"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." (Luke 2:1-5)
As you can see, this marks the beginning of all the world being taxed. This is not to suggest that there wasn't a form of taxing before this point. For example, as we see from II Kings 23:35, Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money, according to the commandment of Pharaoh; he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, and of everyone according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaoh-nechoh."
In Daniel's prophecy for the future, we see a raiser of taxes -- 'Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days, he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." (Daniel 11:20)
There is a third example -- of Theudas, "boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men (about 400) had joined themselves, was slain and all, as many as obeyed him were scattered. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him, [This man] also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him were dispersed. And now, I say unto you, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught." (Acts 5:36-38)
And then we come back to Luke 2, wherein Caesar Augustus made a decree that all the world should be taxed. The taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Everyone was required to go to their own city. Thus, Joseph and very pregnant Mary went up from Galilee into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
Why did Joseph travel to Bethlehem? Because he was of the house and lineage of David. We see this further explained in Acts 1, and the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-16. "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away unto Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations." (Matthew 1:16)
As you can see, this marks the beginning of all the world being taxed. This is not to suggest that there wasn't a form of taxing before this point. For example, as we see from II Kings 23:35, Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money, according to the commandment of Pharaoh; he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, and of everyone according to his taxation, to give it unto Pharaoh-nechoh."
In Daniel's prophecy for the future, we see a raiser of taxes -- 'Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days, he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." (Daniel 11:20)
There is a third example -- of Theudas, "boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men (about 400) had joined themselves, was slain and all, as many as obeyed him were scattered. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him, [This man] also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him were dispersed. And now, I say unto you, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught." (Acts 5:36-38)
And then we come back to Luke 2, wherein Caesar Augustus made a decree that all the world should be taxed. The taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Everyone was required to go to their own city. Thus, Joseph and very pregnant Mary went up from Galilee into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
Why did Joseph travel to Bethlehem? Because he was of the house and lineage of David. We see this further explained in Acts 1, and the genealogy in Matthew 1:1-16. "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away unto Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations." (Matthew 1:16)
We see from Matthew's account that Joseph, being a just man and not wanting to make Mary a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But an angel appeared, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, "for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-24)
Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
Therefore, as Matthew relates, "now the birth of Christ was on this wise. When as His mother was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost; and so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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." (Luke 2:6-7)
From Luke's account, we understand that there were "shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)
A couple of points worth noting here. First, the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. Second, this meant the Holy Ghost was the Father. Third, the angel announced that the Saviour to be born would be Christ the Lord -- a point similarly confirmed by Peter and the apostles in Acts 2:36. Fourth, the heavenly host praised God, saying -- "Glory to God in the highest, ad on earth, peace good will toward men." In other words, God was declaring peace to all the world.
Finally, it is interesting that while God was declaring peace to each and every one of us for the coming new testament side, the worldly system was implementing a burdensome tax system for everyone. In this context, we can see how the Lord God only wants what is best for us, whilst the enemy (satan) remains determined to destroy people through whatever means he can. Remember, Jesus came to set the captive free -- proclaiming liberty to the captives - those who desired to rule as oppressors. (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1) However, I digress.
From Luke's account, we understand that there were "shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14)
A couple of points worth noting here. First, the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son. Second, this meant the Holy Ghost was the Father. Third, the angel announced that the Saviour to be born would be Christ the Lord -- a point similarly confirmed by Peter and the apostles in Acts 2:36. Fourth, the heavenly host praised God, saying -- "Glory to God in the highest, ad on earth, peace good will toward men." In other words, God was declaring peace to all the world.
Finally, it is interesting that while God was declaring peace to each and every one of us for the coming new testament side, the worldly system was implementing a burdensome tax system for everyone. In this context, we can see how the Lord God only wants what is best for us, whilst the enemy (satan) remains determined to destroy people through whatever means he can. Remember, Jesus came to set the captive free -- proclaiming liberty to the captives - those who desired to rule as oppressors. (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1) However, I digress.
Note how the shepherds were so immediately willing to go, because the Lord hath made known the birth of the promised Christ as Saviour unto them. Needless to say, "they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:16-20)
So, do you think the shepherds were awaiting this good new - as the Lord God had promised from afore the world? Perhaps, there is much more to the shepherds that we haven't considered herein. Most certainly, there were no wise men while Jesus was in the stable. At this point, we know from the scriptures, that Jesus was still an infant, less than 8 days old. His precious , holy name assigned before He was conceived,
"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." (Luke 2:21)
Continuing, "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 opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 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."
It is also important that Jesus had not yet shed His precious, holy blood on the cross, so Mary and Joseph were still under the law. Therefore, there had to be witnesses that would confirm the birth of the prophesied King of kings and Lord of lords. Simeon was first, and then Anna. What did Simeon state?
"Lord, now let 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."
The same message applies to us this day. More to come.
Stand in the offering plate.
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