Luke 2:15
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
When the angels had left them
This phrase marks a transition from the heavenly to the earthly. The angels, messengers of God, had delivered their divine announcement to the shepherds and now departed. The Greek word for "angels" is "ἄγγελοι" (angeloi), meaning messengers. This highlights the role of angels as intermediaries between God and humanity. The departure of the angels signifies the end of the divine revelation and the beginning of human action in response to God's message.

and gone into heaven
The phrase indicates the return of the angels to their celestial abode. "Heaven" in Greek is "οὐρανός" (ouranos), often understood as the dwelling place of God. This emphasizes the divine origin of the message and the authority of the angels as God's emissaries. The ascension of the angels back to heaven underscores the completion of their mission and the sacredness of the message delivered.

the shepherds said to one another
Here, the focus shifts to the shepherds, who are now the primary actors. The shepherds, humble and often marginalized figures in society, are chosen by God to receive the good news. This choice reflects God's preference for the lowly and the humble. The phrase "said to one another" indicates a communal response, suggesting that the message of Christ is meant to be shared and discussed within a community of believers.

Let us go to Bethlehem
The shepherds' decision to go to Bethlehem demonstrates their faith and obedience. Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew, is significant as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). This journey to Bethlehem symbolizes a pilgrimage of faith, a physical and spiritual movement towards the fulfillment of God's promise.

and see this thing that has happened
The shepherds express a desire to witness the fulfillment of the angelic message. The Greek word for "see" is "ἰδεῖν" (idein), which implies not just physical sight but also understanding and perception. This reflects the shepherds' eagerness to confirm and comprehend the reality of the divine event. Their response is an example of faith seeking understanding.

which the Lord has made known to us
This phrase acknowledges the divine source of the revelation. "The Lord" refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and initiative in revealing the birth of Christ. The Greek word for "made known" is "ἐγνώρισεν" (egnōrisen), indicating a revelation or disclosure. This underscores the grace of God in choosing to reveal His plans to humanity, particularly to those who are humble and receptive. The shepherds' recognition of God's revelation highlights their faith and the importance of divine initiative in the salvation narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Angels
Heavenly messengers who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Their departure signifies the end of the divine revelation and the beginning of human response.

2. Shepherds
Humble, everyday workers who were chosen to receive the angelic announcement. Their response to the message is immediate and faithful.

3. Bethlehem
The prophesied birthplace of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. It is significant as the City of David, linking Jesus to the Davidic line.

4. Heaven
The realm from which the angels came and to which they returned, symbolizing the divine origin of the message.

5. The Lord
Refers to God, who orchestrated the events and made the revelation known to the shepherds, emphasizing divine initiative in the incarnation.
Teaching Points
Immediate Obedience
The shepherds' response to the angelic message was immediate. We should also respond promptly to God's revelations and guidance in our lives.

Faith in Action
The shepherds acted on faith, going to see what the Lord had made known. Our faith should lead us to action, not just contemplation.

God's Revelation to the Humble
God chose humble shepherds to receive the first announcement of Jesus' birth, reminding us that God often reveals Himself to the humble and lowly.

Seeking Jesus
Like the shepherds, we are called to seek Jesus actively. Our spiritual journey should be one of continual seeking and finding Christ in our lives.

Witnessing to Others
After seeing Jesus, the shepherds spread the word. We are also called to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the shepherds' immediate decision to go to Bethlehem teach us about responding to God's call in our lives?

2. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth strengthen our faith in the reliability of Scripture?

3. In what ways can we, like the shepherds, actively seek Jesus in our daily lives?

4. How does the humility of the shepherds' status relate to Jesus' teachings about the kingdom of God?

5. What are some practical ways we can share the good news of Jesus with others, following the example of the shepherds?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Micah 5:2
Connects to the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Matthew 2:1-12
The visit of the Magi also points to the recognition of Jesus' birth, showing that both humble shepherds and wise men from afar were drawn to Jesus.

John 1:14
The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us is the central event the shepherds are invited to witness, emphasizing the incarnation.

Hebrews 13:20
Jesus as the "great Shepherd of the sheep" connects to the shepherds' role, symbolizing Jesus' future ministry and care for His people.
A Pilgrimage to BethlehemGeorge Burder.Luke 2:15
Bethlehem's WonderT. W.Luke 2:15
Faith Outliving its Special OccasionsF. D. Huntingdon, D. D.Luke 2:15
How Men Receive the Good News of GodCanon Vernon Hutton, M. A.Luke 2:15
Let Us Now Go Even unto BethlehemJ. R. Bailey.Luke 2:15
Quiet Thoughts, After High RevelationsJ. Puckle, M. A.Luke 2:15
Teaching from Christ's CradleArchdeacon Farrar.Luke 2:15
The Adoration of the ShepherdsS. D. Hillman, B. A.Luke 2:15
The Faith of the Shepherds, True FaithHatless.Luke 2:15
The Festival of ChristmasDean VaughanLuke 2:15
The First Pilgrims to the Stable of BethlehemJ. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D.Luke 2:15
The Shepherds as Patterns for ImitationAhlfeld.Luke 2:15
The Shepherds' Celebration of ChristmasArndt.Luke 2:15
The Significance of ChristmasC. Wadsworth, D. D.Luke 2:15
The Visit of the ShepherdsSermons for Boys and GirlsLuke 2:15
This ThingW. Manning.Luke 2:15
Which is Come to PassJ. R. Bailey.Luke 2:15
Which the Lord Hath Made Known to UsT. Mortimer, B. D.Luke 2:15
The Savior's Birth and Type Angel's SermonR.M. Edgar Luke 2:1-20
People
Anna, Aser, Asher, Augustus, Cyrenius, David, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Phanuel, Simeon
Places
Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth, Rome, Syria
Topics
Angels, Bethlehem, Beth-lehem, Clear, Departed, Heaven, Heavens, Indeed, Keepers, Let's, Messengers, Pass, Returned, Saying, Sheep, Shepherds, Sky, Straight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 2:15

     5840   eagerness

Luke 2:1-20

     2515   Christ, birth of

Luke 2:1-40

     5652   babies

Luke 2:4-16

     5099   Mary, mother of Christ

Luke 2:8-15

     4170   host of heaven

Luke 2:8-18

     5433   occupations

Luke 2:8-20

     4112   angels, messengers

Luke 2:15-16

     2312   Christ, as king

Library
December 25. "I Bring You Glad Tidings" (Luke ii. 10).
"I bring you glad tidings" (Luke ii. 10). A Christmas spirit should be a spirit of humanity. Beside that beautiful object lesson on the Manger, the Cradle, and the lowly little child, what Christian heart can ever wish to be proud? It is a spirit of joy. It is right that these should be glad tidings, for, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." It is a spirit of love. It should be the joy that comes from giving joy to others. The central fact of Christmas is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Was, Is, is to Come
'... The babe lying in a manger...'--LUKE ii. 16. '... While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven...'--LUKE xxiv. 51. 'This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go...'--ACTS I. 11. These three fragments, which I have ventured to isolate and bring together, are all found in one author's writings. Luke's biography of Jesus stretches from the cradle in Bethlehem to the Ascension from Olivet. He narrates the Ascension twice, because it has two
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Boy in the Temple
'And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me! wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?' --LUKE ii. 49. A number of spurious gospels have come down to us, which are full of stories, most of them absurd and some of them worse, about the infancy of Jesus Christ. Their puerilities bring out more distinctly the simplicity, the nobleness, the worthiness of this one solitary incident of His early days, which has been preserved for us. How has it been preserved? If you will look over
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Simeon's Swan-Song
'Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.'--LUKE ii. 29,30. That scene, when the old man took the Infant in his withered arms, is one of the most picturesque and striking in the Gospel narrative. Simeon's whole life appears, in its later years, to have been under the immediate direction of the Spirit of God. It is very remarkable to notice how, in the course of three consecutive verses, the operation of that divine Spirit
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Shepherds and Angels
'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

December the Nineteenth the Sun of Righteousness
"A light to lighten the Gentiles." --LUKE ii. 25-40. That was the wonder of wonders. Hitherto the light had been supposed to be for Israel alone; and now a heavenly splendour was to fall upon the Gentiles. Hitherto the light had been thought of as a lamp, illuming a single place; now it was to be a sun, shedding its glory upon a world. The "people that sat in darkness" are now to see "a great light." New regions are to be occupied; there is to be daybreak everywhere! "The Sun of Righteousness
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

December the Twenty-Fifth Christmas Cheer
"Good will toward men!" --LUKE ii. 8-20. The heavens are not filled with hostility. The sky does not express a frown. When I look up I do not contemplate a face of brass, but the face of infinite good will. Yet when I was a child, many a picture has made me think of God as suspicious, inhumanly watchful, always looking round the corner to catch me at the fall. That "eye," placed in the sky of many a picture, and placed there to represent God, filled my heart with a chilling fear. That God was
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Religious Joy.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."--Luke ii. 10, 11. There are two principal lessons which we are taught on the great Festival which we this day celebrate, lowliness and joy. This surely is a day, of all others, in which is set before us the heavenly excellence and the acceptableness in God's sight of that state which
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Joy Born at Bethlehem
In our text we have before us the sermon of the first evangelist under the gospel dispensation. The preacher was an angel, and it was meet it should be so, for the grandest and last of all evangels will be proclaimed by an angel when he shall sound the trumpet of the resurrection, and the children of the regeneration shall rise into the fullness of their joy. The key-note of this angelic gospel is joy--"I bring unto you good tidings of great joy." Nature fears in the presence of God--the shepherds
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Nunc Dimittis"
We shall note, this morning, first, that every believer may be assured of departing in peace; but that, secondly, some believers feel a special readiness to depart now: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace;" and, thirdly, that there are words of encouragement to produce in us the like readiness: "according to thy word." There are words of Holy Writ which afford richest consolation in prospect of departure. I. First, then, let us start with the great general principle, which is full of comfort;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ About his Father's Business
But now I shall invite your attention, first, to the spirit of the Saviour, as breathed in these words, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" and then, secondly, I shall exhort the children of God, with all the earnestness which I can command, with all the intensity of power which I can summon to the point, to labour after the same spirit, that they too may unfeignedly say, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? " I. First, then note THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST. It was
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The First Christmas Carol
Let us turn aside, having just thought of angels for a moment, to think rather of this song, than of the angels themselves. Their song was brief, but as Kitto excellently remarks, it was "well worthy of angels expressing the greatest and most blessed truths, in words so few, that they become to an acute apprehension, almost oppressive by the pregnant fulness of their meaning"--"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." We shall, hoping to be assisted by the Holy Spirit,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Christ's Boyhood
LUKE ii. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour both with God and man. I do not pretend to understand these words. I preach on them because the Church has appointed them for this day. And most fitly. At Christmas we think of our Lord's birth. What more reasonable, than that we should go on to think of our Lord's boyhood? To think of this aright, even if we do not altogether understand it, ought to help us to understand rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Christ Child (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapt him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Mother and child.--Think of it, my friends, on Christmas day. What more beautiful sight is there in the world? What more beautiful sight, and what more wonderful sight? What more beautiful? That man must be very far from the kingdom of God--he is not worthy to be called a man at all--whose heart has not been touched by the sight of his first child in its mother's bosom. The greatest
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Music (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 13, 14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. You have been just singing Christmas hymns; and my text speaks of the first Christmas hymn. Now what the words of that hymn meant; what Peace on earth and good-will towards man meant, I have often told you. To-day I want you, for once, to think of this--that it was a hymn; that these angels were singing, even as
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us
"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that thou sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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