Week 2 - Receiving the King
by Mike Bennet
“Behold!”...”keep watch!” This is one of the most common commands in scripture and one of the major themes of Jesus’ teaching. God’s kingdom it seems comes to those who watch and wait. These shepherds were perhaps only good at watching and waiting... that was their daily job after all, and perhaps they were not qualified for other more important jobs in their first-century world. Jesus' coming to first century Palestine was all about seeking who were the true sheep of God's pasture - who was watching and waiting for him. Those simple shepherds received him simply. They didn't have preconceived notions of who or what the Messiah was supposed to be. “What, a baby? Let's go to Bethlehem and see...let's go and tell", was their response. Shepherds watching for sheep ended up seeing God's shepherd come.
Our Lord came into such humble circumstances, quietly announcing his humble kingdom. No pomp, no reputation, no power, just a baby. “Come and see” was his invitation. He snuck in almost, only seen by those truly watching and waiting - and what a light show they saw in that night sky as God’s angels broke in with the news! Even later when Jesus made himself more fully known, only those watching and waiting for God’s kingdom could truly recognize him for who he really was. Jesus’ disciples continually got it wrong. Political and religious leaders mistook his identity. But the simple, the sinners, the seemingly far off from God got it! Those who were told, like those shepherds, came near to see Jesus with their eyes and then went out praising God and telling others. God has credibly announced his coming within world history.
Do we have eyes to see and hearts that will receive him on his terms this Christmas? Will we announce his coming to others willing to listen?