The coming of the Messiah was foretold with key insights that were overlooked by those at the 1st Christmas, and are also easily missed in our modern culture today.
Observations:
- The Chosen One is not determined by might
- The Chosen One is a ruler of old
- The Chosen One is a Shepherd
Conclusions:
- Jesus’ entrance into our world is humble
- Jesus’ birth is recognized as the birth of a King
- Jesus’ is the great Shepherd of the sheep
Application:
- Pursue humility
- Welcome Jesus as King
- If Jesus is the Shepherd, what does that make you?
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
1 Peter 5:1-4
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
Hebrews 13:20-21
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”