~ Luke 2:11 (NIV)
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Here is the footnote to this verse, as written in the NIV:
a. Luke 2:11 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 26.
If you were to do an Old Testament study on "the Anointed One", you would understand that these shepherds were hearing the words that they and countless generations had longed to hear -- the Anointed One is here! He's finally here! Just as the Hebrew children, held in Egyptian slavery for 400 years, longed for a savior from their bondage, so too the Jews longed for a savior from their current taskmaster -- Rome. God had not forgotten them -- they were finally being rescued! I wonder how many could grasp the spiritual implications of this Savior . . .
The angel Gabriel told Mary in the previous chapter of Luke that the child she would bear would be called the Son of David. Huge Messianic implications there if you study the Old Testament. When she wonders how she can bear a child with her being a virgin, the angel declares that the Holy Spirit (God) will descend and overshadow her, so that the child will be called the Son of God. This confirms His divinity, His Lordship. He is Christ, the Lord; that is, the Anointed One sent by God, who is Himself God. Again, how many were really able to wrap their arms around the spiritual mystery that is Jesus?
I have a friend who, many years ago, was struck by this knowledge through a verse that became very significant to her, which God used to open her eyes to the truth about who Jesus is. She first read it in the King James version and it has stuck with her to this very day, especially the phrase "the mystery of godliness"...
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ~ 1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
Mary heard it and believed. The shepherds heard it and believed. Andrew (John 1:41) heard it and believed. All Christ followers down the ages have heard it and believed. Jesus is the Christ -- the Messiah -- the Anointed One from God who is God. The Savior of the world was born, and His name is Jesus.
Are you listening? Do you hear it? Do you believe?
Love,
Joelene
a. Luke 2:11 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 26.
If you were to do an Old Testament study on "the Anointed One", you would understand that these shepherds were hearing the words that they and countless generations had longed to hear -- the Anointed One is here! He's finally here! Just as the Hebrew children, held in Egyptian slavery for 400 years, longed for a savior from their bondage, so too the Jews longed for a savior from their current taskmaster -- Rome. God had not forgotten them -- they were finally being rescued! I wonder how many could grasp the spiritual implications of this Savior . . .
The angel Gabriel told Mary in the previous chapter of Luke that the child she would bear would be called the Son of David. Huge Messianic implications there if you study the Old Testament. When she wonders how she can bear a child with her being a virgin, the angel declares that the Holy Spirit (God) will descend and overshadow her, so that the child will be called the Son of God. This confirms His divinity, His Lordship. He is Christ, the Lord; that is, the Anointed One sent by God, who is Himself God. Again, how many were really able to wrap their arms around the spiritual mystery that is Jesus?
I have a friend who, many years ago, was struck by this knowledge through a verse that became very significant to her, which God used to open her eyes to the truth about who Jesus is. She first read it in the King James version and it has stuck with her to this very day, especially the phrase "the mystery of godliness"...
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ~ 1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
Mary heard it and believed. The shepherds heard it and believed. Andrew (John 1:41) heard it and believed. All Christ followers down the ages have heard it and believed. Jesus is the Christ -- the Messiah -- the Anointed One from God who is God. The Savior of the world was born, and His name is Jesus.
Are you listening? Do you hear it? Do you believe?
Love,
Joelene
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