Willmington, Harold

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Liberty University Digital Commons

Liberty UniversityDigitalCommons@LibertyUniversityThe Second Person File Theological Studies10-2017A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnationand Birth of Jesus Christ (Part A)Harold WillmingtonLiberty University, hwillmington@liberty.eduFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_personPart of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons,and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion CommonsThis The Birth of Jesus Christ is brought to you for free and open access by the Theological Studies at DigitalCommons@Liberty University. It has beenaccepted for inclusion in The Second Person File by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Liberty University. For more information,please contact scholarlycommunication@liberty.edu.Recommended CitationWillmington, Harold, "A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnation and Birth of Jesus Christ (Part A)" (2017). The SecondPerson File. 27.http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person/27 A TIME LINE COUNTDOWN LEADING TO THE INCARNATION & BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST—PART A  “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4, 5). The following is my attempt to list in chronological order those dates and occasions which were involved, leading to “the fullness of the time,” that is, the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. It can be readily seen that over 4,000 years of preparation is involved.  To contrast this, it will be remembered God the Father performed His first great work, that of creation, in just six days, but took no less than forty centuries to accomplish His second and greatest work, that of redemption! Here we have employed the famous and time-honored four “w’s” to overview each date and occasion.  Thus, when did the prophecy occur, where did it occur, what was revealed, and who was involved.  1 When:  4000 B.C. (or earlier) Where:  the Garden of Eden What:  “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). Who:  Adam and Eve Comment:  Genesis 3:15 is known as the proto-evangel verse, i.e., the first gospel verse in the Bible.  In essence it predicts a future Savior (the Seed of the woman, Jesus, defeating the seed of the serpent, Satan), thus bringing salvation to a lost world!   “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4, 5). “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen (Rom. 16:20). “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev. 12:7-9).  2 When: 2090 B.C. Where:  Ur of the Chaldeans What:  “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Who:  Abraham Comment:  It will be noted that the very first verse in the New Testament opens as follows:  “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matt. 1:1).  3 When:  1859 B.C. Where:  Egypt What:  “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (Gen. 49:10). Who:  Jacob Comment:  The New Scofield Bible observes:  “Several suggestions have been offered to explain the word ‘Shiloh.’  The oldest translations render it ‘whose it is,’ or ‘to whom it belongs,’ with reference to the Messiah’s reign and the prophecy of Ezekiel 21:27.” “Overthrown, overthrown, I will make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, until He comes whose right it is, and I will give it to Him” (Ezek. 21:27). The following verses seem to validate this interpretation: “To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).  “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Eph. 2:14).  4 When:  1410 B. C. (?) Where:  Moab What:  “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult” (Num. 24:17). Who:  Balaam Comment:  Those words were spoken by a false prophet named Balaam who had been paid by the king of Moab to curse the nation Israel.  Needless to say, it was unsuccessful.  5 When:  1407 B.C. Where:  On the east bank of Jordan What:  “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear” (Deut. 18:15). Who:  Moses Comment:  Those words refer to the coming of Christ: A. As testified by John the Baptist:   “Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’ He said: ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Make straight the way of the LORD”’ (John 1:19-23). B. As testified by the 5,000 men who were fed by Jesus: “Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world’” (John 6:14). C. As testified by Peter: “And that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you’” (Acts 3:20-22). D. As testified by Stephen: “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear’” (Acts 7:37).  6 When:  1100 B.C. Where:  Bethlehem What:  “Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David” (Ruth 4:22). Who:  Boaz and Ruth Comment:  In the providential plan of God, a former pagan girl named Ruth meets and marries Boaz, a godly man from the tribe of Judah.  Thus this couple would later become the great-grandparents of King David himself!  But the story does not end here.  David later fathered two sons through Bathsheba—Solomon and Nathan.  Here is the great and grand conclusion: Jesus received His legal right to rule over Israel (according to Matthew) through Joseph, His stepfather, and His biological authority (as seen in Luke’s account) through Mary!  (Matt. 1:2-16; Lk. 3:23-38).   Amazing are the ways of the Almighty!   7 When:  1004 B.C. Where:  Jerusalem What:  “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Sam. 7:12). Who:  David Comment:  “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.  But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:12-16). These are the last recorded words God spoke to David.  The context indicates He had two kings in mind: • Solomon (verses 12, 14) • Jesus (verse 16) In fact, ten centuries later the angel Gabriel appeared to a young virgin girl named Mary and reaffirmed this promise:  “Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end’” (Luke 1:30-33).  8 When:  690 B.C. Where:  Jerusalem What:  “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). Who:  Isaiah Comment:  Some eight centuries before Jesus was born, the city of Jerusalem was being threatened by Resin, King of Syria, and Pekah, King of Israel’s ten tribes.  Isaiah the prophet, at God’s command, attempts to reassure Ahaz, Judah’s frightened king, that the city would be divinely delivered.  The young ruler was invited to ask the Lord for any sign he might think of and it would be granted.  But the young infidel refused.  Responding to this, God then gave another sign to the whole house of Israel to show His intention to someday rescue Jerusalem from all her enemies forever!  And here is the sign:  Her baby would be known as Immanuel, meaning, “God with us.”  9 When:  685 B.C. (?) Where:  Jerusalem What:  “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isa. 9:6, 7). Who:  Isaiah Comment:  Here we are informed in regard to the dual nature of this Child: • He would be fully human: “For unto us a Child is born” • He would also be fully divine: “Unto us a Son is given. It should be noted that the Son was not born but given! • Finally, this God-man King would someday rule over all of earth’s kingdoms.  10 When:  680 B.C. Where:  Jerusalem What:  “Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed” (Isa. 53:1). Who:  Isaiah Comment:  And what an incredible report it would be!  Here in two key passages (Isa. 52, 53), the prophet describes in graphic fashion the physical features of the young boy Jesus in Nazareth, and the later disfigurement of the man Jesus on the cross. • The boy (Isa. 53:2) “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” • The man (Isa. 52:14) “His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.”  

A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnation and Birth of Jesus Christ (Part A)

Liberty UniversityDigitalCommons@LibertyUniversityThe Second Person File Theological Studies10-2017A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnationand Birth of Jesus Christ (Part B)Harold WillmingtonLiberty University, hwillmington@liberty.eduFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_personPart of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons,and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion CommonsThis The Birth of Jesus Christ is brought to you for free and open access by the Theological Studies at DigitalCommons@Liberty University. It has beenaccepted for inclusion in The Second Person File by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Liberty University. For more information,please contact scholarlycommunication@liberty.edu.Recommended CitationWillmington, Harold, "A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnation and Birth of Jesus Christ (Part B)" (2017). The SecondPerson File. 26.http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person/26A TIME LINE COUNTDOWN LEADING TO THE INCARNATION & BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST (PART B)  11 When:  735 B.C. Where:  Moresheth-gath (a town near Jerusalem) What:  “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, 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 ever-lasting” (Micah 5:2). Who:  Micah Comment:  This is the first reference in regards to the birthplace of the Messiah.  The first mention of the city itself is found in Genesis 35:19 where Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, died giving birth to Benjamin.    12 When:  At least two years before Jesus was born in 5 B.C. Where:  Persia What:  “Now after 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 has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’  Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared.  Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men” (Matt. 2:1, 2, 7, 16). Who:  Wise men Comment:  This marks the first occasion where Jesus was called the King of the Jews.  The final can be seen in John 19:19:  “Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” • On both occasions, an evil tyrant was involved: 1. First:  King Herod 2. Final:  Governor Pilate • The words were spoken at the first and written at the second. • Worship of the Savior was the theme of the first, while ridicule in regards to the second.   “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’  And they divided His garments and cast lots and the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.’  The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, ‘If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself’” (Luke 23:34-37).  13 When:  Fifteen months before the birth of Jesus in 5 B.C. Where:  Jerusalem temple What:  “But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.’ Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, ‘Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.’  Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth” (Luke 1:13, 24-26). Who:  Zacharias Comment:  This is the first of four divine “fear not” reassurances in regards to the incarnation story.  On each occasion it seems the angel Gabriel was involved: • To Zacharias, promising him and his barren wife Elisabeth a son (Lk. 1:13) • To Mary, announcing she had been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah (Lk. 1:30) • To Joseph, explaining to him the purity of his pregnant wife (Mt. 1:20) • To some frightened shepherds, announcing the birth of the Messiah (Lk. 2:10)  14 When:  Nine months before Jesus was born Where:  Nazareth What:  “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth” (Luke 1:26). Who:  Mary Comment:  In this extended passage (Lk. 1:26-38), Gabriel informs her of the following: • His revelation 1. That she was highly favored by God 2. That even though a virgin, she would give birth to a son 3. That His name would be Jesus 4. That He would be great, and known as the Son of the Most High 5. That He would be given a kingdom which would never end 6. That her aged cousin Elisabeth was already carrying a special child in her womb • Her response “Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her“ (Lk. 1:38).  15 When:  Eight months before the birth of Jesus Where:  A small village in Judea What:  “Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord’” (Luke 1:39-45). Who:  Mary and Elisabeth Comment:  Upon learning of Elisabeth’s condition Mary leaves Nazareth to visit her in an area near Jerusalem.    16 When:  Five months before the birth of Jesus Where:  Mary returns to Nazareth from her visit with Elisabeth What:  “And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house” (Luke 1:56). Who:  Mary  Comment:  However, for some unknown reason, upon arriving back in Nazareth, Mary does not tell Joseph concerning her pregnancy.  17 When:  Four months prior to Jesus’ birth Where:  Nazareth What:  “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.’  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:  ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’  Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS” (Matt. 1:18-25). Who: Joseph and Gabriel Comment:  Joseph arranged to make Mary his full, legal wife. Joseph must be considered by all  standards of measurement a truly just man, with the spiritual maturity of a David, Moses, or  Paul. In fact, the New Testament Joseph may be favorably compared to the Old Testament  Joseph. Both had fathers named Jacob.   18 When:  One month Where:  En route from Nazareth to Bethlehem What:  “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered” (Luke 2:1). Who:  Mary and Joseph Comment:  This records the third of four all-important journeys to Bethlehem, leading to the incarnation event: • First trip:  Involving Naomi and Ruth (Ruth 1:19) This resulted in Ruth meeting and marrying Boaz.  Thus, this couple would later become the great-grandparents of King David (Ruth 4:17-22). • Second trip:  Involving the prophet Samuel At God’s command he goes to Bethlehem and there is commanded to anoint a seventeen year old shepherd lad named David as future king of Israel (1 Sam. 16:11-13). • Third trip:  Involving Joseph and Mary • Fourth trip:  Involving the wise men (Matt. 2:1-6)  19 When:  Twenty-four hours prior to the birth of Jesus Where:  Bethlehem What:  “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Who:  Mary, Joseph, and the innkeeper  Comment:  Note especially the phrase, “ . . . there was no room for them in the inn.”  These words, perhaps as no others prompt us to ask in regards to the glorious incarnation story, “Have I made room for Him in my life?” Hymn writer, C. C. Williams, may have had this passage in mind when he composed the following lyrics:  Have You Any Room for Jesus? Have you any room for Jesus, He who bore your load of sin? As He knocks and asks admission, Sinners, will you let Him in? Refrain Room for Jesus, King of Glory! Hasten now His Word obey; Swing the heart’s door widely open, Bid Him enter while you may. Room for pleasure, room for business, But for Christ the Crucified, Not a place that He can enter, In the heart for which He died? Refrain Have you any room for Jesus, As in grace He calls again? O today is time accepted, Tomorrow you may call in vain. Refrain Room and time now give to Jesus, Soon will pass God’s day of grace; Soon thy heart left cold and silent, And thy Savior’s pleading cease. Refrain      

A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnation and Birth of Jesus Christ (Part B)

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A Timeline Countdown Leading to the Incarnation and Birth of Jesus Christ (Part A)

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