When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. Luke 2:17 NABRE
At the birth of Jesus angels go into the hillside and announce the news to the shepherds keeping night watch over their flock. The angels bring them good news of great joy for all people, a savior is born for them who is the Messiah and Lord. They tell the shepherds they will see a sign, an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. At the angels departure the shepherds go in haste and find Mary and Joseph with the infant lying in a manger. At seeing the sign they were expecting they announce the message given to them by the angels and all who heard were amazed. Being a shepherd is a lowly position at the time of Jesus, generally the smallest in a family is given the job because they cannot do anything more significant. At Jesus’ incarnation the stature of shepherd’s is elevated; first by the birth announcement to only them and secondly, through Jesus’ ministry of declaring Himself shepherd. The Messiah comes to be a shepherd of the flock, keeping a watchful eye and saving the flock when it needs it.
In another way these first shepherds are important because they are bringing a message, announcing the good news and the joy the angels expressed to them. All people will hear from them and know the Messiah is present and living in a manager. To be an apostle of Jesus, one should be sent (the meaning of apostle) and they must know Jesus. In many ways these first shepherds are apostles, sent to bring a message after meeting Jesus. Jesus sends many while He lives and even more after He returns to the Father. Today there are apostles on a mission for Jesus, we should never limit this word to twelve men who formed Jesus’ inner circle.
Have you encountered Jesus? Have you been sent with a message by Jesus?
Jesus sends many while He lives and even more after He returns to the Father. Today there are apostles on a mission for Jesus, we should never limit this word to twelve men who formed Jesus' inner circle. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #shepherd #sent #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways