph and Mary were faithful Jews who lived during the reign of Augustus. Even though they were not pagans, they were good citizens and tried to honor the Emperor. So they endeavored to take the journey back home to be counted, after hearing of the edict. This was difficult for Mary, walking 70 miles with child, but she wanted to follow the law. My personal opinion, is the walk induced the birth itself, as the birth of Jesus was ordained.
Now we know the main characters in this real life drama, let's start asking some questions. The edict of Augustus - was it really the only sovereign command being fulfilled at that time in history? Long before Augustus existed, God decreed that His Son would be born in Bethlehem.
Mic. 5:2 ESV
But you, O Bethlehem, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
God is certainly in control, and knows the past from the future just as we know the present. G Campbell Morgan wrote of this verse “When I read that, uttered six hundred and fifty years before these events, I see that the really insignificant person in the drama is the little puppet in the city on the seven hills, called Caesar Augustus; and the significant personalities are the woman in whose womb tabernacles the Son of God, and the man who is guarding her.”
Luke 2:7 ESV
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.
I need to dispel some myths to this story, because the romanticized version of events, told through nativity scenes doesn't do justice to the plight of Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. The word inn today is nothing like the reality of inns in that part of the world at that time. Imagine a shelter house, something more like you would find at a park, with just enough room to hide under a roof and tie up your camel or donkey. No hostess to take you to your room, but some man to allow you access to one of the divided sections with no fanfare, food, or mints under a pillow. If you were lucky, you may have received some water for you and your mounts. Now, that you understand this was no Holliday Inn, take note that their wasn't any room left even in the shelter house and you had to hunker down next to a wall in the stable area. They may have been exposed to the elements and we are hoping they had some kind of roof but we can't be sure. It would have been cold, and they would have wanted the animals nearby for warmth and shelter. You should also realize the "manger" little Jesus was placed in, is just a fancy word for trough. That means the swaddling clothes would have smelled like whatever the animals ate that day. We can assume that there was hay for Mary to lie in as she gave birth, surrounded by descendants of Noah's Ark!
Luke 2:8–12 ESV
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
The first visitors of the baby Jesus were shepherds. This was appropriate for two reasons.
Number one, they were the type of guest that wouldn't mind the smell! These were his people. The shepherds were common folk, who had to depend upon God for their daily bread. Instead of being born into wealth and prestige, Jesus was born into the same circumstances of the people he came to save. Of course, some who are rich come to know Christ, but it is difficult to give up the comforts of this world. If you don't have much, you have less to hold on too.
Secondly, these first visitors would model His future ministry. Shepherds had a special tool that looked like a staff called a crook. Because of its length, you could strike and keep wolves away. The other function was for rescue, as their was a curved part at the far end. The crook gave the shepherd the ability to reach down and pick up a lost sheep, trapped in a hole, for example. Jesus will grow up to be like these men, a defender and rescuer, the very definition of savior.
Take heart with these words about the shepherd ministry of Jesus.
John 10:11 ESV
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
1 Pet. 5:4 ESV
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
John 10:14 ESV
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
1 Pet. 2:25 ESV
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Rev. 7:17 ESV
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
How do you define savior? Jesus was born in lowly circumstances, Augustus was born into wealth and prestige. Jesus would build His Kingdom by preaching. Augustus had to use armies.
People who belong to the Kingdom of God are happier, self sufficient, and can help others from their blessings. Augustus had to conquer, tax and hand out scraps to people dependent upon him.
Jesus is building mansions in Heaven, Augustus laid down some marble.
Jesus makes us priest and kings. Augustus makes himself the King.
Jesus sets the captives free. Augustus makes people his slaves.
Do you need a savior? Do you need the Shepherd to set you free?