This verse from Luke 2:16, "They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough," is a key part of the Nativity story and highlights several important aspects:
"They came with haste": This refers to the shepherds who were visited by angels and told about the birth of the Messiah. The phrase "with haste" emphasizes their excitement, urgency, and faith. They didn't hesitate or doubt, but immediately went to Bethlehem to see what the angels had proclaimed.
"Found both Mary and Joseph": This confirms the presence of Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, as central figures in the event. It highlights the family unit and their role in caring for the newborn Jesus. It also subtly contrasts with the grand pronouncements of the angels; the shepherds find a simple family, not a royal court.
"And the baby was lying in the feeding trough": The "feeding trough" (or manger) is significant. It was a container typically used to feed animals. This detail underscores the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. The King of Kings, the Messiah, was born not in a palace or even a comfortable room, but in a place associated with animals. It emphasizes the theme of humility, poverty, and God's identification with the lowly. It also potentially alludes to Jesus being the "bread of life" who will nourish the world.
In summary, the verse illustrates:
The shepherds' faith and obedience.
The simplicity and humility of Jesus' birth.
The fulfillment of the angelic proclamation.
The accessibility of Jesus to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.
The beginning of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The verse, though brief, is rich in meaning and reinforces the central message of the Nativity story: God's love and salvation are offered to all, regardless of their social standing or circumstances.
This verse from Luke 2:16, "They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough," is a key part of the Nativity story and highlights several important aspects:
"They came with haste": This refers to the shepherds who were visited by angels and told about the birth of the Messiah. The phrase "with haste" emphasizes their excitement, urgency, and faith. They didn't hesitate or doubt, but immediately went to Bethlehem to see what the angels had proclaimed.
"Found both Mary and Joseph": This confirms the presence of Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, as central figures in the event. It highlights the family unit and their role in caring for the newborn Jesus. It also subtly contrasts with the grand pronouncements of the angels; the shepherds find a simple family, not a royal court.
"And the baby was lying in the feeding trough": The "feeding trough" (or manger) is significant. It was a container typically used to feed animals. This detail underscores the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. The King of Kings, the Messiah, was born not in a palace or even a comfortable room, but in a place associated with animals. It emphasizes the theme of humility, poverty, and God's identification with the lowly. It also potentially alludes to Jesus being the "bread of life" who will nourish the world.
In summary, the verse illustrates:
The shepherds' faith and obedience.
The simplicity and humility of Jesus' birth.
The fulfillment of the angelic proclamation.
The accessibility of Jesus to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.
The beginning of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The verse, though brief, is rich in meaning and reinforces the central message of the Nativity story: God's love and salvation are offered to all, regardless of their social standing or circumstances.