Body

A FITTING EXAMPLE

Luke 2:6-7

INTRODUCTION:

a. Today is Communion Sunday

1. It is to remind us of Christ's Sacrifice and Victory for us

2. It also is a call to mission and service

b. Communion gives us a true picture of the Christian life

1. Lived so that others might find God's Grace

c. Although this celebration points directly to His death it's whole meaning comes from His life

d. His life is a fitting example for us to follow

I. GOD BECAME A MAN

a. In the fullness of time God became a man - took on human flesh and lived among us

b. The birth of God's Son was not as you might expect

1. It was shrouded in rumor - His Mother and Father were not yet married

2. His family were common working folk without riches or fame

3. There were no Palaces only a stable for this One who is King of Kings and a feeding trough for his first throne

4. No Servants for the Master of Mankind

5. No royal coach only a donkey for his mother to ride

c. He came in humility without demands for preference

1. If you were giving birth to God's Son what would you demand

a. I would demand the best doctor and hospital

b. I would demand a sanitary - sterile birthing place

2. Jesus was born in the humble beginnings that God chose

d. This heavenly King had different beginnings than earthly Kings

II. THE PURPOSE OF HIS BIRTH

a. He came to serve not to be served

1. Think how different that is from earthly kings

b. He came to give His life as a ransom for many

c. He came to reveal God's grace and love to us

1. Illust - Hindu young man - great reverence for life - ants

d. God knew the only message we would hear must come from one like us

e. Hebrews tells us that Jesus was tempted in all areas just like we are - one huge exception - He was without sin

f. Jesus' life was characterized by humility and serving others

1. It is a fitting example for us to follow

a. Illust. Phillip Smith - Principle Trumpet for NY Philharmonic - Salvation Army - Plays each year on the corner as a part of their Christmas emphasis

g. We have so turned things around:

1. The more powerful we become the more we expect to be served - Jesus said "He who would be great must be servant of all"

2. We demand our rights and expect certain courtesies - Jesus said "The foxes have holes and the birds have nests but the Son of Man has no place for his head."

3. We think the way to the top is to step over and on people - Jesus tells us to Lift and build people up

4. We rush - Jesus was never in a hurry - He had enough time to do all God wanted Him to do

5. We place great value on the things we have - Jesus valued His relationship with the Father and people more than things

III. COMMUNION

a. Reminds us that the life God demands is impossible apart from the Christ living in us.

1. We are not capable of living the life He demands without His Spirit empowering us

b. He came with one purpose - Salvation for all

c. That purpose demanded His life as sacrifice for our sins that we might be forgiven

d. Born in a stable to die on a cross for you and me - He left us and example to follow