The Angels and The Shepherds: Birth Announcements
- by: Pastor Lincoln Loney
- May 17, 2009
- Series: The Book of Luke
Heaven’s Birth Announcement, Luke 2:1-14
An angel appears to the shepherds. Verses 8-9
The angel announces Christ’s birth. Verses 10-12
An angelic army appears praising God. Verses 13-14
Earth’s Birth Announcement, Luke 2.15-20
The shepherds search for and find the baby. Verses 15-16
The shepherds announce Christ’s birth. Verse 17
Different people react to the announcement in different
ways. Verses 18-20
Why Shepherds?
- Shepherds were despised sinners.
- The shepherds were the humble “everyman.”
- These shepherds raised sacrificial lambs.
- Jesus was the Shepherd.
- Shepherds know how to rejoice when lost sheep are found.
- Shepherds would be required to lead God’s people.
- Ultimately, it appears the Lord chose to reveal His salvation to these shepherds, knowing that they would receive the good news, believe it, and go tell it.
The Announcement:
The baby who is born to you is . . .
. . . a Savior (soter) to deliver you.
. . . a King (christos) to lead you.
. . . the Lord (kurios) who owns you.
The Hypostatic Union: Christ’s two natures, His human nature and divine nature, are united in one being.
- Jesus could be weak and yet all powerful.
- Jesus could be born and placed in a manger and at the same time hold the universe together by the power of His word.
- Jesus could return to heaven and yet be present everywhere.
- Jesus could learn and grow in knowledge and yet access any information that was needed for His work.
- Jesus could be 30 years old and yet be eternal.
- Jesus could be tempted in every way and yet not tempted.
- Jesus could die and be able to raise His body from the dead.
- Jesus could offer a sacrifice for sin on our behalf, and offer a sacrifice acceptable to the Father.
