Jesus, the Prince of Peace

Luke2:8-14

v. 8. We romanticize shepherds b/c of 23rd Psalm, but in Jesus’ day, they were unclean by the law’s standards. They were not trustworthy. They were outcasts and sinners – and the first people to whom God announced the good news of Jesus’ birth.

vv. 9. 1) angels appear, 2) response of fear – the glory of the Lord shone at night. “The glory of the Lord shone around them” – manifestation of God’s presence.

vv. 10-11. 3) a word of reassurance – “fear not” –Jesus came in mercy and grace. He did not appear the first time to bring God’s judgement for our sin.

“I bring you (I preach) good news” – Great Joy has come to all people: God has come to the world in the flesh in grace and peace.

4) the divine message, “A savior is born in Bethlehem, who is Christ the Lord.” “Savior” – He will save his people from their sins and from death and destruction that sin brings. “Christ” – He is the “anointed (chosen) one” of God who fulfills God’s purposes & promises. “Lord” – As God, He rules over heaven and creation with power and authority. From his birth, Jesus is Savior, Christ, and Lord.

v. 12. “a sign” wrapped in cloth and in a manger. Jesus was born in humility, even poverty, not even in a home. He was born in the ancient capital of Jerusalem where King David reigned, and is the true King of Israel. But he was born in humility in stable & placed in a manger.

v. 13. “heavenly host praising God” multitude of angels join the one angel At the coming of Jesus, Savior, Christ the Lord, angelic host responds w/ praise.

v. 14 The host of angels call for God to be glorified to the highest heavens. “Peace” fullness of blessing which Jesus the Savior, Christ the Lord brings. Among Jesus divine titles in Isaiah 9 is Prince of Peace.

Jesus has come to make peace between God and men. He came to reconcile us to God (2 Cor 5:18) He came to redeem us from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13) He came to reverse the penalty of death and give us life (Rom 6:23)

The world is not at peace with God, nor is God at peace with the world nor sin.

Peace will only come to the whole world through the utter defeat of sin and darkness, when Jesus Christ finally conquers it and reigns as the victor over all creation.

We will not experience peace when we are living in sin. If you are a believer, the Holy Spirit lives in you and will not be at peace with sin. He will convict you of sin and intercede for you, but he will not give you peace in willful, life altering sin.

He offers peace, profound peace, that surpasses understanding to those who leave sin behind to pursue the new life in Jesus Christ.

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. – Psalm 1:1-3