The LIneage of David: Oct 20 Sermon summary

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:1-7

Chapter 2 of the Book of Luke delves into the idea of identity, examining how deeply it impacts human life. While surface details like name, gender, and birthplace are part of identity, our study looks into how true identity is more profound, foundational, and central to our sense of existence. Drawing on Erik Erikson's work, the concept of "identity crisis" was introduced, emphasizing how critical it is to know who we are. Modern society spends a significant amount of time and resources on self-discovery, seeking to understand our true selves in various aspects of life, from the clothes we buy to the jobs we hold.

In the context of the biblical narrative from Luke 2, we look at the focus of Jesus' identity, which is presented not as something discovered but as something based on connection—specifically, his lineage from King David. This connection gives Jesus a unique identity that is both humble and powerful. The can be contrasted with the modern view of identity as something we create or uncover through life experiences. Instead, Jesus' identity is linked to his associations—his connection to David’s throne, his family, and, most importantly, to God the Father.

Ultimately, we are wise to remember that identity is not about self-discovery but about association and connection to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Paul summarized this gift of identity when he wrote to Christians in the first century city of Ephesus. In Ephesians 1:3-6, we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

Church, Let’s not miss this! Did you notice?

We are chosen … in him. - We are holy and blameless … before him. - We are adopted … to him. - We are blessed … in him.