Luke 2:1-7 WHY WAS THE LORD OF GLORY LAID IN A MANGER?

Intro: The birth of Jesus is a time surrounded by many miracles. There are angelic appearances, a virgin conception, split-second timing as to the precise moment of His birth. I mean, the hand of God is highly visible in the birth of the Lord Jesus into this world. However, every time I look afresh at the birth of the Lord Jesus, I never cease to be amazed by the simple statement made in verse 7, "And 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." To me, the thought that the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords would come to this world and be placed in a manger is almost beyond my level of comprehension. Think about it, a manger is a feeding trough for farm animals. It wasn't a bad place for feeding sheep or cattle, but to my mind it was certainly no place for a baby to be placed, much less the Son of God. However, as I think about this great truth, I realize that there were some pretty important reasons why Jesus was placed in a manger at His birth. Tonight, I would like to take a few minutes and address the question, "Why Was The Lord Of Glory Placed In a Manger?"

I. V. 7 BECAUSE OF ALIENATION

(Ill. Verse 7 plainly says that Jesus was placed in this makeshift cradle because there was no room available for Him and His family in the inn there in Bethlehem. Isn't it sad that when God came to the earth to redeem sinners, men responded by putting up a no vacancy sign? Well, things haven't changed much in the intervening 2,000 years! There is still no room for Jesus in society, schools, many homes, most lives and, sadly, in some churches. The question you and I need to answer for ourselves is this: Have we made room for Jesus in our hearts? He was unwanted then, and for the most prat, He still is!

II. BECAUSE OF ASSOCIATION

(Ill. When Jesus allowed Himself to be laid in that manger, He was identifying Himself with those He came to save. There are three great areas of men's lives that Jesus came to identify with:

A. Mankind's Poverty - He knows about our needs - (2 Cor. 8:9, "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." (Ill. He knows our poverty, Matt. 8:20, and has promised to meet our need - Phil. 4:19; Psa. 37:25.)

B. Mankind's Problems - He knows about our struggles - Isa. 53:3; Heb. 4:15-16. He knows about the trials we face and He has identified Himself with them. Therefore, He is able to help us through our troubles and meet the needs of our lives.

C. Mankind's Priorities - He detested worldly pomp and riches - When Jesus came to this world, He knew that mankind was basically greedy and in love with wealth and the pursuit of it. He came to teach us that there is a higher priority in life. And, that priority is the glory of the Father! Luke said this about Jesus - Luke 16:15, "for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." He was born in that humble manger to remind men that the greatest aspiration of the human soul is to seek the glory of Almighty God ahead of everything else, Matt. 6:33.

III. BECAUSE OF ACCESSIBILITY

(Ill. Imagine for a moment that Jesus had been born in Herod's palace amid all the riches and finery of that place. Imagine that His bed had been a golden crib, imagine Him having enjoyed a life of abundance and plenty. Imagine Him being separated from the common man by the walls and guards of a king's palace. If that were the case, would you feel the liberty to come to Him? Probably not! However, He was born in a manger and thereby He made Himself accessible to all who would come to Him. Luke 2 records the visit of the shepherds. These common, dirty, vile men felt the liberty to approach Him in this place. Later, even the wise men, these learned, wealthy men felt equally at home bowing before Him. I am certain that one of the reasons Jesus shunned the palace in favor of the stable is so that He would be available to all who desired to come to Him. Thank God, whosoever will can find all they will ever need in Jesus. From the lowliest man to the most influential ruler, all men have a right to come to Jesus, Rev. 22:17; John 3:16; John 6:37.)

IV. BECAUSE IT WAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT

(Ill. When Mary took her newborn baby and placed Him in that feeding trough, she was a painting an image far more vivid than she realized. For there in Bethlehem, "The House Of Bread", the Bread Of Life was born. Isn't it appropriate that the One who would feed the souls of countless multitudes should have as His bed the very place where the animals came to be fed. It just serves to remind us that when hungry men come to Jesus and receive Him, He satisfies the longing of their souls, Psa. 107:9, and gives them the Bread Of Life - John 6:32-35. It was almost as if God were saying, "Dinner is served! Come and dine."

Conc: I think the birth of Jesus is a pretty significant event. I am glad it happened as it did because in it I find there is room for me and for you to come to Him and saved by His grace. Do you know Him this evening?

Sermon By Alan Carr