Luke 2:15-20 is about the shepherds witnessing the birth of Jesus and spreading the news about the Savior’s arrival, highlighting the joy and amazement that the humblest of people were chosen to bear witness to such a significant event in human history.
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Setting the Scene for Luke 2:15-20
In Luke chapter 2, we find the shepherds who were out in the fields near Bethlehem. These shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. The angel reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
After the angel’s proclamation, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The shepherds were amazed and decided to go to Bethlehem to see this miraculous event that the angels had told them about. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger, just as the angel had said. Overwhelmed with joy and wonder, the shepherds spread the word about what they had seen and heard, and all who heard it were amazed. The scene was filled with awe, humility, and the miraculous presence of God.
What is Luke 2:15-20 about?
Picture this: a serene night, bright stars twinkling, and suddenly, a group of humble shepherds receives the most extraordinary news of their lives. Can you imagine their amazement as angels appear, announcing the birth of Jesus, the Savior? These shepherds, often overlooked in society, were chosen to witness this miraculous event. How must they have felt, experiencing such a heavenly moment and being entrusted with such divine news? The shepherds’ hearts must have been bursting with joy and wonder as they made their way to see the newborn King. Imagine their awe as they laid eyes on baby Jesus, the embodiment of hope and salvation. Their simple visit became a powerful testimony as they shared the news with others, spreading the message of Christ’s birth far and wide. This verse reminds us that God often chooses the most ordinary people to play extraordinary roles in His divine plan. It teaches us that the birth of Jesus was not only a momentous event but also a message of hope and salvation for all.
Understanding what Luke 2:15-20 really means
The passage in Luke 2:15-20 captures the shepherds’ immediate and faithful response to the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. As the angels departed, the shepherds wasted no time in acting upon the divine revelation they had received. This departure marked the transition from heavenly proclamation to earthly action, mirroring the disciples’ call to action after Jesus ascended to heaven in Acts 1:9-11. Just as the disciples were entrusted with spreading the message of Christ, the shepherds were eager to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise in Bethlehem.
The shepherds’ decision to go to Bethlehem and see the newborn Jesus exemplifies their unwavering faith and eagerness to be part of God’s miraculous work. Their actions resonate with James 2:17, underscoring the inseparable link between faith and deeds. Upon finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the humble setting of a manger, the shepherds wasted no time in sharing the news of what they had witnessed. Their urgency reflects the importance of promptly responding to God’s revelations, akin to the women who hurried to spread news of Jesus’ resurrection in Matthew 28:8.
Having seen the infant Jesus, the shepherds became the first evangelists, spreading the word about the child as they had been told. Their testimony left those who heard it amazed, illustrating the profound impact personal witness can have on others. This echoes the Samaritan woman’s testimony in John 4:39, which led many to believe in Jesus. Meanwhile, Mary’s contemplative response to these events, treasuring and pondering them in her heart, offers a contrasting yet complementary perspective to the shepherds’ active proclamation. Her reflective stance highlights the value of internalizing and meditating on God’s work, as seen in Luke 2:51.
Upon their return, the shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had witnessed, affirming that encountering Jesus transforms everyday life into an act of worship. Their response mirrors the exhortation in Philippians 4:4 to rejoice in the Lord always. Today, this passage remains relevant as it challenges us to embody faith in action, share our personal testimonies to impact others, and cultivate a reflective faith like Mary’s. Just as the shepherds’ lives were forever changed by encountering Jesus, our lives too can be transformed by recognizing and sharing God’s work in our own experiences.
In our modern context, we can draw parallels to individuals who, like the shepherds, feel compelled to share their faith stories after encountering life-changing events. Their testimonies inspire faith and hope in their communities, echoing the shepherds’ role as heralds of good news. By heeding the call to action, sharing our faith boldly, and taking time to reflect on God’s work in our lives, we can embody the timeless lessons found in Luke 2:15-20. This passage serves as a beacon guiding us towards a life of active faith, impactful witness, and deep reflection on the wonders of God’s presence in our midst.
What does it mean to glorify and praise God?
To glorify and praise God means to acknowledge and honor His greatness, His goodness, and His sovereignty. It involves acknowledging His worthiness of all honor and admiration. The shepherds who witnessed the birth of Jesus show glorifying and praising God through their actions in Luke 2:15-20. They spread the word about what they had seen and heard, glorifying and praising God for the miraculous event they had witnessed.
Glorifying and praising God also involves expressing gratitude, awe, and adoration towards Him for His blessings and His presence in our lives. It is about acknowledging Him as the source of all good things and as the one who deserves all the credit and praise for His wondrous works. The shepherds glorified and praised God in this passage for the fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah and for the hope that Jesus’ birth brought to the world. Glorifying and praising God ultimately honor Him and magnify His name. It is about giving Him the highest place in our hearts and lives, and acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority and source of all things. The shepherds’ response in Luke 2:15-20 serves as an example of how we can glorify and praise God by acknowledging His power, His faithfulness, and His grace in our lives.
Application
Imagine you’ve just closed a big deal at work or seen your child take their first steps. You wouldn’t keep that excitement to yourself, would you? When the shepherds witnessed the birth of Jesus, their first action was to share the news and give thanks. We should do the same with God’s blessings in our lives. Speak up, share the message of salvation, and show gratitude. Will you tell others about the joy of Christ and reflect His glory in everything you do?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.