Session 2: Life of Christ 1

Life of Christ: Birth Narrative – Part 1 As we endeavor to look upon the birth of our Lord and Messiah today let us be conscious and aware of the scandal that stands before us. This story is clouded by familiarity to many but for those who have eyes to see the birth of Jesus is among the deepest wells of life and revelation that we have in all of scripture. Paul called this event the great mystery of Godliness and Peter testified that this event is pondered and inquired of by angels in heaven even today. So let us approach this event with sober minds and hungry hearts asking God to reveal His heart and emotions to us in the midst of this glorious incomprehensible event. 1. Outline of Primary Texts a. Luke 1:5 – 2:52 i. Announcement of Johnʼs birth (1:5-25) ii. Announcement of Jesusʼ birth (1:26-38) iii. Mary visits Elizabeth (1:39-56) • Maryʼs Song (1:46-55) iv. Birth and circumcision of John (1:57-80) • Zachariasʼ Prophecy (1:67-79) v. Birth of Jesus (2:1-7) vi. Angelic visitation to shepherds (2:8-20) vii. Circumcision and presentation of Jesus in Temple (2:21-40) • Circumcision (2:21) • Jesus presented in Temple (2:22-24) • Simeon sees Jesus (2:25-35) • Anna sees Jesus (2:36-38) • Return to Nazareth (2:39-40) b. Matthew 1:1 – 2:23 i. Genealogy of Jesus (1:1-17) ii. Birth of Jesus (1:18-25) iii. Wise Men from the East (2:1-12) iv. Flight to Egypt (2:13-15) v. Massacre of infants (2:16-18) vi. Return to Nazareth (2:19-23)

Session 2: Life of Christ 2 2. Historical Context a. Luke begins his account of the life of Jesus by setting forth some very specific historical markers. This keeps in line with Lukeʼs purpose in writing his gospel; which was to give a clear account of Jesusʼ life and teaching to Theophilus. “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea…” – Luke 1:5 b. Although this may seem like a small detail it is crucial in placing the story that Luke was about to describe within a certain place and time period while also placing the follow scene within a known social and historical context. i. For example because of this note we know that Jesus was born before Herod died in 4 B.C. therefore helping us place the timing of Jesusʼ birth. c. Herod the Great i. Herod (known as Herod “The Great”) came into power in 37 B.C. and ruled until 4 B.C. • This Herod must not be confused with the Herod we read about in the Passion Narrative and crucifixion of Jesus. They are two different rulers as we will see later. ii. Herod by all account was a very evil and wicked man. Most would label him as a political tyrant and violent sociopath. iii. Herod began his rule by executing 45 of the most influential Jews in Jerusalem, in addition to beheading his political rival Antigonus.1 iv. He also appointed an obscure Babylonian Jew named Ananel as the High Priest. • The position of High Priest had become one of the most corrupt in Jerusalem. It was originally established to be a life long position of honor but had become tainted by the political power struggle of the day and a life long term was now a rarity. v. This act angered his mother-in-law, Alexandra (of the Maccabean family), who claimed the right of succession for her son. vi. Herod conceded and appointed Aristobulus III to the position at the young age of 17. Fearful of Herod, Alexandra tried to escape Jerusalem with her other sons but they were caught by Herod and not long later Aristobulus III was executed.2 • Alexandra was also later executed by Herod in the year 29 B.C. vii. In 31 B.C. a devastating earthquake struck Judea killing more than thirty thousand people and countless livestock.3 1

Stephen Venable: “Life of Christ Course Notes” 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great 3 Ibid

Session 2: Life of Christ 3 viii. In that same year Octavian, who later changed his name to Caesar Augustus, defeats Mark Antony in Rome so Herod declares his loyalty to the new Roman Emperor. • Caesar Augustus confirms Herodʼs power and position as king of Judea. ix. Herodʼs violent ways continued when, in 28 B.C., Herod ordered that his wife Miramme by killed after falsely accusing her of adultery. x. In the finals years of his life Herod would have most of his ten wives killed along with three of his sons. xi. All-in-all Herodʼs life was filled with turmoil, political unrest, and bloodshed. d. Herodʼs Building Projects i. Along with violent ways Herod is most known for the tremendous building projects he undertook throughout the region of Judea while he was king. ii. Most notably, and most applicable to this study, was his expansion of the Temple that began in 20-19 B.C. Once completed it was considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. 3. Announcement of John the Baptist “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.” – Luke 1:5-7 a. After he sets the historical context Luke moves his focus onto Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth. This may seem odd at first that he did not go directly to the story of Jesus but instead takes time to tell the story of John the Baptist. i. John is really the only other major character in the entire Gospel narrative other than Jesus Himself. ii. John is of such importance that every Gospel describes his ministry in detail. Mark gives us the best picture of the importance of John at the beginning of his Gospel. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets: ʻBehold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.ʼ – Mark 1:1-2 b. Priests carried special honor in the land of Israel both historically and in the time of Jesus. A couple in which both the husband and wife were of Aaronic (priestly) descent

Session 2: Life of Christ 4 would be worthy of double honor. Such was the case with both Zacharias and Elizabeth being of priestly lineage. c. Not only are Zacharias and Elizabeth from priestly lineage they are described as being “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” d. Despite being both honorable in their family lineage and in their conduct before God Zacharias and Elizabeth are barren and well advanced in age. i. The inability to have children in that culture was deemed a curse usually attributed to sin and/or the punishment of God. ii. This however stands in stark contrast to the description just given in the previous verse. Zacharias and Elizabeth were living a life of great tension as they stood righteous before God yet under a cultural stigma and curse. 4

“So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.” – Luke 1:8-10 e. It was in this life of tension that a great blessing fell upon Zacharias. While in Jerusalem with his division of priests the lot to burn incense in the Temple fell to Zacharias. i. Being of the division of Abijah we know from 1 Chronicles 24:10 & 19 and Nehemiah 12:4 that Abijah was the 8th division of the 24 priestly divisions. ii. Each division would go up to serve in the Temple twice a year in their order. • Priests lived all throughout Israel having normal occupations and then would go up to Jerusalem to serve in the Temple. iii. This means that that scene most likely took place in the month of October of 6 B.C. (we will discuss timing more in the birth of Jesus). f. Each morning a priest would stand atop the pinnacle of the Temple watching for the first sign of the raising sun on the horizon. At first sight he would blow his silver trumpet three times, signaling the beginning of a new day and awaking the city from its slumber. g. In the Temple Courtyard below the daily Temple duties were being assigned to various priests. At this time the ʻlotʼ was cast to see who would have the holiest privilege of them all, to offer incense, which symbolized the accepted prayers of Israel before God. i. It is hard to overstate in honor that this was to a priest. Maybe once in a priestʼs life would he get the privilege to offer the incense during the morning sacrifice. ii. It is easy to see Godʼs divine hand of sovereignty at work here. Surely this lot fell on Zacharias, not by chance, but by the ordering of God.

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Alfred Edersheim: “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah”

Session 2: Life of Christ 5 “Suddenly in the dim light from the altar and the seven-branched candlestick, as the smoke from the inflamed incense began to arise, an angel appeared to Zacharias. As Zacharias stood as a priest before God, gazing on the thick, heavy veil of the Holy of Holies that hung before him, a messenger from heaven stood between the altar and the candlestick. There was a certain dread associated with any entrance into the Holy Place, and thus it is difficult to exaggerate the fear that a visitation from an angel in such a place would have incited.”5 h. As he stands in the Holy Place trembling with fear the unthinkable happens, the angel begins to speak. “But the angels said to him, ʻDo not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth with bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.ʼ” – Luke 1:13 i.

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Zacharias is promised a son of promise that would be great in the sight of God. i. The whole scene is reminiscent of the angel of God that showed up to Abraham giving him a similar promise. This son was to be called ʻJohnʼ and would be great in the eyes of God and ʻturn the hearts of the fathers to the childrenʼ. This was a direct quote from the prophet Malachi 4:5-6. i. The context of this verse in Malachi is directly related to forerunner, Elijah, who would come before the face of God and prepare Israel for His coming. Zacharias being a priest would have surely understood the implications of what was just spoken to him. Even in the midst of the glory of Godʼs angel unbelief still arises in the heart of Zacharias. i. Oh the frailty of the heart of man! Because of his unbelief, Gabriel, by the authority of God, strikes Zacharias mute so that he will not speak out against the purpose of God. Outside the Temple a crowd has started to gather and Zachariasʼ fellow priests are starting to wonder what has happened to their friend. Then out of the sanctuary Zacharias appears, his face still glowing and hands still trembling, and for a brief moment the crowd breathes sighs of relief. Upon inquiring why he took so long Zacharias stands literally speechless not able to even explain to his brethren what had just transpired. We can only imagine the awe and wonder that this miraculous incident incited in the crowd as God had not showed up in power or word like this in almost 4 centuries. No one in all of Israel had seen or heard anything like this before.

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Stephen Venable: “Life of Christ Course Notes”

Session 2: Life of Christ 6 p. Upon returning home Zacharias and Elizabeth conceive a child just as the angel Gabriel had spoken. 4. Announcement of Jesusʼ Birth “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city in Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virginʼs name was Mary.” – Luke 1:26-27 a. The ʻsixth monthʼ referred to in the above-mentioned verse is in context to Elizabethʼs pregnancy. So six months after visiting Zacharias the angel Gabriel goes north to Galilee and visits Mary. b. Most scholars agree that Mary is not much older than 14-16 years old. It was a cultural norm for a girl to be betrothed (engaged) to be married that young. c. Luke here, and Matthew in 1:1-17, clearly tell us that Jesus was from the lineage and house of David. This was a very important distinction because only someone from the house of David was eligible to be the Messiah. So it was of grave importance to both Luke and Matthew to show that Jesus was a rightful heir to the throne of David. “And having come in, the angel said to her, ʻRejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!ʼ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ʻDo not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” – Luke 1:28-30 d. Upon coming into the house of Mary the angel Gabriel greets her with an astounding salutation. Mary has been found blessed and favored among all women before God Himself and He has chose her to bring forth His Son and the Messiah of the world. i. What does it say about our God that He chose this young maiden in the hidden region of Galilee to bring forth His Son? • What does this say about His humility? Meekness? And value system? • What assurance does this give us the God sees us in our hiddenness and secret? Although we may never be noticed by other people we can have confidence that, like Mary and Joseph, God sees us in secret and will reward us openly. ii. While the religious and political elite jockeyed for position and power in Jerusalem the angel Gabriel was in Galilee announcing the salvation of the world.

Session 2: Life of Christ 7 iii. Jesus is the only man who has ever chosen when He would be born, where He would be born, and to whom He would be born. We must ask what was it about Mary and her life that drew the Messiah to her? iv. We must also ask, ʻWhat does it mean to have Godʼs favor?ʼ in light of Mary. • As we will see, Mary was scorned and bore the stigma of adultery for years and decades. Even when Jesus was in His ministry some 30 years later the religious Jews brought up His controversial birth. • Blessing from Godʼs perspective is much different than blessing from our perspective. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give 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 1:31-33 e. Gabriel describes in detail who this Child will be and uses some very significant and pointed Messianic phrases that would have been recognizable to any Jew in that time.6 i. Jesus • This name was not randomly picked. The name Jesus is synonymous with the OT name Joshua meaning “Salvation of God”. • In the same way that Joshua the son of Nun led the children of Israel into the promise land so Jesus would lead humanity back into the promised land of relationship with God. • Also Joshua was a High Priest in the OT after Israel came back from Babylon. Zechariah prophesied that a greater Joshua would be coming and would bear the glory of God and that He would sit and rule as a kingpriest. (Zechariah 6:12-13) ii. Save His people from sin (Matthew 1:21) • Right from birth Jesus was marked as the sin remover. He would replace the sacrificial system that only covered the sin of Israel. a. John would later point to this reality in calling Jesus the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world, referring to the sacrificial lamb that was slaughtered every year on “Yom Kippur” (The Day of Atonement) that cleansed Israel from its sin. •

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Also we see that from the very beginning of the gospel story that Jesus alone is the means of salvation.

Stephen Venable: “Life of Christ Course Notes”

Session 2: Life of Christ 8 iii. He will be great…Son of the Highest • There is to be no question about His identity. He is the Son of God (Luke 1:35), the One that comes from above. This claim would become one of the main contentions the religious leadership would have with Jesus later in His life. • Here in this single claim is the greatest mystery known to the universe, that God became man. • Divinity is not something Jesus claimed in Himself, it was the very witness of heaven at His conception. iv. King on the Throne • This was maybe the greatest of all Jewish Messianic expectation. They looked for the restoration of Davidʼs throne and the Messiah that would bring about the global Kingdom of God. • What went through Maryʼs mind when Gabriel said this we can only imagine. This child was to be the long awaited King, the One spoken of by the prophets of old! “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.” – Isaiah 9:6-7 “The Lord has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: ʻI will set upon your throne the fruit of your body…ʼ For the Lord has chosen Zion; He was desired it for His dwelling place: ʻThis is My resting place forever…ʼ” – Psalms 132:11-14 f. Once Gabriel leaves Mary it seems that she immediately leaves to go to Judea to be with her relative Elizabeth. g. It seems likely that Mary would have left right after her encounter with Gabriel then after three months (Elizabeth was already six months along) returned to Galilee at which point she was beginning to show the first signs of her pregnancy. i. We know from Matthewʼs account (1:18-19) that an angel (probably Gabriel again) had to come to Joseph so that he would believe what had happened. ii. If this indeed was the scenario we can only imagine Josephʼs initial reaction and would also explain why and angel would have to appear to him in order for him to believe his betrothed wife. iii. We also see in this hour of crisis what kind of man Joseph was that he would be entrusted with the upbringing of Jesus the Christ.

Session 2: Life of Christ 9 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” – Matthew 1:19 h. Having a child out of wedlock in that society was one of the most shameful things that could happen to a woman. They were immediately scorned by society and according to the Law of Moses could be divorced or stoned. i. John 8 gives us a clear example of what happens when a woman is caught in adultery. ii. Again the heart of Joseph displayed gives a glimpse into the value system of God that He would choose these two young people to be the parents of the Christ. May we uphold the same character as them! 5. Circumcision of John the Baptist “So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, ʻNo; he shall be called John.” – Luke 1:59-60 a. As was custom with any male born in that day according to the law of Moses John was brought to the Temple to be circumcised and named. b. Tradition was that the first male child born would take the name of his father however this circumstance was different. The angel had already told Zacharias what to name his son. c. Elizabeth tells the priest and family members that the name of her son is to be ʻJohnʼ. This name is met with resistance and skepticism. They look over to the still mute Zacharias and for the first time in nine months his tongue is loosed and he speaks. d. Immediately Zacharias is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins to prophesy about John, Jesus, and the coming salvation of Israel. i. We donʼt have to time to break down his entire prophecy but I encourage you read it and meditate on it. It is rich in revelation concerning the goodness and faithfulness of God. “So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.” – Luke 1:80 e. Johnʼs childhood, much like Jesusʼ, falls into complete silence. All we know is that he spent his time (probably from the age of 12 onward) in the desert of Judea praying and fasting, being prepared for the day of his manifestation.

Session 2: Life of Christ 10 i. Later in his life Jesus would call John the greatest man ever born of a woman. And we see his life as one of secrecy and consecration before God. ii. Again while other priests spent their days in Jerusalem John, a priest just like his father, spent his days praying and fasting before God. Again this should tell us what God values. iii. In the same way that God raised up John before His first coming we are told that He will do the same thing before His second coming.