April 7, 2019

The Shepherd’s Story Luke 2: 8-20

1. The Presence in the Shepherd Story


8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 
9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. Luke 2:8-9 (ESV)

These were probably nomadic shepherdswho were disconnected from the community for long periods. 

2. The Proclamation in the Shepherd Story
10  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Luke 2:10 (ESV)

The purpose of the angelic visit is to bring good news, so one could say that this was the gospel according to the angel.

3. The Person in the Shepherd Story
11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”Luke 2:11-12 (ESV)

Jesus would be called Savior, for He would deliverHis people from their sin.

21  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

4. The Praise in the Shepherd Story
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)

The Jewish word (shalom) for peacemeans much more than truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness.

7  when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 

Job 38:7 (ESV)

20  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:20 (ESV)

5. The Pursuit in the Shepherd Story

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. Luke 2:15-20 (ESV)

Halford Luccock called the Shepherds trip to Bethlehem “the first Christmas Rush”