God's Sovereign Plan in the Birth of Christ: Sermon on Luke 2:1-7

Date: 29 March 2026 Preacher: Benedict Place: Trinity Baptist Church, Charlesworth, near Glossop Please Listen Below:

Luke 2:1-7

30:27

God’s Sovereign Plan in the Birth of Christ:

Sermon on Luke 2:1–7

Luke 2:1–7 shows God’s sovereign plan in the birth of Christ, as he used the decree of Caesar Augustus to fulfil prophecy and bring Jesus into the world. Though born in humility, Christ came as the true King to save his people and establish an eternal kingdom.

Introduction

In considering Luke 2:1–7, we shall first open up the passage as it appears on the surface, and then look deeper into the spiritual realities at work. We will examine the historical setting and circumstances of Christ’s birth, before moving to the deeper truths of fulfilment that reveal God’s sovereign hand and Christ’s kingly mission.

This passage follows on naturally from the events surrounding John the Baptist. You may find it helpful to listen to our earlier sermon, or read the blog post summary on Luke 1:57–80 explained, where we see how God prepares the way through John the Baptist before the coming of Christ.

Historical Setting and Circumstances

1. “In Those Days” - The Timing of Christ’s Birth

The time in which a person is born often shapes their opportunities and influence. History shows us that circumstances of birth can greatly affect a person’s future.

Jesus Christ was born “in those days” - the days of Caesar Augustus.

Humanly speaking, these were the worst possible conditions for the birth of a king who would liberate his people. The Roman Empire dominated the known world, and the Jewish nation was firmly under its control.

Caesar Augustus was no ordinary ruler:

• his empire stretched across vast territories, from India to Britain, including Egypt, Spain and some of Europe

• his authority was nearly absolute, being the first autocrat of the Roman Empire

• his commands were obeyed across continents

• he ushered in the Pax Romana, a 200-year long period of enforced peace

• he even gave himself the name, “Augustus” (venerable), and the title “Divi Filius” (son of a god)

  
  

When he issued a decree that “all the world should be registered,” it demonstrated his immense power. And yet, unknowingly, he was serving a far greater purpose.

Joseph and Mary, in obedience to this decree, travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem - a difficult journey of around 80–90 miles, especially for Mary, who was nearing childbirth.

From a human perspective, it appears that they are like two bits of flotsam being carried along by a sea of imperial power.

2. No Room at the Inn - The Humble Birth of the King

When they arrive in Bethlehem, there is no room for them. Whether due to overcrowding, social rejection, or suspicion surrounding their situation (Mary’s pregnancy when they are not yet married), they are left without proper lodging.

Instead, Jesus is born in a lowly setting and laid in a manger.

This is astonishing:

• the promised King is unnoticed

• the Saviour is unreceived

• the Lord of glory is laid in a feeding place for animals

  
  

As it is written:“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11).

Christ’s birth was marked not by honour, but by humility. Not by celebration among men, but by quiet obscurity.

And yet, this was no accident.

Deeper Spiritual Realities

1.      God Is in Control of Everything

Behind the decree of Caesar Augustus stands the sovereign will of God.

Long before these events, God had spoken through the prophet, and stated in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

This prophecy was given centuries before Rome rose to power, even before Augustus was conceived in his mother’s womb. And yet, God brought it to pass in his time and according to his sovereign power.

As the Scripture teaches:“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).

Caesar Augustus believed he was acting for his own purposes - administration, taxation, power. But in reality, he was an instrument in the hands of God, ensuring that Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem at exactly the right time.

We have already seen in Luke 1:57–80 explained how God was faithfully keeping his word in the birth of John the Baptist, and here again we see that same sovereign hand directing even the decrees of emperors.

This reminds us:

• earthly rulers do not have ultimate control

• God’s purposes cannot be thwarted

• every event unfolds according to his sovereign plan

  
  

What appears to be human power is, in truth, divine providence.

2.     Christ’s Birth is Indicative of His Life

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth are not incidental - they are indicative of his entire life and mission.

He was born in poverty, rejection and in humility. And it is through poverty, rejection and humiliation that he would conquer.

Unlike earthly kings, Christ would not win through armies or political power. Instead, he would triumph through suffering.

As Peter declares in Acts 2:22–23 that his death was according to the definite plan of God. And in verse 24, Peter states that his resurrection confirmed his victory.

Even the forces that opposed him - the hatred of men, the authority of Rome - were used by God to accomplish salvation.

Christ’s victory came through:

• obedience in suffering

• righteousness under trial

• death on the cross

  
  

As he himself said:“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).

This is the way of the King - and it is the way his people are called to follow.

We are reminded:“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

3.     The True King: Christ Compared with Earthly Rulers

Though Jesus was born in humility, his reign far surpasses that of any earthly ruler. We have seen already, in the study on Luke 1:26-33, The Long-Expected Saviour, that Jesus was to reign on the throne of his father David forever.

Daniel 2:44–45 prophesies a kingdom that will crush all others, that will stand forever and that will be established by God himself.

Consider the contrast:

• Caesar’s empire was vast - but temporary; Christ’s kingdom spans all nations and all time.

• Caesar ruled through force; but Jesus Christ shows greater power in conquering hearts willingly.

• Caesar died and his empire faded; Christ lives and reigns forever.  

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Where is the Roman Empire now? Gone.

Where is Christ’s kingdom? Growing, enduring, and eternal.

Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and one day all will stand before him, even mighty Caesar Augustus. Will he feel ‘August’ then?

Conclusion

In the days of Caesar Augustus, Jesus was born; and from the day Jesus was born, Jesus reigned.

Luke 2:1–7 is not merely a historical account - it is a declaration:

• God is sovereign over all rulers

• Christ came in humility to save

• Christ will rule as the ultimate and glorious King of a kingdom that shall be greater than any other kingdom or empire

The question remains:

Have you bowed before him?

See our previous studies in Luke: Luke 1:1-4: Confidence in the Truth Luke 1:5-17: Link Between the Old and the New Luke 1:18-25: Gabriel: Messenger of God  Luke 1:26-33: The Long-Expected Saviour  Luke 1:34-38: The Virgin Birth Luke 1:39-45: A Blessed Relation Luke 1:46-56: The Magnificat Luke 1:57-80 Explained: How God Restores Faith and Sends the Light of Christ  

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