“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”– Luke 2:17 (KJV)
“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.”– Luke 2:17 (NLT)
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.”– Luke 2:17 (MSG)
What Does Luke 2:17 Mean?
Luke 2:17 captures a moment of profound significance in the Christmas narrative, where the shepherds, having visited the newborn Jesus, eagerly share the incredible news surrounding His birth. This verse illustrates a pivotal moment of joy and excitement as those humble shepherds burst forth to share the miraculous event they have witnessed. It’s a moment that reflects the essence of Christmas and the spirit of sharing good news.
In understanding what Luke 2:17 means, we should consider the context of the shepherds in biblical culture. Shepherds were not generally esteemed, often seen as lowly and marginalized in society. Yet, they are the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth, showcasing that God’s message and blessing are available to everyone, regardless of social status. It also reminds us that faith and understanding come not from societal standings but from experiencing God’s love and presence.
Luke 2:17 Explanation and Commentary
This verse speaks volumes about the excitement and urgency that accompanied the shepherds after they had encountered the newborn Savior. They didn’t keep this incredible experience to themselves. Instead, driven by the awe of what they had seen and heard, they made known the good news to all who would listen. Their proclamation signifies the role of believers in sharing the gospel, reflecting the message that Jesus came to save and that His arrival is indeed worthy of celebration.
Also interesting is how the shepherds respond to their angelic encounter. Initially, they were terrified when the angel appeared, as we read in earlier verses. However, upon receiving the announcement of great joy, they become transformed from frightened individuals into joyful messengers. This transformation is key. Each of us can relate to moments in our lives where we’ve received news that changed our outlook entirely. We are likely not only to cherish that news ourselves but also to want to share it with others. Jesus, born in a manger, is the good news that began with the shepherds and continues to spread today.
In sharing the message about Jesus, we are called to step out in faith. Like the shepherds, we may feel inadequate or unworthy. Yet, our calling is to illustrate the radical love Jesus showed us through our words and actions. The shepherds serve as a reminder that God’s love isn’t reserved for the elite or the religiously educated. It is meant to be shared amongst all people, including those often overlooked.
Ultimately, Luke 2:17 invites us into the narrative of Christmas. It urges us to consider not just the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also the imperative to share that joy. Jesus is our Savior who is deserving of our love and proclamation. Sharing our faith, much like the shepherds, is heralding the good news. With each story, each testimony, we participate in the ongoing proclamation of the gospel.
Context of Luke 2:17
To fully grasp the meaning of Luke 2:17, we must look at it within the larger context of the Gospel of Luke and the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. The book of Luke gives a detailed account of the nativity story, showcasing how God’s plan came to fruition through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Prior to this verse, we discover the angelic announcement to the shepherds, where the angels proclaim peace on Earth and goodwill toward men. This divine pronouncement is a significant reminder of God’s intention to reconcile humanity unto Himself through Jesus. It’s also essential to note that the shepherds were located in Bethlehem, near where Jesus was born, adding a geographical importance to their calling to witness and share the good news.
Furthermore, the message in Luke 2:17 falls in line with prophetic scriptures that highlight the mission of Jesus and the joy that His birth brings to all who will receive Him. Prophecies from Isaiah and other Old Testament writings serve as a foundation for the expectations of a messiah, and these prophecies are fulfilled through Jesus’ arrival, showing that all creation rejoices in His coming.
The shepherds’ responses also offer a contrast to other biblical characters. For instance, while Herod plans to eliminate the threat of this newborn king, the shepherds embrace their role as messengers in spreading this joyous news. This contrast helps us understand the different reactions to Jesus’ birth, reflecting how we too respond to the message of Christ today.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 2:17
Examining Luke 2:17 closely, we can break it down into several key parts that illuminate its meaning and significance. The first part focuses on “they had seen him.” This reference emphasizes that the shepherds were witnesses to the miraculous sight of the baby Jesus—God incarnate wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Their personal experience is foundational to the good news they share.
The next element introduces the phrase “they made known.” This emphasizes the act of proclamation. In witnessing Jesus, the shepherds felt compelled to share what they had encountered. The act of proclaiming the good news is an essential theme throughout the New Testament. Every believer is called to share their faith and experiences as a natural outpouring of having received the love of Christ.
Following this, “the saying which was told them” reminds us of the role of divine revelation in our understanding of Jesus. The message they received was delivered by the angels. It wasn’t their own ideas that they shared; rather, they carried the message of God to others. Just as the shepherds were entrusted with the angels’ message, we too are entrusted to carry forward the message of hope and redemption in our lives and communities.
In conclusion, Luke 2:17 serves as a powerful reminder of our duty as Christians to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. By performing this mission, we honor the shepherds’ example that began over two thousand years ago. Let us be inspired by their story and motivated to spread the same joy of the Savior that they did.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 2:17
As we reflect on Luke 2:17, a myriad of lessons arise that are applicable to our lives as individuals and as a community of believers. Firstly, we learn about the importance of sharing our faith. The shepherds felt an overwhelming urge to tell others about what they had seen and heard, reminding us that sharing our own experiences of faith can inspire and encourage those around us. This act of sharing should come naturally as we embrace the joy that comes from knowing Christ.
Moreover, we see that God often does the unexpected. He chose to reveal Himself first to lowly shepherds instead of kings or priests. This gives us confidence that no one is beyond God’s reach. It teaches us that anyone, regardless of their background, can receive the message of the gospel. We should be a welcoming community that embraces everyone, just as God does.
Another significant lesson is found in the excitement of witnessing God’s work. In doing so, we should cultivate a spirit of expectation in our lives. Just as the shepherds did not hide their enthusiasm, we too should express our joy authentically. Whether through worship, acts of kindness, or sharing our testimonies, our excitement about our relationship with Christ can truly influence others.
Finally, embracing our role as messengers of peace in a chaotic world is vital. Alienation and division are rampant in society today. As followers of Christ, we possess the ability to bring hope and reconciliation. With each story we tell of God’s goodness, we contribute to a movement that uplifts the weary and reminds humanity of God’s love. Let us be committed to this mission to spread good news, especially in times of fear and uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Luke 2:17 is much more than a simple recounting of shepherds sharing news about Jesus. It is a profound call to action for us as believers. The excitement and urgency in this verse urge each of us to be bold in our faith as we share the gospel with others. We find joy in proclaiming the love of Christ, experienced and witnessed by the shepherds, to the world around us.
As we approach this season of celebrating Christ’s birth, let’s remember the shepherds and their incredible example. Let’s recommit ourselves to sharing the good news tirelessly, embodying the spirit of joy that comes from knowing Jesus. If you wish to explore other biblical stories, we invite you to check out additional topics such as Matthew 11 or Genesis 18:6. Our faith journey is enriched by understanding the Word of God more deeply, creating an ever-growing community centered around Christ’s message.