BORN UNDER LAW

I trust your Christmas holiday has been filled with blessing and the run to New Year's Day will be a time of great expectation.  The message this past Sunday was a Christmas message taken from a section of Luke two.  What a blessing it is to see the reality of the focus of the incarnation events from a literal perspective.  The title of the message is Born Under Law.

 

Jesus was born to a Jewish woman as a Jewish king of the line of David over a Jewish kingdom predicted in Jewish Scriptures.  He had nothing to do with Christians for 33 years.  Most of His 3 ½ year earthly ministry was directed toward Israel and offering the kingdom to Israel.  Christmas affected Christians because of Christ's cross work as the God-man.  He was rejected by Israel, crucified and raised from dead ones.  Luke 2:21-35 very clearly presents information demonstrating that Jesus Christ was born under the Mosaic Law and that the Law was applied to His birth. 

 

Luke 2:21-24 give clear proofs that Jesus was born under the Law and that Mary and Joseph applied the Law to His birth.  The first item mentioned is that He was circumcised following the requirements of the Law.  He was circumcised on the eighth day.  The third Abrahamic covenant was the covenant of circumcision (Gen. 17:12).  The Mosaic Law reaffirmed the early covenant with Father Abraham and with his seed.  Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.  And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised (Lev. 12:2,3).  They carefully followed the requirements of the Law for circumcision and named Him Jesus.  And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb (Lu. 2:21).  His name was given because of angelic instructions given to both Mary and Joseph.  Mary was given naming instructions.  And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS (Lu 1:31).  Matthew records the account of the revelation of the name to Joseph.  The angel explains why the name is to be given.  Jesus was to save His people [Israel] from their sins.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).  Luke 2:22 describes the fact that Mary went through the purification procedure required by the Mosaic Law.  And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.  These guidelines are given in Lev. 12:4.  And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.  This met the requirements for the birth of a male child.  The birth of a female child required 66 days for purification (twice that of the male requirement).  During the time before purification a woman was not to touch any holy thing nor was she to come into the sanctuary, the temple.  The fourth realm for fulfilling the Mosaic Law comes from the Passover event in Egypt.  The notes include many other passages referring to this requirement.  The firstborn belonged to the Lord and required specific sacrifices.  And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)(Lu. 2:22, 23).  The Law was very clear.  Mary followed it carefully because she was living under the Law.  Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine (Ex. 13:2).  That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S.    And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.  And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:  And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem (Ex. 13:12-15).

He was called "holy unto the Lord" as the firstborn in Lu. 2:23.  (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.)  Mary also followed the guidelines for bringing offerings at the end of her purification.  And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: 7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. 8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean (Lev. 12:6-8). This is clearly noted in Luke 2:24.  And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.  Note that she brought a sacrifice that was an option for the poor. 

 

Luke 2:25-28 describes the divinely prepared meeting with Simeon.  He was . . . a man in Jerusalem . . . the man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon [Old Testament concept] him (Lu. 2:25).  The Holy Spirit had revealed that he would not die until he had seen the Christ from the Lord (vs. 26).  The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said (Lu. 2:27-28).

 

The pronouncement of Simeon is recorded in Lu. 2:29-32.  Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.  Simeon's reference to salvation is Old Testament physical salvation in time in which God would provide physical health, peace, prosperity, protection, happiness and posterity.  This salvation was on earth as was promised in Abrahamic Covenant #1 (Gen. 15) and reiterated in later covenants.  Mary and Joseph were filled with awe or wonder.  And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him (Lu. 2:33).  Simeon then blessed them giving additional revelation. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed (Lu. 2:34, 35). 

 

The prospects for the Church from the incarnation events only are evident at the end of Christ's earthly ministry.  He anticipated a new dispensation after His cross work.  The transaction accomplished there began the dispensation that was implemented at Pentecost with the sending of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual salvation is provided.  Israel never experienced spiritual salvation during Christ's lifetime.  Only when the cross work was applied to those who believe the Gospel would this take place.  In this way, the Church participates in the benefits of the incarnation.

 

Waiting for the Body to become the Bride,

 

DKS

 

 

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BORN UNDER LAW

 

Luke 2:21-35

 

Proposition:  To demonstrate the fact that Jesus was born under the Law and in keeping with the Law in key areas.  To show that His coming was a fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic prophecies addressed to Israel in the Dispensation of Law.

 

     Introduction

         A.  Christmas as a Commemoration of the Birth of the Incarnate One

         B.   Christmas Involves a Jewish King Over a Jewish Kingdom Predicted in Jewish

               Scriptures

         C.  Christmas Had Nothing to Do with Christians for 33 Years

         D.  Christmas Affects Christians Because of the Rejection, Crucifixion and Resurrection of

               the Messianic King

 

TRANS:  Luke two provides some clear proofs that Jesus was born under the Mosaic Law and that the Law was applied in the events surrounding His birth.

 

   I.    THE PROOFS THAT JESUS WAS BORN UNDER THE MOSAIC LAW – THE OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW IN JESUS' BIRTH – THEIR ABIDING BY THE TENETS OF THE MOSAIC LAW – Luke 2:21-24

         A.  The Guidelines for Circumcision on the Eighth Day – Lu. 2:21

               1.   Gen. 17:12

               2.   Lev. 12:2, 3

         B.   The Giving of the Name "Jesus" on the Eighth Day – Lu. 2:21

               1.   Lu. 1:31

               2.   Matt. 1:21

         C.  The Guidelines for a Mother's Purification for 33 Days for the Birth of a Male Child – Lu. 2:22

               1.   Lev. 12:4

                     a.   The Duration

                     b.   The Prohibitions

                           (1)  Not to Touch Any Holy Thing

                           (2)  Not to come Into the Sanctuary

               2.   Lu. 2:22

                     a.   The Completion of the Days of Cleansing

                     b.   The Coming to Jerusalem to Present Jesus to the Lord

         D.  The Guidelines for Presentation of the Firstborn – Lu. 2:22, 23

               1.   Ex. 13:2, 12, 13, 15 [cf. 34:19; Num. 8:6; 18:15, 17; 22:29, 30; Lev. 27:26;

                     Num. 3:13; 8:16, 17; Deut. 15:19; Ezek. 44:30]

                     a.  Setting Apart

                     b.  Every Firstborn Male

                     c.   Passover

               2.   Lu. 2:23 – Called Holy to the Lord

         E.   The Guidelines for Offerings at the End of Purification – Lu. 2:24

               1.   Lev. 12:6-8

                     a.   Two Offerings – vs. 6

                           (1)  Burnt Offering – a Lamb

                           (2)  Sin Offering – a Young Pigeon or Turtledove

                     b.   For a Covering for Her Uncleanness – vs. 7

                     c.   For a Cleansing – vs. 8

                     d.   The Gracious Option for the Poor – Two Turtledoves or Two Young Pigeons

 

TRANS:  God made arrangements ahead of time for Simeon to see the Messiah before his death.  This was done by divine revelation to a consistent Old Testament Law believer. 

 

 II.    THE PREPARATION FOR A MEETING WITH SIMEON – THE OUTLOOK CONCERNING THE TIME OF SIMEON'S DEATH – THE DIVINE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SIMEON'S PRESENCE IN THE TEMPLE – Luke 2:25-28

         A.  The Character of the Man Simeon – 2:25

               1.   Righteous by Keeping the Mosaic Law

               2.   Devout as a Law Believer

               3.   Waiting to Welcome the Consolation of Israel

               4.   The Holy Spirit Was Continually Upon Him

         B.   The Communication of Revelation by the Holy Spirit – 2:26

               1.   He Would Not See Death

               2.   Before He Would See the Christ from the Lord

         C.  Simeon's Coming to the Temple by the Holy Spirit – 2:27, 28

 

TRANS:  Simeon sees the baby Jesus and makes a clear pronouncement concerning his expectations for the Christ in the setting of the Mosaic Law.  He anticipates future physical salvation in time. 

 

III.    THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF SIMEON CONCERNING JESUS – HIS OBSERVATION OF WHO JESUS IS – THE ANTICIPATION OF SIMEON'S IMMEDIATE DEATH AS A LAW BELIEVER – Luke 2:29-35 – BLESSED GOD – euvlogi,a

         A.  The Release of Simeon from This Life Because of an Utterance (cf. 26) – 2:29

         B.   The Reason for His Desire for Release – 2:30

               1.   My Eyes Have Seen – Physical Presence

               2.   Your Salvation – Physical Salvation in Time = Old Testament Hope

         C.  The Relationship of Salvation to Human Beings – 2:32, 32

               1.   Salvation as Taught in the Old Testament = Physical Salvation in Time

               2.   Salvation Prepared Before the Face of All Peoples – 2:31

               3.   A Light for a Revelation of Nations – 2:32

               4.   A Glory of Your People Israel

         D.  The Response of Joseph and Mary – Amazement or Wonder – 2:33

         E.   The Relating of a Blessing = Speak Well of – 2:34, 35

               1.   The Appointment of Destiny of Jesus – 2:34

                     a.   For the Fall and for the Rising Again of Many in Israel

                     b.   For a Sign Which Will Be Spoken Again

               2.   The Approach as Sword to Mary's Soul

               3.   The Arrangement for the Revelation of the Thoughts of Many People

         F.   The Recognition of the Time Prophesied with Fulfillment

 

TRANS:  The immediate prospects seen by Simeon involved Israel and the coming kingdom since the King had arrived.  The blessing of the Gentiles was kingdom oriented as taught in the pages of the Old Testament.  Only after the death of Christ does the Church receive the benefits of the incarnation.

 

IV.    THE PROSPECTS FOR THE CHURCH BEYOND THE REVELATION UNDER LAW – THE OPPORTUNITIES RESULTING FROM THE CROSS WORK FOR THE CHURCH – THE ASSOCIATION WITH SPIRITUAL SALVATION AFTER THE CROSS WORK

         A.  The Role of Christ's Earthly Life and Spiritual Salvation = None

         B.   The Reality of the Provisions of the Cross for Spiritual Salvation

         C.  The Results of Christ's Death, Burial and Resurrection = Spiritual Salvation

 

TRANS:  The Incarnate Son is an essential part of the believer's salvation in all tenses.  This salvation is spiritual and heavenly.  During His 33 years the only salvation available was future physical salvation in time and that was primarily for Israel.  Grace provides more for those who believe the Gospel now!