What is your response to Jesus? There may have been times in your life when you were excited about Jesus and eager to grow in your relationship with God. There may also have been times when you were spiritually cold, distant, or simply going through the motions. What is your response to Jesus today?
In Luke 2:8–20, we read about a group of shepherds who heard the announcement that Jesus, the Savior, had been born. After centuries of promises and prophecies, the Son of God had finally entered the world. Interestingly, the first announcement of His birth was not made to a king, a wealthy ruler, or someone of great influence. It was made to ordinary shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks. When an angel appeared to the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone around them, they were afraid. But the angel told them not to fear because he was bringing “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). The message was that Christ the Lord had been born in Bethlehem. A multitude of heavenly hosts then appeared, praising God and declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14). Through Jesus, humanity would have the opportunity to be at peace with God.
How did the shepherds respond to this incredible news? Their response provides three important lessons for us today.
First, they went with haste (Luke 2:15–16). The shepherds did not wait until morning or put off their journey until it was more convenient. They immediately went to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had made known to them. We should respond to Jesus with that same urgency. We cannot continually put off growing closer to Him until we have more time or life becomes more convenient. We reach for our phones, turn on the television, and pursue our favorite activities without hesitation. When was the last time we reached for our Bibles with that same eagerness? When was the last time we fell to our knees in prayer because we knew we needed to draw closer to God? Let’s respond to Jesus by going with haste.
Second, they made known the saying (Luke 2:17–19). After seeing Jesus, the shepherds shared what they had heard about Him. They did not keep the good news to themselves. They told others what God had revealed, and those who heard their message marveled at it. Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart. We have also received good news that needs to be shared. Jesus lived among sinful humanity, died, was buried, and was raised from the dead. Through Him, we can be reconciled to God. When was the last time you made this message known to someone? We cannot control how others respond, but we can faithfully share the good news of Jesus.
Third, they returned, glorifying and praising God (Luke 2:20). After everything they had seen and heard, the shepherds returned to their work praising God. Their encounter with Jesus changed their response. They recognized that God had done something extraordinary, and they gave Him the glory. We have every reason to respond in the same way. Through Jesus, God offers us forgiveness, new life, and the promise of a future with Him. We should regularly stop and thank Him for who He is and what He has done.
Jesus has come into the world, and He now reigns at the right hand of God. The question is not whether He deserves our attention, our obedience, and our praise. The question is whether we will give Him those things. Like the shepherds, let us respond to Jesus with urgency, make Him known to others, and glorify God for the good news of great joy He has given to all people.
Tyler Alverson
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