Pastor Marty Sloan | Dec. 26, 2021
Part IV
To be a follower of Christ requires a knowledge of the person of Christ.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. - Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)
“Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.” Liturgy of St. James (Fifth century)
In Scripture, people have various responses to meeting Jesus:
• The rich young ruler walked away
• The woman at the well left and brought others to
• The blind man was uncertain yet knew he was
• Zacchaeus the tax-collector was transformed from greedy to
Jesus seemed to really engage people or
At Jesus’ birth, Herod was angry, while those who were looking for a
A disciple is one that is taught for the
What is your
If encountering baby Jesus sent the shepherds away glorifying God, how has encountering the
The shepherds were proclaiming because the
The shepherds were proclaiming because hope for redemption was
The shepherds were proclaiming because Heaven touched the
Resources used and recommended for this message:
- “Luke: That You may Know the Truth” by Kent Hughes
- “Luke” from “Windows Into the Bible” Podcast
- Luke chapter of NIV Application Commentary by Darrell Bock