Pastor How to Read LukeSample

Please read the Gospel of Luke 2:8-14.

Shepherds – Think about it!

Of all the people the angel could have appeared to – politicians, soldiers, rich people, teachers, nobles, prominent and influential people…

Or the most likely group… the angel should have announced it to the religious leaders.

Instead, God chose shepherds and told them to go visit the baby.

The choice sent a loud and clear message from heaven.

Because immediately after the birth of a child, the parents will usually announce the good news to family and close friends. And they will be the first to visit the baby.

God chose to tell shepherds first, not prominent or religious people. The shepherds were among the first to visit baby Jesus. That tells me that God is closest to ordinary people… even less than ordinary people.

The angel heralded that the Savior has come. According to Hollywood’s blockbuster style, we expect a superhero to appear or a knight in shining armor and everyone will know who He is. But our Savior came inconspicuously, so unremarkable and unspectacular that the angel had to give clear instructions for how to recognize Him in verse 12.

12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

God came modestly and with a low profile. He didn’t make a grand entrance. He came without entourage, embellishments or fanfare. Man was conditioned by Roman conquerors (in those days) and Hollywood in our day to look in the wrong places for the wrong people. So we can’t recognize God… or spiritual things.

My question and challenge for you today is this – will we be able to recognize spiritual things and spiritual people? Or are we conditioned to only recognize ‘blessings’ on Elon Musk, Ronaldo and Billie Eilish?

Can we recognize spirituality from often marginalized youths or female leaders or old people?

Can we recognize godliness from often overlooked people like minorities or migrant workers?

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God...

However, don’t mistake the undistinguished and discreet announcement on earth for the majestic spectacle in heaven. The parade of the armies (plural) of heaven will make Kim Jong-un’s military parade look puny.

God just announced the birth of His Son!!!