Jesus, God's Special Gift to the World Part 1

Introduction

As we enter the Advent season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a special gift given to us by Jehovah God. This blog post will explore the prophecy, fulfillment, and our response to Jesus, God's special gift to the world. This summary is based on a recent sermon and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the message.

The Prophecy of Jesus' Birth

What Did the Prophets Foretell?

The story of Jesus' birth is not a fairy tale but a divine plan orchestrated by God and foretold by the prophets. Isaiah 61:1-5 speaks of the Spirit of the Lord anointing someone to preach good tidings, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives. This prophecy points directly to Jesus and His mission on earth.

Specific Prophecies


Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel."

Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem, Ephrath, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to me, the one to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

Isaiah 9:6-7: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."


These prophecies were specific and detailed, pointing to the exact lineage, place, and nature of Jesus' birth.

The Fulfillment of the Prophecy

The Birth of Jesus

The fulfillment of these prophecies is seen in the New Testament. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as foretold by Micah. The angel announced to the shepherds in Luke 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

The Mission of Jesus

Jesus' mission was to restore the broken relationship between humanity and God. Isaiah 61:1-5 outlines His mission to heal, liberate, and comfort. Jesus came to bear the sins of the world, offering Himself as the perfect Lamb of God.

Our Response to Jesus

Accepting the Gift

The greatest gift we can receive this Christmas is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. John 1:29 declares, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Accepting Jesus as our Savior is the first step in restoring our relationship with God.

Living in Anticipation

Advent is not just a remembrance but an active, faith-filled anticipation of Jesus' second coming. Just as the prophecies of His first coming were fulfilled, we can confidently hope in His return.

Life Application

Applying the Message

This week, reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and His mission. Ask yourself:


Have I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior?

How can I live in anticipation of His second coming?

What steps can I take to share this gift with others?


Challenge

Take time this week to read the prophecies about Jesus' birth and their fulfillment. Reflect on how these prophecies strengthen your faith and prepare you for His return. Share the message of Jesus, God's special gift, with someone who needs to hear it.

Conclusion

The story of Jesus' birth is a divine plan foretold by the prophets and fulfilled in the New Testament. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. Accept Him, live in anticipation of His return, and share this gift with others.

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the transcription:

Day 1: God's Fulfilled Promises
Reading: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-25
Devotional: The prophecy of Jesus' birth, given centuries before it occurred, reminds us of God's faithfulness. Just as He fulfilled His promise to send a Savior, He continues to keep His promises to us today. Reflect on the promises God has kept in your life. How does this strengthen your faith in His future promises? Consider writing down specific promises from Scripture that you're clinging to, and pray for the faith to trust in God's perfect timing.

Day 2: The Gift of Salvation
Reading: John 3:16-21, Romans 5:6-11
Devotional: Jesus' birth was more than a historical event; it was the beginning of God's plan for our salvation. As you read about God's love and sacrifice, consider the depth of His love for you personally. How does knowing you are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe change your perspective on life's challenges? Take time to thank God for the gift of salvation and consider how you can share this good news with others who may need hope.

Day 3: Emmanuel - God With Us
Reading: Matthew 1:23, John 1:1-14
Devotional: The name Emmanuel means "God with us." Jesus' incarnation demonstrates God's desire to be present with His people. In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God's presence? How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His presence in your daily routines? Practice the presence of God today by setting reminders to pause and acknowledge Him throughout your day.

Day 4: Hope in Times of Suffering
Reading: Isaiah 53:3-6, 1 Peter 2:21-25
Devotional: Jesus' life wasn't just about His birth, but also His suffering for our sake. When we face trials, we can find comfort knowing that Jesus understands our pain. How does Jesus' willingness to suffer for you impact your view of your own struggles? Bring your current difficulties to God in prayer, asking for His strength and the hope that comes from knowing He is with you in your pain.

Day 5: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
Reading: Acts 1:6-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Devotional: Just as the prophets anticipated Christ's first coming, we now look forward to His return. How does the certainty of Christ's second coming influence your daily choices and priorities? Consider what it means to live with an eternal perspective. Pray for God to renew your sense of purpose and to help you live each day in light of His promised return. Is there anything you need to change in your life to better align with this hope?

Here's a small group guide based on the sermon transcription:

Small Group Guide: Jesus - God's Special Gift to the World

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:
1. The prophecies about Jesus' birth and mission were specific and fulfilled in detail.
2. Christmas points to Easter - Jesus came to die for our sins and restore our relationship with God.
3. Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection are historical facts, not myths.
4. God's plan of salvation was revealed progressively through prophecy and demonstrated through Israel's history.
5. Jesus will return as King, not as a baby, and we need to be prepared.

Discussion Questions:
1. What struck you most about the specificity of the prophecies concerning Jesus' birth and mission?

2. The pastor emphasized that "Christmas is Easter." How does this perspective change or enhance your view of Christmas?

3. Discuss the significance of Jesus being born in humble circumstances. How does this relate to His mission and accessibility to all people?

4. The sermon mentioned several Old Testament "types and shadows" that pointed to Jesus. Which of these did you find most interesting or enlightening?

5. How does the historical evidence for Jesus' life, as mentioned in the sermon, strengthen your faith?

6. The pastor spoke about his experiences visiting holy sites in Israel. How do you think physically walking where Jesus walked might impact one's faith?

7. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is "God's special gift to the world"?

Practical Applications:
1. Take time this week to read through some of the prophecies about Jesus mentioned in the sermon (e.g., Isaiah 61:1-5, Micah 5:2). Reflect on their fulfillment in Jesus' life.

2. As you celebrate Christmas, intentionally connect the birth of Jesus to His ultimate purpose - dying for our sins and rising again. How might this change your approach to holiday traditions?

3. Share the "good news" of Jesus with someone this week, emphasizing both His first coming and His promised return.

4. Evaluate your own preparedness for Jesus' return. What areas of your life might need adjustment?

5. Spend time in prayer thanking God for the gift of Jesus and asking for a deeper appreciation of this gift during the Christmas season.

Closing Prayer

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

1. Isaiah 61:1-5
2. Micah 5:2
3. Isaiah 9:6-7
4. Isaiah 7:14
5. Genesis 22:8
6. Numbers 24:17
7. Exodus 12:21-27
8. Leviticus 16:10
9. Ruth 4 (general reference)
10. Exodus 25:8-9
11. John 1:14
12. Psalm 45:6-7
13. Psalm 16:10
14. Psalm 69:8-9
15. Psalm 118:22-23
16. Habakkuk 2:14
17. Isaiah 2:2-4
18. Isaiah 40:3-5
19. Malachi 3:1
20. Numbers 24:17
21. Isaiah 11:1-2
22. Matthew 3:1-3
23. Luke 2:1-7
24. Romans 5:12, 15, 19
25. John 1:29
26. Genesis 3:15
27. Genesis 12:3
28. Luke 2:11 (paraphrased)

Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:

1. John 14:6 - Jesus as the way, truth, and life
2. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ as the firstfruits of resurrection
3. Revelation 22:12-13 - Jesus' second coming
4. Acts 1:11 - Promise of Jesus' return
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The rapture
6. Matthew 24:36 - Uncertainty of the time of Jesus' return