Luke 2:17-20 is about the shepherds spreading the news of the miraculous birth of Jesus, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
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 2:17-20
In Luke chapter 2, we find the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock by night. These shepherds were ordinary men, likely tired from a long day’s work, surrounded by the quiet darkness of the night. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, illuminating the darkness with a heavenly light. The shepherds were filled with fear and awe at the sight before them.
The angel brought them good news of great joy – the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, in the town of Bethlehem. The shepherds were told to go and find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Overwhelmed by this divine message, the shepherds decided to go and see this miraculous event for themselves. As they made their way to Bethlehem, their hearts were filled with anticipation and wonder at the incredible news they had received.
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angel had described. They shared with Mary and Joseph what they had been told about the child, and all who heard it were amazed. The shepherds then returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard. The scene was one of humble shepherds encountering the extraordinary in the most unexpected of places, a moment that would be forever etched in their hearts and in the annals of biblical history.
What is Luke 2:17-20 about?
How beautiful is it that the shepherds, who were often considered lowly and marginalized in society, were the ones chosen to spread the news of the birth of the Savior? This verse highlights the idea that the message of Jesus’ birth and the salvation he brings is for everyone, regardless of their social status or background. It shows us that God’s love and grace are available to all, and that no one is too insignificant to be a messenger of His good news.
Imagine the joy and excitement that the shepherds must have felt as they shared the news of Jesus’ birth with others. Their praise and adoration for God reflect the overwhelming gratitude and awe that we should all feel when we contemplate the miracle of Christ’s coming into the world. This verse serves as a reminder that we, too, are called to spread the message of Jesus’ love and salvation to those around us, just as the shepherds did on that holy night. Let us boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in our own lives, inspired by their example.
Understanding what Luke 2:17-20 really means
The verses in Luke 2:17-20 capture the immediate aftermath of the shepherds’ encounter with the newborn Jesus. These shepherds, upon seeing the fulfillment of the angel’s message, became the first evangelists, eagerly spreading the news of Jesus’ birth. Their actions mirror the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs his disciples to share the gospel with all nations. The impact of their message was profound, as those who heard it were amazed, echoing instances in the Bible where people were astonished by the words and deeds of Jesus and his followers.
Mary’s response to these events is equally significant. She treasured and pondered all that was happening, showing a deep reflection on the significance of God’s work in her life. This introspective attitude is reminiscent of Mary’s contemplation upon the angel’s greeting in Luke 1:29 and her later reflection on finding Jesus in the temple in Luke 2:51. The shepherds, on the other hand, returned from their encounter with Jesus glorifying and praising God, a response that aligns with the call to declare God’s glory among the nations in Psalm 96:3 and the exhortation to rejoice in the Lord always in Philippians 4:4.
The relevance of these verses to believers today is profound. They serve as a reminder of the importance of evangelism, encouraging us to share our faith and the good news of Jesus with others. Additionally, they underscore the value of reflection and introspection, urging us to ponder and treasure the ways in which God is at work in our lives. Ultimately, these verses inspire a response of worship and praise for God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Reflecting on these passages, consider a personal anecdote where you experienced something miraculous or deeply moving, prompting you to share it with others. Just as the shepherds couldn’t contain their joy and had to spread the news of Jesus’ birth, we too should feel compelled to share our experiences of God’s work in our lives. Let the phrase “spread the word” remind you of the importance of sharing the gospel and your personal testimonies, while “treasured up all these things” emphasizes the value of reflecting on and cherishing God’s actions and promises.
In conclusion, let us be like the shepherds—bold witnesses, eager sharers of the gospel, reflective ponderers of God’s work, and joyful worshippers of His faithfulness. May we pray for the courage to share the good news, a heart that treasures God’s work, and a spirit of continual worship and gratitude for all He has done in our lives.
How do we respond to experiencing God’s miracles?
When we experience God’s miracles, our natural response should be to share the good news with others. We should eagerly testify to the world about the wonders God has done in our lives, just as the shepherds in Luke 2 immediately spread the word about the miraculous events they had witnessed. Our testimony has the power to inspire faith and hope in others, drawing them closer to God.
Additionally, like Mary in this passage, we should take time to treasure and ponder the miraculous works of God in our hearts. Reflecting on God’s interventions in our lives can deepen our faith and help us to recognize His hand at work in all aspects of our journey. It is important to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and awe, acknowledging God’s power and presence with humility and reverence. We are called to respond with gratitude, praise, and proclamation as we witness God’s miracles and experience His divine interventions. We can grow in our relationship with God and encourage others to seek His transformative power in their lives by sharing our stories of faith and reflecting on the significance of His works.
Application
Just as the shepherds couldn’t contain their excitement after witnessing something extraordinary, let’s also spread the good word of Christ to all we encounter. Embrace the role of a modern-day shepherd, shining the light of Christ in a world that craves hope and love. Let’s ignite hearts with the same fervor and enthusiasm for sharing the message of redemption and grace. Will you join in this sacred mission and help illuminate the path for those searching for spiritual fulfillment?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.