This verse from Luke 2:15 is a pivotal moment in the Nativity story, marking the transition from divine revelation to human action. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When the angels went away from them into the sky..." This signals the end of the shepherds' supernatural encounter. The extraordinary angelic announcement of Jesus' birth is over.
"...the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.'" This is the shepherds' response. It's important to understand the following:
"Let's go to Bethlehem, now..." This demonstrates immediate action. They aren't hesitant or doubtful. The angels' message has spurred them to action.
"...and see this thing that has happened..." They want to verify the truth of the angelic message. They want to witness with their own eyes the event the angels announced. They are not simply accepting the message passively.
"...which the Lord has made known to us." They recognize that this event is not merely a coincidence. They understand the birth of the baby Jesus is a direct revelation from God to them. This emphasizes God's initiative in revealing the Messiah's birth to humble shepherds.
In essence, the verse shows:
The Power of Divine Revelation: The angelic announcement had a profound impact on the shepherds.
Faith in Action: Their response wasn't just belief; it was a call to immediate action. They were compelled to go and see for themselves.
Humility and Grace: God chose to reveal the birth of the Messiah, not to the religious elite or powerful rulers, but to humble shepherds. This highlights God's grace and favor towards the marginalized.
Witness and Testimony: By going to Bethlehem and seeing the baby Jesus, the shepherds become early witnesses to the birth of the Messiah. They will later share their experience, spreading the news.
This verse is a powerful illustration of how faith, once awakened, leads to action and how even ordinary people can become part of God's extraordinary plan.
This verse from Luke 2:15 is a pivotal moment in the Nativity story, marking the transition from divine revelation to human action. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When the angels went away from them into the sky..." This signals the end of the shepherds' supernatural encounter. The extraordinary angelic announcement of Jesus' birth is over.
"...the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.'" This is the shepherds' response. It's important to understand the following:
"Let's go to Bethlehem, now..." This demonstrates immediate action. They aren't hesitant or doubtful. The angels' message has spurred them to action.
"...and see this thing that has happened..." They want to verify the truth of the angelic message. They want to witness with their own eyes the event the angels announced. They are not simply accepting the message passively.
"...which the Lord has made known to us." They recognize that this event is not merely a coincidence. They understand the birth of the baby Jesus is a direct revelation from God to them. This emphasizes God's initiative in revealing the Messiah's birth to humble shepherds.
In essence, the verse shows:
The Power of Divine Revelation: The angelic announcement had a profound impact on the shepherds.
Faith in Action: Their response wasn't just belief; it was a call to immediate action. They were compelled to go and see for themselves.
Humility and Grace: God chose to reveal the birth of the Messiah, not to the religious elite or powerful rulers, but to humble shepherds. This highlights God's grace and favor towards the marginalized.
Witness and Testimony: By going to Bethlehem and seeing the baby Jesus, the shepherds become early witnesses to the birth of the Messiah. They will later share their experience, spreading the news.
This verse is a powerful illustration of how faith, once awakened, leads to action and how even ordinary people can become part of God's extraordinary plan.