Introduction:
Paul Harvey, a famous broadcaster, was known for his series titled “The Rest of the Story.” Today, we’ve all heard the Christmas story, but let’s take a look at the rest of the story as it relates to Jesus Christ.
"The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
Luke 9:22
1. His Miraculous Birth
A. He Was Born Low
- Jesus was given the title “Son of Man,” a term emphasizing both His humility and His divine mission.
- Daniel 7:13:“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.”
B. A Promised Birth
- Prophecies foretold His miraculous coming:“A virgin shall conceive” (Isaiah 7:14).
C. A Precious Birth
- His birth brought hope and peace to the world.
- Luke 2:14:“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
D. A Peace-Bringing Birth
- His arrival ushered in the promise of peace on earth to those who trust Him.
2. His Magnificent Life
A. He Lived Low
- Jesus humbled Himself throughout His life.
- Luke 9:58:“The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
B. He Performed Miracles
- Acts 10:38:“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
C. He Cared for People
- He showed compassion to all who were in need.
- He wept for those in sorrow and had a heart for the lost.
D. He Converted People
- He transformed the lives of many:
- Tax collectors like Zacchaeus
- Fishermen like Peter, James, and John
- Rebels and outcasts
E. He Was Rejected
- As Luke 9:22 states, He was rejected by the leaders and many people of His time.
- Application: Have you accepted or rejected Jesus? He offers love and forgiveness to all who come to Him.
3. His Meaningful Death
A. He Died Low
- Betrayed by one of His own disciples.
- John 19:4:“I find no fault in him.”
- You will never find fault in Jesus—He is sinless.
B. He Was Beaten and Buried
- He suffered and died for the sins of the world, enduring unimaginable pain and humiliation.
4. His Mighty Resurrection
A. He Lives on High
- Luke 24:6:“He is not here, but is risen.”
- His resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. It’s how we know He lives today.
B. He Lives Within Our Hearts
- The hymn asks, “You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.”
5. His Momentous Return
A. He Will Return
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
B. A Time of Joy
Conclusion:
The only way to have true joy, peace, and eternal life is through Jesus Christ. Salvation isn’t about a place; it’s about a person. Jesus is calling you today. Will you come to Him?
