CRADLE AND CROSS - Comparisons and Contrasts

Matthew 2:1-12

Introduction:

1. For weeks a 6-year-old boy kept telling his 1st grade teacher about the baby brother or sister that was expected at his house. One day the mother let the boy feel her stomach while the baby was kicking & moving around inside. The boy was obviously impressed, but he didn't say a word. And on top of this, the boy stopped telling his teacher about the approaching event. The teacher finally sat the boy down on her lap & said, "Tommy, whatever happened to that little brother or sister you were expecting at home?" Tommy burst into tears & confessed, "I think mommy ate it."

2. Today I want to focus on the cradle (birth) and cross (death) of Jesus.

3. There are some parallels and contrasts in the event of Christ's birth and death.

Human Weakness

1. Cradle – The newborn infant is totally dependent on others for survival.

2. Cross – Jesus demonstrated His humanity – He died.

3. From the cradle he grew in strength – Luke 2:52

4. On the cross Jesus was also in need of strength.

Reaction to Jesus

1. Cradle – all Jerusalem, Herod were troubled.

   1. Paradox – cruel tyrant – Herod – afraid of a baby

   2. Just his own paranoia

2. Cross – Another Herod and all Jerusalem are afraid

   1. Herod wants this man to stay dead – guards the tomb

   2. Here is a man nailed to a cross – and all are afraid of him

3. At both events – some bow in worship, others turn, reject, and persecute

Miracles in Heaven

1. Cradle – Virgin Birth, host of angels sing

2. Cross – Tombs opened, many raised from dead walked into the city

Solar System

1. Cradle – star over Bethlehem brings LIGHT

2. Cross – sun goes down at noon – brings DARKNESS - Earthquake

3. There is light when he is born and darkness when he dies.

Gentiles

1. Among the first recorded visitors – Gentile wise men from Persia

2. On the cross a Gentile soldier – Surely He was the Son of God. Matthew 27:54

Contrasts

1. Cradle – Leaves Heaven, comes to earthquake

2. Cross – Leaves earth, goes to heaven
   
    

3. Cradle – The Eternal is made mortal

4. Cross – The mortal is made eternal
   
    

5. Cradle – Jesus left home to come to earth

6. Cross – We can leave earth to go home

Gifts

1. Cradle – men bring gifts to Jesus

2. Cross – Jesus brings the gift of eternal life to all men (Romans 6:23)