Gtcotr/ss122125
Jesus is a good person. You can see it in the things He did and the things He said.
John 1:17 The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
We know the love and the grace of God because of Jesus. Like I said: “Jesus is a good person.”
The Bible tells us He loved us before we loved Him. And that He laid down His life for us while we were yet sinful and ungodly. Becoming more like Jesus means becoming a better person. Christians, especially Christians, should be good people.
Being a good person is often a choice. Being good is intentional.
- · Christians are better people when they are patient.
- o better neighbors, better parents, co-workers, and better spouses etc.
- · We are better people when we are kind.
- · We are better people when we are trustworthy.
- · We are better people when we are humble.
- · We are better people when we are thankful.
These things are intentional. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 – goodness = virtuous beneficence and uprightness of heart & life)
We may not get to choose what we go through but we do get to choose how we go through it.
We’re hearing a lot this morning about goodness, but goodness is not the topic for today. The message for today is about Choices … specifically one choice Jesus made for Himself.
Our text for today comes from what we call the Christmas Story. Let’s turn and read from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.
Luke 2 NKJV
1 ¶ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Those of us who know Jesus would all agree that He and His Father are intentional. When God does something, it’s on purpose. When we read the Bible, we learn what is right from the choices Jesus made.
There is a common saying often used when people are facing choices: “What would Jesus do?”
The Christmas story teaches several powerful principles. The truth we will focus on today deals with God’s decision to create mankind as a dependent creature. What do I mean when I say mankind is a dependent creature?
Luke 2:7 And Mary brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger …
Who wrapped baby Jesus and laid Him in a manger? Presumably, it was Mary; if not, it would have been Joseph.
What does this teach us and why is it important? Because it shows us how dependent Jesus was, and everyone else is, on others.
Jesus had a choice and He made the decision. Even though He was the Son of God and Creator of the Universe, Jesus trusted His life to a construction worker and a young girl, neither of whom had ever had a baby before. God chose unproven Joseph to be the stepfather of His only begotten Son Jesus, to protect Him, to provide for Him, to lead Him and guide Him through His early years.
Jesus humbled Himself and submitted Himself to Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51) – and subjected Himself to them. He needed them; He appreciated them; He obeyed them; and He loved them.
This is not to say that Jesus could not have miraculously made it on His own … however … the Christmas story points to the fact that neither God nor Jesus ever intended to live life outside of dependency on others.
If Jesus trusted other people, who are we to imagine we can be all God intended by acting, living, and making decisions all on our own, and without the influence and support of others God has placed in our lives.
Philippians 2:8 tells us that Jesus humbled Himself and lived His life by the rules.
The Christmas story and the Christmas season both teach the unwavering design of creation. God intends we all enter this life vulnerable, trusting, and depending on the kindness and the care of others. We need others and Jesus needs us. He goes a long way to build community.
Are you allowing yourself to be vulnerable? I know it can be disappointing at times and sometimes it can even be devastating. However, both the Christmas Story and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) teach us that God depends on others. It’s time the walls come down.
If you have trust issues, pray and ask God to help you make the right choices this Christmas. And …
If you are the person others depend on … ask God to help you be trustworthy.
Life is meant to be lived depending on others. We are better people when we are dependable.
