Download The History behind His Story

Luke 2:1-3; 3:1-4 The History behind His Story
Intro- History is about His Story. The story of God’s working among men and bringing His Son into the world
for the Salvation of mankind. As Christians we have learned His Story, but we seldom see how History is a
background against which the story of Jesus Christ is played out. Galatians 4:4 “But when the fulness of the
time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”
1. TWO MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE HISTORY OF HIS STORY
Caesar Augustus was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus on 23rd of September, 63 BC, in Velletri, Italy,
about 20 miles from Rome. His father was a senator of Rome, but died when Octavius was 4 years old. His
mother was Atai was Caesar’s niece; He was raised by his mother and grandmother, Julia Ceasaris, the sister
of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar ruled for 5 years in Rome. He was pronounced the supreme leader of Rome
and laid claim to deity and worthy of worship.
When Julius Caesar was assassinated, The 17 year old Gaius Octavius was in the modern Albania in a
campaign for his great uncle. Upon his trip back to Rome, he learned that he had been adopted by his great
uncle, Julius Caesar, and was the sole beneficiary of his Will. At eighteen, his name was changed to Caesar
Augustus, the august, or exalted one. Like Julius, he had a month of the Julian calendar changed to his name:
August, as Julius had a month named July.
Caesar Augustus never claimed any form of deity, nor did he call himself the Emperor. He doubled the size of
the Roman Empire through a show of military might and diplomacy. His would set up the peace that would
rule Rome for 200 years. Ruling from Britain to India, he would be Rome’s most powerful Caesar. He set up
the Praetorian Guard, the Roman postal service, built many temples, many roads, aqua ducts, and a police and
fire department with over 3,500 men employed. He developed Rome and the empire by a series of census and
taxation on all territories outside of Rome.
He was the Caesar that set forth the decree that all the world (Under Roman Rule), would be taxed. He
passed away at 14 AD. Then fifteen years later, after Tiberius Caesar had ruled for 15 years, Jesus would come
to Jordan to be baptized of John the Baptist and begin his three and a half year ministry before going to the
cross.
This is the Story behind HIS STORY. Now here are some lessons to learn by this:
1. Even Great men are but players on the stage set by God
Psalms 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them
among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he
hath set the world upon them.
2 Chronicles 36:22,23 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the
mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made
a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia,
All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an
house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with
him, and let him go up.
2. All of us are here to carry out God’s plan and purpose for our lives, and to bring Him Glory. (Even
those who are not aware of their part) Jeremiah 27:6 And now have I given all these lands into the hand
of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve
him.
Daniel 2:20,21 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and
might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth
wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding
3. Augustus was used to get Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem.
Augustus was used to bring one language to the known world for the Gospel to be shared in one language,
GREEK.
Augustus was used to build roads so that the Gospel could travel throughout the known world.
4. ARE you aware that while History is marching on, God wants you to be a part of His Story. The Story
of Jesus Christ, by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the Salvation He purchased for us!