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Sunday School Lesson
The divine plan of salvation - deliverance of mankind from the chains of sin - unfolded at the divinely-prescribed time. The events of human history that became the setting for the introduction of the son of God into the world were under divine direction. The political, religious and social systems that were in place had to bow before the authority of the creator of the universe - even though they did not recognize the eternal influence. When Caesar Augustus called for a census for the purpose of taxation (Luke 2:1), it must have seemed to his advisors as a wise political move. The timing of the decree might not have seemed significant to the politicians of that day. However, the divine plan was unfolding at the exact rate. "When the fulness of time was come" (Galatians 4:4a), the world-changing events began to occur that would usher into this system the one who had created the universe (John 1:3). Heavenly messengers were given assignments that brought them to the earth to allow these God-appointed individuals to become aware of their roles in the divine drama. The angel, Gabriel had two assignments. Luke 1:11-20, 26-38. Un-named heavenly messengers were also sent to the earth. Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 2:9. Those who received these messages were obedient to the divine call on their lives. Since Joseph and Mary lived in the city of Nazareth (Luke 1:26), it was necessary for them to be in the city of Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Thus, the political system forced them to make the journey to that particular place at the appropriate time. Luke 2:3- 5. Much has been said and written concerning the inconvenience that this trip caused the young couple. However, the divine record makes no mention of a negative attitude that these individuals might have shown. Both Mary and Joseph were committed to performing the tasks that had been assigned to them. The fact that Joseph "was of the lineage of David" shows the kingly side of the family. See Luke 3:31d,33d. However, the obedience of this man (Matthew 1:24) became the most important characteristic in his life. When the couple reached the city of Bethlehem, there were no plush accommodations waiting for them. The only available place of rest and refuge was in the area for the keeping of the animals. We are told that "she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7. Over time, much criticism has been directed toward the inn-keeper, because of the poor accommodations. However, the language used by Luke indicates that this provision was the best to be had at the time. For the birth-expectant weary travelers, this place was seen as adequate, and most probably was greatly appreciated. The scene shifts from the birthplace to an area outside the little town. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8. This night became anything but routine. "And, lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them…" Luke 2:9a,b. The response of these men was quite natural - "And they were sore afraid." Luke 2:9c. It is important for us to remember the occupation of these men, and their position in society. Shepherds were the bottom of the social scale. The heavenly messenger addressed this human response. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." Luke 2:10. The message was stated in a direct way. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the lord." Luke 2:11. It seems as if the messenger expected these shepherds to search for this savior. A description was given that would allow them to identify this newborn. There might have been other babies born in Bethlehem that same night. In order for them to find the right one these men needed to know some feature that would separate him for all the others. "And…ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:12. Thus, these men would go in search for this one in an unusual place. After these men were given their directive, "suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13,14. This message was a breath of fresh air in the stale, ritualistic ceremonialism that had become the means of worship for the Jewish nation. These men were not part of the in crowd of the religious establishment. Thus, they had not been contaminated by the religious correctness that had been developed by their present religious system. The response of these social dregs was not in keeping with the thoughts of the other parts of society. They did not question the message, nor did they need to analyze the meaning of the message. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." Luke 2:15. We are told that "they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:16. Thus, they were not disappointed, nor had they gone on a wild goose chase. The divine directions had been accurate, even though they might not have made sense when they were first given. After this visit to the manger, these lowly shepherds became the first evangelists - "when they had seen it, they made known abroad the sayings which was told them concerning this child." Luke 2:17. The people who heard the message of these men "wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." Luke 2:18. All of these events must have been overwhelming to the young mother. Yes, she knew the things that had been told her nine months before, but she seemed to have kept her own counsel - "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19. The shepherds continued to spread the good news. Luke 2:20.
We, too, have the good news to share. Are we faithful in spreading the good news? Acts 1:8. Others need to know that the Savior is born.
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