Passion Week – Let’s Start at the Beginning

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NIV84). “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,” (I John 4:2 NIV84).

The Apostle John makes it very clear that the most important thing we can know about Jesus Christ is that He is both God and man.  Our Savior took on human likeness so that He could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Philippians 2:6-8).

Jesus’ humility began in a manger in the small village of Bethlehem.  The town was crowded because so many had returned to the home of their ancestors to comply with the government’s census.  As a result, our Savior was most likely born in a part of someone’s home that usually housed their animals.  On top of that, He was greeted first by a bunch of smelly shepherds. That was not exactly a proper welcome for a King!

The sad thing is that only a few knew the Truth.  Mary and Joseph knew, better than anyone, that Jesus’ birth was a miracle.  The shepherds knew because the angels told them.  The people of Bethlehem knew because the shepherds told them.  The Wise Men knew because God sent a star to guide them to Him.

Yet, the Religious Leaders didn’t know or at least, didn’t care.  When Herod asked where the Messiah was to be born, they immediately recognized the prophecy about the birth (Micah 5:2). Still, there is no indication that they were even slightly interested in why Herod had asked that question.  Their lack of curiosity shows that the coming of the Messiah was not important to them.  That position apparently never changed, as all their discussions concerning Jesus’ miracles and teachings are focused on the potential unrest He might cause.  They never once considered that He might be the Messiah!

Read: Luke 2:1 – 20, Matthew 2:1 – 12, & Philippians 2:5 -11

Food for Thought:

• Why is it important to understand that Jesus was both God and man?
• The Scripture says that the people were “amazed” by the shepherds’ announcement. Do you think they were convinced, or were they like the undecided people during Passover week?  Would you have been convinced?

• Do you think the Religious Leaders believed that God would send a Messiah?  Do you think the Messiah will come again?  Why or why not? 

For a look back at Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a fictional shepherd, read Chapter 3 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.