DECEMBER 20 IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME By Tom Davis Distinguished Professor, Word of Life Bible Institute
But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son. (Galatians 4:4)
God chose a specific time and place for the birth of the Savior! Here are some of the items God prepared:
1. An adequate lapse of time for the Law of Moses to be fully appreciated by the Jewish people and to demonstrate that mankind is not able to obey such a Law in our own strength. 2. A certain number of humans living on the earth (about 300 million with about 3 million of these being Jewish). 3. The development of the Greek language with very precise means of explaining abstract concepts and its spread by Alexander the Great’s conquests so it became the accepted language of international communication, even under the Roman Empire. 4. A certain degree of sophistication in technology for the speedy spread of good news (The “peace” established by Roman conquest and the amazing road and postal system they established.). 5. A political situation that allowed for unfettered international travel. 6. The first sophisticated taxation census in Roman history to move Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. 7. Crucifixion (a death that involves the “piercing” mentioned in Old Testament prophecies) as the means of execution.
Under Roman law, the Jewish court did not have the authority to execute Jesus. If they did, the Jewish mode of execution was by stoning.
“In the fullness of the time” God had His Son die a bloody death by being “pierced” (Zechariah 12:10) and being “lifted up” (John 3:14) to pay for the sins of all humanity. His resurrection then affirmed God’s acceptance of this substitutionary sacrifice.
This continues to be the “reason for the season” 2025 years after Christ was born!
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