Scripture to Read: Luke 2:17-18
After going and witnessing the arrival of Jesus, the shepherds could not help but share the news with others, “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). The shepherds did not merely share with people that a baby had been born. They made known to everyone everything the angel of the Lord had made known to them. What the angel of the Lord told concerning the identity of Christ, the shepherds believed, evidenced by their sharing this same Good News. Jesus was the promised Messiah who was sent from heaven to save the human race from our sin. What the shepherds shared led to a response from the people, “And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them” (Luke 2:18). Hearing the news that the Savior they had been waiting for had been born and in such a humbling set of circumstances, it was no surprise the people wondered at what the shepherds shared. Jesus was and is the Savior the world needed and still needs. From the beginning, God had set forth this plan to rescue and save His people (Genesis 3:15). We, today, still deal with people who question whether Jesus really is the only hope for salvation. Seeing the shepherds’ response should spur us on to share who Jesus is so people can hear about the Good News of great joy and have the opportunity to respond. As people cross your path, do not fear, but share the hope you have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
Challenge & Application
1. What would you share about the identity of Jesus to someone who is lost and needs the Gospel?
2. How can you prepare yourself to share about Christ with your friends and family?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!