Soon, John the Baptizer identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world…. the Son of God” (John 1:29, 34). Indeed, an angel had announced Jesus’ birth with these words:
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
To whom did the angel speak? To a royal court or to a governing council? No. The angel made God’s announcement to lowly shepherds on night duty. Following the angel’s instructions, the shepherds visited the baby King. Was He in a palace? No, His bed was a trough for feeding animals. His parents, though descendants of King David, were poor (Luke 2:22-24 cf. Leviticus 2:8). He grew up in a despised village, Nazareth (John 1:45-46). He became a woodworker (Mark 6:3). His public service lasted about three years, beginning at age thirty (Luke 3:23). As a roving teacher, He had “nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58). He chose twelve ordinary men and trained them as His “apostles” to carry His message to others (Mark 3:14). He also announced the arrival of God’s kingdom, showing it to be the focus of God’s preparations in history.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son… (Galatians 4:4).