December 22, 2024
Good News
On the night Jesus was born …
Luke 2:8-20
Why shepherds?
The ones who guarded the Temple lambs to be slaughtered were the first to see the Lamb of God, who would die.
Shepherds
Got a bad rap
• Aristotle (300 BC), Mishnah (250 AD), Babylonian Talmud (500 AD)
The pillars of God’s people, Abraham, Moses, and David, were shepherds. – Genesis 13; Exodus 3:1; 1 Samuel 17
God is pictured as a shepherd in the Old Testament – Psalm 23; Genesis 49:24; Psalm 80; Ezekiel 34:12
“The Lord is my shepherd …” –Psalm 23:1
Jesus is mentioned and says that He is the shepherd – Matthew 2:6, 26:31; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4
“I am the good shepherd …” –John 10:11
People were amazed by what they said, not at who they were – Luke 2:18
“And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” –Luke 2:18
Those who hear this message are meant to share it!
“I bring you good news …”
That only makes sense when experienced
Of great joy, not merely happiness
For everyone
“…behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…” –Revelation 7:9
The message
Christmas isn’t the gift; Good Friday is – “A Savior”
God will always do what He says He will do – “who is Christ”
The chaos of this world is no match for God’s goodness – “the Lord”
“Suddenly”
God frequently emphasizes what He wants us to understand.
What do you need to be reminded of this Christmas?
