They Missed Christmas

Context: From Nazareth to Bethehem

I. The Politicians Missed Christmas (Luke 2:1-3, Matthew 2:3)

Key: God’s Soverinty Supercedes Earthy Authority

A. Ceasar Augustus (Luke 2: 1)

Explanation: , (Divi Filius- Son of God) the ruler of the Roman Empire, issued a census to solidify his political power. Instead, his decree fulfilled God’s prophecy in Micah.

B. Quirinus (Luke 2:2)

Explanation: Quirinius was also used as an Instrument of God’s Plan. Quirinius, a Roman Governor, administered the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. He was a historical figure fulfilling a political role, yet he unknowingly became a part of God’s eternal plan of redemption.

•  Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” 
• This ensured Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. God’s sovereignty overruled human ambition to accomplish His redemptive plan. 
• “The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; he turns it wherever He wishes” Proverb 21:1 

Application: Even when leaders or systems act for self-serving purposes, believers can trust that God’s purposes will prevail. We are not at the mercy of human rulers but under the sovereign hand of a loving God. 

 C. King Herod (Matthew 2: 1-3, 8, 16)

Explanation: Herod’s accestors were Edomites, He was raised as a Jew. Rome apreciated his ability to pacifiy the Jews buy buiding forts and the temple. Herod had the proper theology, yet sought to destroy the “King of the Jews” so he could remain “King of the Jews”.  

Key: Near the church does not equate belong to God. Herod was near the center of Jewish Worship, but was an enemy of God and a perpetraor of mass genecide (vs8, 13)

Example: Act 7 Stephen says to the religious leaders, “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?”

Application: Being in church does not make you part of the church. The church is the redeemed. Our actions are our evidence. Has you actions aligned with you confession?

II. The Priesthood Missed Christmas (Matthew 2:4)

Key: They were guardians of Religion, but they were blind to Redemption.

A. Chief Priest

Explanation: The Chief Priests were the guardians of Religion, but they were blind to Redemption. They were entrusted with guiding Israel toward the Messiah but were consumed by political ambition. Instead of celebrating the Savior’s birth, they prioritized their positions of power.

• John 12:43 “For they love the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” 

Application: Leaders in the church today must resist the temptation to prioritize popularity, personal gain, or worldly alliances over pointing others to Christ. True leadership is marked by humility and a commitment to God’s mission.

B. The Scribes

Explanation: The Scribes, experts in the law, knew the prophecies of the Messiah, including His birthplace in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). However, their pride and spiritual blindness prevented them from acting on this knowledge. 

• Luke 20 “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They’ll receive the greater condemnation.

• A Husband’s Will would often assign Scribes and Pharisees as legal experts to executors of his widows’ estate. 

Application: It is not enough to know the Bible intellectually; we must allow its truth to transform our hearts. Believers must seek genuine faith that moves beyond ritual to relationships. 

III. The People Missed Christmas ( Matthew 2:3- All Jeruselum with him” There was no room in the Inn”- Luke 2:7)

A. The Innkeeper

Explanation: The Inn Keeper is prohaps the most common person in out society to day. This person simple is unaware. This business owner is a symbol of commerce over commitment. Sometimes we are too busy to be ready or unwilling.

Application: Like the innkeeper, many are too preoccupied with worldly concerns—careers, businesses, or even holiday festivities—to recognize Christ.

• Is your schedule too full to make room for Christ this Christmas?
• Are you prioritizing earthly achievements over eternal treasures? (Matthew 6:19-21)

B. The People Matthew 2:3

Explanation: This is perhaps Hyperbole, but the point is clear. The people did were also not ready to accept the Messiah.

• John 1:11 – “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.

Application: Only 5 days from Hosanna! Hosanna! to Crucify Jesus! Dont follow the Crowd! Follow Jesus!