Communauté et discipulat

The Christmas Story According to the Shepherds (Luke 2:8~20)

2016.12.18Stephen Cha

Jesus, born as Savior and Lord, came first for the overlooked shepherds. God calls us to fear not, to respond in faith as they did, and to tell others that Jesus came for them too.

God chose the overlooked shepherds first

Shepherds were among the lowest people of their day. They were often despised and mistrusted, and their testimony was not trusted in court. Yet the first announcement of Jesus' birth was made to them. The sermon compares this to how we first share big news with those who are dear and near to us. God considered them important, and the same is true for us: Jesus came for you and for me.

Fear not, for the good news is great joy (10-11)

The angel's first words were fear not, and the sermon says this is the message of Christmas. Human beings fear guilt, judgment, and death. Hebrews 2 tells us Jesus shared in our humanity to destroy the one who holds the power of death and free those held in lifelong bondage to fear. Because of his death, there is no condemnation for those who stand before God. Fear is replaced with joy.

The sign of a baby in a manger is the Lord himself (12)

The shepherds were given a sign: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Many newborns may have been in Bethlehem, but this one was the Savior, Christ the Lord. The preacher reminds us that the sleeping baby is the mystery of incarnation, the eternal and sovereign God who became a baby for us. This is the one the Old Testament speaks about. We are invited to bow before him and worship him.

Peace through the true King, not Caesar's power (13-14)

The heavenly host praised God, saying glory to God in the highest and peace among those with whom he is pleased. The sermon contrasts this with Caesar Augustus, who claimed to bring peace to the world by force, declared his adopted father divine, and called himself savior and lord. The newborn king does not force peace. Through his life, death, and the life he gives from within, his kingdom will reign forever.

The shepherds responded in faith and went at once (15-16)

When the angels left, the shepherds said to one another, let us go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has made known. They went with haste and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the manger. The sermon points out that they could have made excuses, but they said yes and obeyed. When we say yes to God's prompting, we receive testimony of God at work, and we are invited to do the same.

Share the good news so others are strengthened (17-20)

After seeing the baby, the shepherds told others what they had heard, and everyone who heard was amazed. Mary treasured these things in her heart, and the shepherds encouraged and confirmed Mary and Joseph, who had left everything to follow God. Returning home, they glorified and praised God, and in a sense became like angels to others. The sermon urges us to be like these shepherds by telling others what Jesus has done in our lives.

Apply to Life

  • Let us not fear, because Jesus has freed us from guilt, judgment, and death.
  • Let us say yes when the Lord prompts us, even when it costs us something.
  • Let us pray for one or two people God has placed in our lives and invite them to know Jesus.
  • Let us marvel at, adore, and worship Jesus as the Savior, Lord, and King of kings.
  • Let us tell others that Jesus came into our lives and changed them.

This summary was made automatically from the sermon's captions and may differ from the sermon.

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