Luke 2:8-9 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. He is a type of what gospel-preaching should be. 1. His message is good news. The gospel not a threat nor a law, but news of salvation. 2. To all the people — not merely to an elect few. To all classes — not merely to the intelligent and refined. 3. The cause of this joy proclaimed is the advent of Christ, i.e., the Messiah, the Anointed One, the great High Priest who makes atonement for the past sins of His people; a Saviour because He saves His people from their sins themselves. 4. The attestation of His Divinity (ver. 12). The evidence of His Divinity is His love — the fact that He is placed under all the limitations of humanity (see Philippians 2:5-8). 5. Notice also the first approach of the Divine message always produces fear in the heart (ver. 9), and the message of the gospel to the affrighted heart is ever the same, "Fear not." 6. The convert becomes at once a preacher to others (ver. 17). 7. The shepherds publish. Mary ponders. Both the active and the meditative temperament have a place in the Church of Christ. (Lyman Abbott, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. |
    |