Galatians 4:4-5

The Birth of Jesus

Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th – Maybe they are correct about the date Convincing non-Catholic arguments for Dec. birth: Jewish argument based on divisions of priests; Luke 1:5-13, – we can know when the division of Abijah served, add 9 months to birth of John, then 6 months to birth of Jesus; could have been late Dec. Hippolytus (2 nd century), Chrysostom (3 rd century) Alfred Edersheim (1800s); famous Messianic Jew

The Birth of Jesus Alfred Edersheim on Christmas: There is no adequate reason for questioning the historical accuracy of this date. The objections generally made rest on grounds which seem to me historically untenable.

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th – Maybe they are correct about the date Convincing arguments against Dec. birth: divisions of priests argument could prove Jesus born June or July – priests served twice, 6 months apart Luke 1:23-25 doesnt state how long after Zachariahs service that Elizabeth conceived – maybe month, more – Maybe they are not correct about the date Luke 2:8-11 – Shepherds in field indicates summertime Saturnalia; Catholic practice of absorbing paganism

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th – Maybe they are correct about the date – Maybe they are not correct about the date – It doesnt really matter: 1 Cor. 15:1-4 – death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the gospels focus 1 Cor. 2:1-2 – crucifixion is defining moment of history – A great teaching opportunity People thinking, talking about Jesus in a general way Jesus image, idea everywhere; easy ice-breakers

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th What the world needs to know about His birth: – His birth was Gods response to mans sin Gen. 3:9-16: Seed to bruise head of serpents seed 1 Tim. 2:14-15: transgression, saved in childbearing Mat. 1:18-23: He will save His people from their sins serpent enticed Eve to temptation, transgression Jesus means God is salvation John 1:1-4, 14; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 4:15, 2:16 – He was born like us in order to help us utterly!

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th What the world needs to know about His birth: – His birth was Gods response to mans sin – His birth was according to prophecy Rom. 4:17; Divine power = prophesy, give life Gen. 3:15, 12:3; Deut. 18:15, 18-19: 1450 BC 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Psalm 110; Psalm 22; etc.: 1000 BC Isa. 7:14, 9:6-7, 11:1-5, etc.: 750 BC Luke 4:16-21, 24:46-48; Acts 3:18-26 Mark 1:1-15; Galatians 4:4-5

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th What the world needs to know about His birth: – His birth was Gods response to mans sin – His birth was according to prophecy – His birth was necessary so He could live a perfect life Mat. 5:17-18: He fulfilled the old covenant contract cp. Lev. 18:5; Ezek. 20:11, 13; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 4:15 Heb. 10:1-9 – fulfilled, did away with Moses Law!! done by OBEDIENCE – the purpose of having a body! To do Your will, O God

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th What the world needs to know about His birth: – His birth was Gods response to mans sin – His birth was according to prophecy – His birth was necessary so He could live a perfect life – His birth was necessary so He could die as a sacrifice John 1:29, – John clearly called Him a sacrifice Mat. 26:26-28 – Jesus spoke of His death as a sacrifice Heb. 9:22-28, 10:11-18; need & effect of His sacrifice 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Rom. 6:1-11; our part in His sacrifice

The Birth of Jesus Most of world celebrating His birth Thursday, 25 th What the world needs to know about His birth: – His birth was Gods response to mans sin – His birth was according to prophecy – His birth was necessary so He could live a perfect life – His birth was necessary so He could die as a sacrifice Though His birth important for the reasons we stated, never any command given for remembering His birth As Christians, we are to proclaim the Lords DEATH till He comes – 1 Cor. 11:26 [Lords Supper]

The Birth of Jesus Do YOU know who Jesus is…and what that means? Are YOU willing to enter into His DEATH today?