10. Shepherds visit Jesus
– Luke 2:8-20
Luke 2:8-10 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
The angels did not report Jesus’ birth to the rabbis and great men, but to the humble shepherds.. The flocks that the shepherds took care of were probably the lambs that would be used for sin sacrifices. The angels invited the shepherds to meet the Lamb of God who would take away all sins forever. God chose to share the news with plan and ordinary people who would be good witnesses. Jesus came to the earth to bring joy and Good News to all of us. He comes to anyone who has a heart humble enough to accept him.
Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Immediately, the angels started praising God. We can learn how to praise God by how the angels praised him. They began their praise by addressing how great God is. They gave honor to God who is the king of kings. Then, they praised God for what he had done. God brought peace to those who he finds favor. God brought peace to those who love and honor him. Because of Jesus’ atonement for our sins, we now have peace and union with God.
Luke 2:17-19 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Immediately, the shepherds spread the news about the Messiah and their encounter with the angels. Be like the shepherds and be eager to tell others about what God has shown to you. Because the shepherds shared their testimony, it gave Mary more reassurances that Jesus was the Messiah who would bring salvation to the earth. Don’t let the devil make you afraid of sharing your testimony. Don’t be afraid of how it may be received by those around you; some may receive it poorly but others will find encouragement.
