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Luke 2

Tim Potter
December 24, 2017

The Angels’ Announcement.

Using proper names is very important at announcements of significant life events. When the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-14, the titles they used had intentional significance.

Savior: Man’s Greatest Need

Our greatest need is to be saved from our sin. Christ’s primary objective was to address this need. Many verses in the Bible reflect this truth: Psalm 130:3, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:2-8, 53:6, John 1:29, Acts 4:12, 1 John 4:14, and Philippians 3:20.

Christ: Man’s Greatest Desire

Humanity desires a perfect ruler to establish flawless righteousness. God’s plan was always to be King of the world He created. The Old Testament nation of Israel was a theocracy (ruled by God) until they demanded a human ruler, King Saul. The monarchy was largely self-serving until the exile and captivity of Judah and Israel.

Explore these Bible verses about the promised rule of God: Genesis 17:6, 49:10, 2 Samuel 7:16, 1 Chronicles 17:14, Jeremiah 23:4-6, Ezekiel 7:24, Amos 9:11-15, Zechariah 14:4, 14:9, and Luke 1:30-33. Jesus’ earthly kingdom still has not yet been established. Before the kingdom, there had to be a cross.

Lord: Man’s Greatest Comfort

We are all flawed in our ability to keep our promises fully. God is not like that! Each and every one of His “I will"s are tied to His identity as the “I AM.” He is the self-existent, covenant-keeping God (Exodus 3:14). This name in Hebrew (Yahweh) is translated into Greek as “kurios” which means “Lord.” Jesus was called by this title over 500 times in the New Testament. He called Himself the “I Am” 7 times in the book of John. Isaiah 53’s promise of the spotless Lamb to both Jew and Gentile was fulfilled in Jesus.

Tools for Further Study

A Hymn to Encourage: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!

O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!