Joyful Proclamation: The Shepherds' Message of Salvation

 

Summary

Gathering together as the family of God is a marvelous opportunity to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we delve into the story of the shepherds from Luke 2, who bear witness to Jesus' birth. The announcement of Christ's birth was first made by the angel Gabriel to Mary, and then confirmed by Elizabeth, who recognized the unborn Jesus as her Lord. Now, we see the shepherds receiving the heavenly message and sharing it with others.

The shepherds, after being visited by angels, hurried to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Upon seeing them, they shared the angelic message: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." This proclamation was not just for Mary and Joseph but for all who would hear it. The shepherds, considered the lowest in society, were chosen to spread this good news, illustrating that the message of Jesus is for everyone, from the humblest shepherds to the mightiest kings.

The angels' announcement is good news of great joy because it addresses our deepest need: a Savior. Many people mistakenly perceive Jesus as someone who comes to demand from us, like a rent collector. However, Jesus comes to pay the debt we owe to God, offering salvation and hope. This is why the news of His birth is a source of great joy. It is a message for all people, regardless of their status or background.

The shepherds' response to the angelic message is a model for us. They received the good news and immediately shared it with others. This is a picture of the mission of the church: to make known to others what God has revealed to us about His Son. Whether we are like the shepherds or the kings, God calls us to use our unique positions and gifts to spread the message of Jesus.

As people hear the good news, they respond in various ways. Some wonder, some treasure the message in their hearts, and others praise God for what they have heard and seen. This progression from wondering to treasuring to praising is a journey of faith that we are all invited to embark on. May we, like the shepherds, respond to the Savior with joy and share the good news with those around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Shepherds' Witness: The shepherds, despite their lowly status, were chosen to be the first to proclaim the birth of Jesus. This highlights that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of social standing. God uses the humble and the mighty alike to spread His good news. [19:03]

2. Jesus as Savior: Many perceive Jesus as a figure who demands from us, but He comes to pay the debt we owe to God. This is the essence of the good news: Jesus offers salvation and hope, not demands. Understanding this transforms our response to Him. [08:59]

3. The Joy of Salvation: The announcement of Jesus' birth is good news of great joy because it meets our deepest need for a Savior. Recognizing our need for salvation leads to profound joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus. [13:13]

4. The Mission of the Church: Like the shepherds, we are called to share the message of Jesus with others. God has revealed His Son to us so that we might make Him known to those within our sphere of influence, using our unique gifts and positions. [21:41]

5. Responding to the Savior: The journey of faith involves moving from wondering about the message of Jesus to treasuring it in our hearts and ultimately praising God for His gift of salvation. This progression nurtures and grows our faith. [29:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Series
- [00:47] - Gabriel's Announcement to Mary
- [01:06] - Elizabeth's Confirmation
- [02:03] - The Shepherds' Encounter
- [02:40] - The Shepherds Spread the News
- [04:51] - The Angels' Message
- [06:19] - The Good News of a Savior
- [08:59] - Jesus Pays Our Debt
- [10:02] - Joy in Salvation
- [13:13] - The Savior for All People
- [16:42] - The Shepherds Proclaim the Savior
- [21:29] - Our Mission to Share the Good News
- [22:12] - People's Response to the Savior
- [29:36] - From Wondering to Praising

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:10-11
- Luke 1:31
- John 3:17

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the message that the angels delivered to the shepherds, and how did the shepherds respond to it? [02:17]

2. How did the shepherds' social status contrast with the significance of the message they were given to share? [15:03]

3. What was the initial reaction of the people who heard the shepherds' proclamation about Jesus' birth? [22:27]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the shepherds in spreading the news of Jesus' birth? [17:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might God have chosen shepherds, considered lowly in society, to be the first to hear and share the news of Jesus' birth? [19:03]

2. How does the sermon explain the difference between perceiving Jesus as a rent collector versus a savior? [08:59]

3. What does the progression from wondering to treasuring to praising, as described in the sermon, suggest about the journey of faith? [29:36]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the message of Jesus is for all people, regardless of their social status or background? [16:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the shepherds' eagerness to share the good news. How can you be more proactive in sharing your faith with others? [17:43]

2. The sermon describes Jesus as someone who comes to pay our debt, not demand from us. How does this understanding change your relationship with Him? [08:59]

3. Consider the journey from wondering to treasuring to praising. Where do you find yourself on this journey, and what steps can you take to move forward? [29:36]

4. The shepherds were chosen to share the message despite their lowly status. How can you use your unique position or gifts to spread the message of Jesus? [19:03]

5. The sermon emphasizes the joy of salvation. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus in your daily life? [13:13]

6. Think about the people within your sphere of influence. How can you make known to them what God has revealed to you about His Son? [21:41]

7. The sermon suggests that Jesus' message is for everyone. How can you ensure that your actions and words reflect this inclusivity in your community? [16:42]

Devotional

Day 1: The Shepherds' Humble Proclamation
The shepherds, despite their lowly status, were chosen to be the first to proclaim the birth of Jesus. This highlights that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of social standing. God uses the humble and the mighty alike to spread His good news. The shepherds' role in the nativity story is a powerful reminder that God often chooses the unexpected to fulfill His purposes. Their eagerness to share the angelic message with others demonstrates that the good news of Jesus is not meant to be kept to oneself but shared with all. The shepherds' witness challenges us to consider how we can use our own unique positions to spread the message of Christ. [19:03]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: Who in your life might be considered "lowly" or "unexpected" by societal standards? How can you encourage them to see their value in God's eyes and share the message of Jesus with them today?


Day 2: Jesus, the Debt Payer
Many perceive Jesus as a figure who demands from us, but He comes to pay the debt we owe to God. This is the essence of the good news: Jesus offers salvation and hope, not demands. Understanding this transforms our response to Him. Jesus' role as the one who pays our debt is central to the Christian faith. It shifts our perspective from seeing Him as a taskmaster to recognizing Him as a loving Savior who has already accomplished what we could not. This realization invites us to live in gratitude and freedom, knowing that our debt has been paid in full. [08:59]

Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you still feel like you owe something to God? How can you embrace the truth that Jesus has already paid your debt in that area?


Day 3: The Joy of Salvation
The announcement of Jesus' birth is good news of great joy because it meets our deepest need for a Savior. Recognizing our need for salvation leads to profound joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus. The joy of salvation is not just an emotional response but a deep-seated assurance that transforms our lives. It is the joy of knowing that we are loved, forgiven, and accepted by God through Jesus Christ. This joy is available to all who recognize their need for a Savior and accept the gift of salvation. [13:13]

Isaiah 12:2-3 (ESV): "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your salvation today? What specific practices or reminders can help you focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus?


Day 4: The Church's Mission
Like the shepherds, we are called to share the message of Jesus with others. God has revealed His Son to us so that we might make Him known to those within our sphere of influence, using our unique gifts and positions. The mission of the church is to be a light in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus with all people. This mission is not limited to pastors or missionaries but is the responsibility of every believer. Each of us has a unique role to play in God's plan, and we are called to use our gifts and opportunities to spread the message of Christ. [21:41]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can share the message of Jesus with someone in your life this week? How can you use your unique gifts and position to be a light in your community?


Day 5: From Wondering to Praising
The journey of faith involves moving from wondering about the message of Jesus to treasuring it in our hearts and ultimately praising God for His gift of salvation. This progression nurtures and grows our faith. The shepherds' response to the angelic message is a model for us. They moved from initial wonder to a deep appreciation and ultimately to praise. This journey reflects the path of faith that all believers are invited to take. As we grow in our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, our response should naturally lead to worship and praise. [29:36]

Psalm 40:3 (ESV): "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your faith journey where you feel stuck in "wondering"? How can you take a step towards treasuring and praising God in that area today?

Quotes



The angels' announcement is good news of great joy because it addresses our deepest need: a Savior. Many people mistakenly perceive Jesus as someone who comes to demand from us, like a rent collector. However, Jesus comes to pay the debt we owe to God, offering salvation and hope. [00:08:59]

The birth of the savior is good news of great joy. Why? Because a savior is exactly what we need. If you had the means to give to God what you owe him, you would not need a savior. If you had lived the life that God calls you to live, you would probably say, "I don't want charity." [00:10:02]

The Shepherds were simply the bottom of the pile; they were despised people. Shepherds, because they were so distrusted, could not give evidence in a court of law. That was the level of distrust. Yet, God sent the angel to reveal and announce the Savior to them, saying, "A savior is born to you." [00:13:13]

The Shepherds, despite their lowly status, were chosen to be the first to proclaim the birth of Jesus. This highlights that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of social standing. God uses the humble and the mighty alike to spread His good news. [00:19:03]

The mission of the church is to make known to others what God has revealed to us about His Son. Whether we are like the shepherds or the kings, God calls us to use our unique positions and gifts to spread the message of Jesus. [00:21:41]

The journey of faith involves moving from wondering about the message of Jesus to treasuring it in our hearts and ultimately praising God for His gift of salvation. This progression nurtures and grows our faith. [00:29:36]

Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. She stored up everything that was revealed to her about Jesus. The angel had said that the child to be born was the Son of God. Elizabeth confirmed and expanded on that, saying, "He's my Lord." [00:24:51]

The Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen. They had seen the glory of the Lord, heard the good news of the Savior, and now they were praising and glorifying God. [00:29:36]

The Shepherds, after being visited by angels, hurried to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Upon seeing them, they shared the angelic message: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." [00:02:40]

The angels have made known to the Shepherds that the birth of this child is a savior, and it's good news of great joy for all people. What was made known to them, they now make known first to Mary and Joseph and then to many others who wondered at what they said. [00:16:42]

The Shepherds, despite their lowly status, were chosen to be the first to proclaim the birth of Jesus. This highlights that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of social standing. God uses the humble and the mighty alike to spread His good news. [00:19:03]

The Shepherds, after being visited by angels, hurried to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Upon seeing them, they shared the angelic message: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." [00:02:40]

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Transcript
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