God's preparation complete

So God’s preparation of the world, after 2,000 years, was complete and everything was ready for him to become a human being.  There was peace in every part; travelling was easy and nearly everyone spoke the same language.  In many different places there lived groups of Jews who had learnt much about God from the Old Testament and they, with thousands of others, were waiting for a Saviour to come.

Later we shall see what kind of a welcome the Saviour actually had when he did come.

SUMMARY

1. When Jesus was born, God’s preparation of the world was complete.

2. Under Roman rule the world was at peace, travelling was easy and safe, there were no frontier restrictions and nearly everyone spoke the same language, Greek.

3. Jews, with their knowledge of the true God, lived in many different parts and were waiting for God to send them a Great King and Deliverer whom they called the Anointed One (the Messiah or Christ).