Sunday, December 15, 2024

Jesus From Mary's Point Of View

 A MARY CHRISTMAS

JESUS FROM MARY’S POINT OF VIEW



THE PROPHECY

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.


Ties in with Gen 3


HER GENEALOGY 

From the line of David

Joseph father was Heli .  Mary’s Father was Jacob. Mary was his only child 

Heli and Jacob were brothers.  Joseph and Mary were first cousins


There is a legal reason Joseph was betrothed to Mary found in Numbers 36:8. Joseph was the male heir to Jacob who had no son.


Numbers 36:8

8 Every daughter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry someone in her father's tribal clan, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. 



THE COMMISSION FROM GABRIEL

Luke 1:26-33

 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 


29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 

(The sixth month refers to Elizabeth's pregnancy)


HER ACCEPTANCE

Luke 1:34

 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. 


This brings the question, Mary’s love for the Lord. According to scripture

It was the parents' responsibility to train the children in the Law.


Genesis 18:19

 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." 

(also Prob 22:6)


HER INDEPENDENCE,  VISIT TO ELISABETH 

Mary confirmed Grabiel’s words by immediately going to

Visit her cousin Elizabeth who was beyond child barren age and

Six months pregnant (John the Baptist). 


Luke 1:39-41

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.


HER FAITHFULNESS

Accepted Gabriel's word as God’s truth for her.

Accepted the risk of the virgin birth being seen as adultery

Accepted the possibility of being stone to death

Accepted the possibility of being rejected by Joseph

Accepted the possibility of being rejected by society



KNOWN EVIDENCE OF JESUS BIRTH


  1. Shepherds were notified of His birth by a host of Angels

  2. Shepherds Withness the baby Jesus in the manger with Mary and Joseph As directed by the angel.

  3. Shepherds spread the word to the Bethlehem community of their witness of Jesus's birth and their visit by the Angels

  4. The testimony of Simeon and Anna the prophetess in the Temple

In Jerusalem at Jesus's dedication. Their faith in the promised Messiah and seeing and holding baby Jesus was their proof.

  1. The testimony of Elizabeth and Mary at the Home of Zachariah 

  2. The Testimony of Joseph's decision to Marry Mary after the visit

Of Gabriel the Angel 

  1. The Testimony of the Scripture


HER SECRETS

What did Mary keep to herself and why?

Luke 2:19-20

 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 


The Message from Angel by the shepherds was treasured

But what other things?


Let me suggest the following

She never told her other son and daughter about the virgin birth of Jesus

None were believers before Jesus's death on the cross


She never told her sons and daughters that Jesus was God’s Son

She never told her family about the visit from Gabriel

  

John 7:3-5

 Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.


HER SORROWS


Her Son’s rejection by the community

Her family unbelief in Jesus

His crucifixion 

Her doubts about His ability to raise himself from the dead



HER BLESSESNESS 


The Mother of The Savior

The Mother of The King Of Kings

God’s favor on her life


LESSONS WE LEARN FROM MARY


  1. KNOW THE WORD OF GOD FOR YOURSELF

Mary knew the Word of God. She learn from her parents

And teachers in the Synagogues

No one can believe for you


  1. Be obedient to the Word of God

What went through Mary’s mind when The Angel Gabriel

Showed up out of nowhere? How do a young girl have a 

Conversation with a stranger? The words of the angel lined

Up with what knew about the promised Messiah.


When told by Gabriel that she would conceived and bare

The Messiah, she accepted the call, but wanted to know

How it could happen since she was a virgin. It had never

Happen before, but maybe she remembered Isaiah 7:14


  1. Believe The Word Of God Applies To Your Life

We don’t have angel speaking to us. When we read

God’s Word, He is speaking to us. We must believe the

Bible was put in print for our directions


Luke 1:28

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you

NIV


Luke 1:35

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon 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.


Each believer is favored by the Lord. Every believer is called to 

Serve the Lord. Each believer is in the presence of the Lord


  1. Accept God’s call to serve, and act upon it


Luke 1:35

38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. 


We have  been blessed by God. The correct response is to allow

God to use you as His vessel of service.


  1. Submit yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We can’t do God’s assignment alone. We can’t protect

Ourselves from the known and unknown dangers


Luke 1:35

 and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.


Mary faced being stone to death for adultey

She face the lost of Joseph

She faced the lost of respect of family

Yet Mary accepted the call to serve


  1. Trust God with Your life

Luke 1:36-37

36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 


What God does for others He will do for you. No matthew how

Difficult you situation is, God has a way through, in and out.



  1. Seek comfort and advice from experience, season believers


You can’t share your situation with everyone. Most people

Will give worldly advice, selfish advice, and sometimes destructive advice  Allow God to lead you to a place of comfort.


Luke 1:39-43

 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 


Mary left the community and visited for 3 month someone  who

Knew and accepted her situation. 


  1. Share your testimony with people you can trust

In the midst of your troubles be selective who you

Confide in. God will lead you to the right person


Mary left her community and travel 80-90 miles to      

The Home of Her Cousin in a village outside of Jerusalem

Mary travel up hill in rough rocky terrain, Nazareth is 950 feet

Above sea level. Jerusalem is 2500 feet above sea level.

It was a difficult trip, dangerous, trip that test her faith.


The story of Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth teaches us several valuable lessons relevant today.

  1. The importance of supportive relationships.

  2. The power of faith in challenging times.

  3. Strength in community and shared experiences.

      a. Both women experienced child birth for the first time

      b. Both women experienced miracle births

     c. Both women shared in God’s plan of redemption

     d. Both women needed each other

  1. The significance of gratitude and joy.

  2. The impact of perseverance in pursuing one’s purpose.

  3. Mary’s travel to Elizabeth’s home was a dangerous trip. It took courage to pack her bags and go.


GLORIFY GOD IN THE MIDST OF TROUBLES


Luke 1:46-49

My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — 

holy is his name. 


The praise of God brings Him into you presence.   Psalms 22:3


  1. Some things are best kept to yourself


There  are things that the Lord reveals to you that you may not

Be able to share with others. People don’t always share your joy

And are quick to judge.


Luke 2:17-19

 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.


ABOVE ALL, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, SHARE THE GOSPEL

Have a Mary  Christmas





 











Monday, December 9, 2024

The Story Of Jesus, A Stroll Through Biblical Time

 THE STORY OF JESUS. A STROLL THROUGH TIME


We are in the Christmas Season. Christmas decorations are up in every neighborhood. How did we get here?  Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning is not the beginning of the story. It is in the middle of the divine plan of God. The Story began before the foundation of the earth. Throughout generations, God’s plan of redemption was and is His focus.


The focus of this lesson is to show that God has a plan for your life

That began 6000 plus years ago (according to C. I. Scofield Study Bible).

Genesis chapter 1 is listed as taken place 4000 BC). God’s plan of

Redemption for man began before the foundation of the earth (Ephesians 1:4). What the actual time frame in eternity past no one knows. The point

Is God is in no rush to fulfill His plan. It is important for us to keep in

That God's love for us is complete and is always working. 



  1.  SALVATION, THE MISSION OF JESUS  (4000 BC)

It all started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. They were locked out of the garden and lost the right to the Tree of Life.  


God declared war on  Satan, and victory was foretold.  Satan would bruise The seed of a woman on the heel.  Jesus, the seed would bruise Satan on the head. Genesis 3:14-15. This is called the Adamic covenant


See the Love of God. As a result of their disobedience, they were

kicked out of their home, the Garden of Eden. They Had to start a new life. God cursed the ground. Brought hardship into their lives. But Adam’Eve were never cursed. They were blessed to have children


Why did God lock them out of the Garden? To keep them from

Touching the Tree of Life. Had they done so, they would have been

Doomed to hell  Genesis 3:26. The fellowship between God and the

First family changed, but not the relationship. They were still His own. 

Fellowship had to be reestablished through sacrifice.


Jesus was in the midst. It was He who walked through the garden in the cool of the day, It was He who saved them from themselves.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God.


God didn’t take away their thoughts or their creativity. He increased them. Sent them on a new Journey outside the Garden, He blessed Adam and Eve with family. 


Even at your worst, God has blessings.


Isaiah 61:8

8 "For I, the Lord, love justice;

I hate robbery and iniquity.

In my faithfulness, I will reward them

and make an everlasting covenant with them. 



BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

3000 plus BC

The first blood sacrifice was made by God as a covering for Adam and Eve’s nakedness, We don't know what animal God killed. Let me suggest it was a lamb symbolizing  Jesus as the lamb of God.


This is a prelude to what Jesus does for us with His blood, Our sin

Are covered with His precious blood. There is a transforming power

In the blood of Jesus.


The conflict between Cain and Able had to do with an unacceptable sacrifice.


Genesis 4:4-5

The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 


Genesis 4:8

 And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 

God didn’t kill Cain.  He had planned hardships in his life, but He was blessed with family.


The God we serve is a compassionate loving God. Even when we are wrong, He has a way of blessing us.



ESTABLISH GOVERNMENT   (2350 BC)

Man became so sinful that God flooded the earth killing all mankind

But Noah and His family, were saved in the Ark. 

God established government and made a covenant with Noah that

He would not destroy mankind again with water. This was called

The Noahic Covenant Gen 9:12-16.  This set the stage for a world

Of nonbelievers to enter a burning hell. 


Genesis 9:11

 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." 


Genesis 9:13-14

 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 



ESTABLISH FAITH AND OBEDIENCE 

(1800 BC)

God called Abram out of Ur and set Him as the father of faith,

The father of many nations.  God established a people for Himself

This is called the Abrahamic Covenant Gen 12:2-3


The life of Christ is seen in the pattern set by Abraham who was

Commanded by God to sacrifice His only son/


Genesis 22:2


2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." 


Genesis 22:9-12


9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"


"Here I am," he replied. 


12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 


Abraham became the father of faith because He did not withhold his only son from God.  This is the example that God the Father us in sending Jesus to the cross for our sins.


 God gave us family, The question is, will you put family before God?




ESTABLISHED A NATION OF BELIEVERS

1600 BC

God grew His starting nation over 430 years in Egypt.

They became slaves. God used Moses to free them and gave them’His Law  This is known as the Mosaic Covenant Exodus 20-23


Exodus 20:2-3

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 


3 "You shall have no other gods before me. 

NIV


Exodus 20:24-25

"'Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you.”


Notice, that whenever we bring a sacrifice to the Lord according to His commands, He shows up to bless us. It  does not have to be in

The Church, it could be in a hospital, on the street, or at your home. The place of worship is not important, it is the heart

Of worship.  God is present where there is worship.



John 4:23

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, 



ESTABLISHED KINGDOM RULE   (1040BC)

God called David to be King of Israel establishing kingdom rule. 

Made a covenant that there would always be King on the throne in’

The line of David. This set the stage for Jesus as King Of Kings 


2 Samuel 7:11-12

"'The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: 12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom

NIV


2 Samuel 7:16

 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'" 


John 18:37

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."


Revelation 17:14

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings — and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers."


In this world, you will have problems, but Jesus, your King has already

Declared victory


OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF THE MESSIAH   (740 BC)

Every aspect of Jesus's life is found in the prophecies of the Old

Testament,  


His Birth  Isa 7:14

Isaiah 7:14

 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

NIV


His Character  Isa 7:15


15 He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. 


His Growth In The Spirit

Isaiah 53:2-6

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 


His Sorrow

3 He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 


4 Surely he took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God,

smitten by him, and afflicted. 

His Crucifixion 

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed. 



ESTABLISHED FAITH THROUGH GRACE

God made a covenant between Himself and mankind

Relationship of believers with Jesus forever,   This is the New Covenant in the blood of Jesus.   


1 Corinthians 11:25

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."


Salvation By Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do

NIV



His Resurrection, Glorification, Seat At The Right Hand Of The Father


Hebrews 9:15

15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance 


JESUS TOLD HIS STORY

Died before men as criminal

Blood shed for the sins of the world

Perfect before the Father

Perfect before men

Volunteered for the position on the cross for all to see


Matthew 20:18-19

 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" 

NIV


Matthew 16:27

27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done



God didn’t wake up one morning and decide to present Jesus

To the world as a baby . It was part of His plan from eternity pass.

As bad as we have been, God wants a relationship with us.


Our Purpose

We were put on earth to worship, honor, and glorify the Lord’.

It is our business to tell the story of Jesus so others can come to

The light of Jesus