When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Luke 2:15 (WEB)
The Shepherds’ Story
How remarkable could a shepherd’s story be?
Don’t forget, Jesus made the meek to inherit the earth.
Because the Christmas story has become so familiar to us, it is easy to miss rich treasures in God’s Word. That is one reason we should read the story over several days. Doing this during the Christmas season helps.
God touches each life personally in the wonderful story of Jesus.
This piece of the Christmas story illustrates the redeeming love of Jesus for all people who are spiritually poor.
If you read the shepherds’ story and focus solely on God’s message to them, you will gain new insights.
The plan of salvation unfolds.
They heard the message, believed, accepted the invitation to be saved, obeyed, humbled themselves, praised God, and shared with others.
…and the glory of the Lord shone around them…
Luke 2:9 (WEB)
Because the angel had been in God’s presence, His holy radiance surrounded not only the angel, but the shepherds.
Read a similar story in Exodus 34:29-35.
The angel tells them this great news—
“For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ[a] the Lord.”
Luke 2:11 (WEB)
Then the angel was joined by a heavenly host, referred to in scripture as heaven’s angel army.
They praised God, and the shepherds learned of God’s grace.
“Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:14 (WEB)
When the angels left, the shepherds immediately wanted to see their Messiah.
“Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Luke 2:15 (WEB)
Their Spirit-lead obedience helped them find their Savior.
Just imagine the joy of the shepherds when they saw the Savior.
This passage tells us,
But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 (WEB)
How kind, that God uses other believers to confirm what we already may know. The fellowship of believing hearts is comforting to us. Here is a link gotquestions.org1 for more insight into this passage.
The shepherds, filled with peace and great joy, wanted to share this Good News.
One of the commands for believers is to share the Gospel with others. Well, that is exactly what happened next.
When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.
Luke 2:17 & 18 (WEB)
God inhabits the praise of believers.
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.”
Luke 2:20 (WEB)
Simply, praising God is a powerful testimony of our salvation. The Presence of God was with the shepherds. Their redemption was sure.
Can you see the plan of salvation in this story?
The Gospel offered – Hearts receptive – Belief – Obedience Praise – The Peace of God because of grace.
God’s Presence in our lives helps us be sure of our salvation.
If you are not certain of your life in Christ, you can be.
There are resources below that can help. There’s nothing you have done that is too big for God’s grace.
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 