Jesus in the Manger
Professor, Rev. Dr. Stephen K. Massey, M.A. Economics, M. Th., M. Div., Th. D.
She brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)
Once I was attending a Christmas dinner of Indo-Pakistani Christians. All of a sudden an untrained pastor highly educated in academics came to me and started asking me a question. “Why was Jesus born in the manger?” He was wondering if Jesus, being the begotten Son of God, why He was not born in a prestigious place? Why a manger?
Dr. Spiros Zodhiates, Greek Scholar mentioned in his book, ”Was Christ God?” about a deist. The famous deist, Anthony Collins of the 17th century met a plain country man one day while out walking. He asked him where he was going? He replie
d, “to church sir.” “What are you going to do there?” “Worship God.” “Is your God a great or a little God?” “He is both Sir.” “How can he be both?” “He is so great sir, that the heaven of heavens can not contain Him and so little that He can dwell in my heart.” Infidel Collins later declared that this simple answer from the country man had more effect upon his mind than all the volumes that had been written.
While dedicating the Temple of God in 1st Kings, Chapter 8, King Solomon was asking a question. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold the heaven and heavens cannot contain three; how much less this house that I have built (1Kings 8:27) This question can be answered in the affirmative. God will indeed dwell on the earth in person and in visible form in all eternity. Unto us a child is born, unto us only Son is given and Government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). God, the Father is over us, Sovereign, Immanuel (God with us) is with us and the Spirit of God inhabits us. Ye are the temple of the living God (1Cor. 6:19). For in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).
Jesus launched His eternal program in the synagogue of Nazareth when He read from the prophetic book of Isaiah chapter 61.
Dake gives ten beautiful reasons of His eternal program:
1. To preach good tidings to the meek and poor
2. Bind up the brokenhearted
3. Proclaim liberty to the capatives
4. Open the prison to them that are bound
5. Proclaim the acceptable year of God
6. Proclaim the day of vengeance of God
7. Comfort all those who mourn
8. Appoint unto them that mourn in Zion and give liberty for ashes
9. Give oil of joy for mourning
10. Give them a garment of promise for the Spirit of heaviness
The cross of Christ has two great sides to it: it showed the profound depths of humiliation, but it marked the goal of incarnation and it further told the consummation of His mission and it forms His basis of our Salvation.
Now the question arises as to why Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords was born in the premises of a stable, wrapped in clothes and laid in the manger? Many have thought that this was a proof of poverty of the Holy Family, because there was no room for them in the inn. As multitudes were going to be enrolled, all the lodgings in the inn had been occupied before Joseph and Mary arrived. For want of conveniences and for want of necessaries, He was laid in the manger instead of a cradle. The manager of the inn had no regard or common humanity for a woman in travail. It was an instance of humiliation for our Lord Jesus, but His birth was attended with a choir of angels.
Bethlehem was founded by Salma, the son of Caleb (1 Chr. 2:51), however, it was recognized as the town or city of David. After the return of the Jews from exile (538 B.C.), Bethlehem was sparsely populated (Ezra 2:21, Neh. 7:26).
1. At the time of census enumeration, Bethlehem was located 7 miles NW of Nazareth, was on the edge of the Oak and 5 miles south of Jerusalem. There was overcrowding because the people had come from the surrounding areas. With the exception of town inn, there were no additional lodging facilities.
2. Jesus was born in the stable, wrapped in clothes and laid in the manger and Dr. Luke tells there was no room for them in the inn. What was the inn? Dr. G.C. Morgan tells that the reference was to caravansary, a hostel. “There are two Greek words, both translated inn: pandocheion, which means a caravansary – or place with a host, provisions and apartments; another word: kataluma, which means merely an enclosure, sometimes with apartments, water, but no food. A manger was a feeding place for animals. Jesus was born without a midwife or nurse, wrapped in clothes and laid in the manger. When He came, He passed the court and passed the palace and passed the dwelling place. Think the pathos of it. She wrapped the baby in Swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger.” Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head (Luke 9:58).
3. St. Paul tells that Christ humbled Himself. His humiliation consisted in His being born in a stable, in a low condition, made under the law undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried and continuing under the power of death for an appointed time. He made Himself of no reputation in becoming man. Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. 2:7-8). He was under the covenant of works. He was numbered with the transgressors (Is. 53:12).
4. Being born in the stable, He became the King of the meek and proverty-stricken people (Is. 61:1).
5. Jesus was born in a stable and laid in the manger so that He should begin His predictive ministry of priest (Is. 110:4). His priesthood is not in the line of Aaron, but after the order of Melchizedec and it began at the cross, where He offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin and accomplished reconciliation. He is accomplishing the ministry of intercession in heaven. He will accomplish His ministry of benediction on His return. While on the earth, He blessed human beings physically and spiritually.
6. If Jesus had been born in a palace, He would not have been within the reach of poor shepherds. The throne of Solomon might awe them, but the manger must invite every Tom, Dick and Harry. The manger is an invitation to the most humble. He eats and drinks with publicans and sinners. He receives sinners and eats with them.
7. There is no place for Him in courts, synagogues, schools, colleges and universities. There is no place for Him in the palace of Herod, but there is room for Mephibosheth at the table of David (2 Sam. 9:1-13). But we are all even at the foot of the cross and manger. There are no class distinctions at the manger. He receives universal worship.
Who is He, that is born in the stable, wrapped in clothes and laid in the manger? He is the Son of the living God, conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit. He is the light of the world. He is the water of Life. He is the Bread of Life, A person who goes hungry is a man, but who feeds five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fishes is God. Who gets tired and sleeps, is a man, but who rises up and stills the boisterous storm is God. What is His claim? Jesus Christ says, I am the Way (indicating that there is no other way), the Truth (indicating that all that is contrary to His teaching is error) and the Life” (indicating that there is no life apart from Him); and then, shutting every other door of access, He adds, “No man cometh unto the Father (God) but by Me” (John 14:6). Again, neither is there Salvation in any other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12), whether in India, Persia, China, Canada, America, Arabia or England. Therefore, says the Bible with a strength and vigor that we should expect from the Bible or Jesus in the manger.” If Lord be God, follow Him, if Baal, then follow him (1 Kings 18:21). For no man can serve two masters (Matt. 6:24).
All human roads made by the descendants of human fathers and mothers (men and women) do not lead to God. They can lead to Toronto, London, Delhi, Benaras and New York, but not to God or heaven. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), but Jesus committed no sin; He is sinless (John 8:46). He receives worship (Matt. 14:33). What Jesus brought, when He was born in the stable and laid in the manger.
Love: Jesus brought love. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4). This is the love of God.
Redemption and Salvation: Jesus, who was born in the stable brought redemption and salvation (Luke 2:30). Death of Jesus relates to forgiveness, regeneration, justification and sanctification. On the cross, He paid the price of releasing the sinner from the bondage and judgment of sins.
Peace: Because we are forgiven, we have peace which passes beyond our understanding. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:13-14) Peace in future will dawn to the nations. (Col. 1:20).
Joy: And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).
Hope: Alexander Pope said, “Hope springs eternal through human breast, man never, but always blessed. Hope sustains life; hopes travels through even when we die.” Jesus brought hope of everlasting life and resurrection. If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12). Soon there will be rapto (rapture). Jesus is coming soon; are you ready; will you go with Him?
When the Magi (wise men) came to Jesus in the house, they did not tickle Him. I finish my essay in the words of the Prince of preachers Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “Consider the example of these wise men. They came to Jesus and in so doing, they did three things: they saw, they worshipped and they gave. These are three things everybody has to do! Amen!
Why do we celebrate Christmas on 25th of December and New Year on 1st of January?
Rev. Sam Sahota, B.A. , D Hons. Canada (Email: jesuschristismylord1966@yahoo.com, Tel#: 416 - 781 - 1732)
Behold! It is written in the Holy Bible, in John 1:6-10, there was a man whose name was John who was sent from God to testify about the light. The true light (Lord Jesus Christ, John 8:12) that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, but the world didn't recognize him. Behold! It is written in John 1:1-3, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word (Lord Jesus Christ) was God. Without the Word (Lord Jesus Christ) was not anything made that has been made. It is written, in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 32:6, O, foolish and unwise people? Isn't Yahweh (LORD Jesus Christ) your father who has bought you? Who has made you, and established you. Look carefully in John 1:14, the Word who was God was incarnated and became flesh (Holy One - begotten Son of God), and tabernacled with men and lived among us. Remember, in John 1:18 & 1st John 5:20, it is clearly written that we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know Him Who is true, and we (born again) are in Him Who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life. Look! In John 1:19-33, John the Baptist testified about the true light (Lord God Jesus Christ, John 8:12), in Isaiah 40:3, the voice of one who cries in the wilderness, “Prepare you the way of Yahweh (LORD); make level in the desert a highway for our God (Lord Jesus Christ). He who comes after me has superior to me, for He was before me. As Yahweh of hosts had promised in the Holy Bible in Malachi 3:1 & 4:4-6, behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple (body, John 2:19-21); and the Messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, He comes! Behold! It is written in 1st Corinthians 15:45-47, the first man, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. In Roman 9:4-5, it is written that Christ, in terms of flesh, is from Israelites who is blessed God over all forever.
Behold! It is written in Luke 1:26-35, the angel Gabriel said to Mary who was virgin and righteous, "Rejoice! The Lord is with you, but she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of greeting (salutation) this might be. Then angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the Holy One who is born from you will be called the Son of God. You are to give him the name “Jesus”, because He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what Lord had predicted in Isaiah 7:14 through His prophet Isaiah, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel, which means God with us. In Luke 2:8-11 the angel said to the shepherds, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. Today, in the city of Bethlehem, a Savior is born for you, who is Christ the Lord (God). All this took place to fulfill what Lord had spoken in Isaiah 9:6, for to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder: and His name shall be called 
Wonderful Counselor (Holy Spirit), Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Look carefully! The Holy Bible witnesses that Yahweh of hosts, the Lord God in flesh and in the image of Son, and Mighty God, Counselor (Holy Spirit), Everlasting Father in the image and likeness are One in Jesus (Genesis 1:26-27 and Mathew 28:19). In Luke 2:21, it is written when eight days were fulfilled of birth of the child, Christ the Lord (Yahweh, God) name was called “Jesus”. Since that day the 1st Day, 1st Week, 1st Month and 1st Year of the A.D. Century (Anno Domini - Year of our Lord) has been started. And since that day the previous time has been started to count as B.C. (Before Christ Century). And it has become Christian Calender which is prevailing in the world. This is why we celebrate manifestation of God the Father in the flesh, the Great Day - Christmas, on 25th of December and New Year on 1st day of Janruary all the time.
Remember! It is written in Mathew 2:1-12 and in the Old Testament Micah 5:2 when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who is born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was. They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Opening their treasures, they offered to Him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Behold! The wise men from the east worshiped the child Jesus Christ because Lord Jesus Christ, in the flesh, is the King of the Jews, King of kings and Lord of lords. It is written in 1st Timothy 3:16, without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world and received up in glory. Remember! It is written in Colossians 2:8-10, don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. For in Lord Jesus Christ all the fullness of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) dwells bodily, who is the head of all principality and power. In 1st John 2:22-23 & 2nd John 1:9-11, who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies that Jesus Christ is the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn't have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also. Behold! In John 5:43 & 10:30, Lord Jesus Christ said, “I and the Father are one." So remember that people give the presents to their beloved on the day of Christmas, New Year and the like, but it is written in John 3:16, for God the Father so loved the world that He gave Himself (begotten Son), that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. It is written in Acts 4:10 -12, there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Behold! It is written in the Holy Bible, Exodus 17:6, Psalms 18:31, Mathew 21:42-44, & 1st Corinthians 10:1-11, that all drank the same Spiritual drink from a Spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Lord Jesus Christ. It is written in the Old Testament, in Exodus 13:21-22, Yahweh Lord Jesus Christ went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night. In John 8:58 & Old Testament in Exodus 3:14, Lord Jesus Christ said, "Most assuredly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM." In Acts 7:30-34, Genesis 28:10-22, 31:11-13, Judges 2:1-5 & Exodus 3:11-10, Yahweh Lord Jesus Christ said to Moses, “I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. I have surely seen the affliction of my people in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down from heaven to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.” It is written in Hebrews 11:24-26 that Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time; accounting the reproach of Lord Jesus Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Behold! It is written in Deuteronomy 7:8-11, 1st Chronicles 17:20-22, Psalms 89:34-35, & 138:1-2, because Yahweh Lord Jesus Christ loved his people, and He kept the oath which He swore to their fathers, has Yahweh Lord Jesus Christ brought His people out with a mighty hand, and redeemed them out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that Yahweh the God Jesus Christ is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and loving-kindness with them who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations. Remember! It is further written in Jude 1:4-5, Exodus 3:11-10, Psalms 78:1-60 & 136:1-26 that Lord Jesus Christ, having saved his people out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn't believe. So remember carefully! The Holy Bible testifies that Lord Jesus Christ did not come in the world only two thousands and seven years ago but Lord Jesus Christ is Yahweh God, the Everlasting Father, Prince of peace and the Creator of the world. It is written in Revelation 4:8-11, John 1:1-3 & Colossians 1:15-18, all things has been created by Lord Jesus Christ, through Him and for him, things in the heavens and on earth, things visible and things invisible, weather thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. Amen!!!!
..Next Page ................................................Previous Page