The Privilege and Responsibility of Those who Received the Good News
Luke 2:1-20
(Christmas Series)
Luke 2:1-20 reads as follows: (RSV) 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard
A. It is a privilege to receive good news from God. Why?
1. The shepherds were privileged to hear the good news of Jesus Christ’s birth through the angels.
a. Angels were created by God.
Nehemiah 9.6 And Ezra said: "Thou art the LORD, thou alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and thou preservest all of them; and the host of heaven worships thee.
Psalm 148.2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host! 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.
Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities -- all things were created through him and for him
b. Angels were spiritual beings without a body though can manifest themselves in a form of human beings.
Hebrews 1.14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who will be saved.
Hebrews 13.2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
c. Angels should not be worshipped.
Revelation 22.8 I John am he who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; 9 but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
d. There are many angels and the good ones live in heaven.
Hebrews 12.22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering
e. Angels have personalities and are powerful.
Luke 15.10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
2 Thessalonians 1:7 “and to grant rest with us to you who are afflicted, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire”
f. If an angel came to you, two things will happen to you, either –
(1) You will be punished by God.
Acts 12.23 Immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was eaten by worms and died.
(2) You will be blessed by God.
Psalm 91.11 For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone
Psalm 34.7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Matthew 1.20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit”
2. The shepherds were privileged to hear the good news of Jesus Christ’s birth since they were just ordinary people.
a. The first ones who heard the good news of the Messiah were the shepherds – simple people and looked down by others.
b. God gave His news to ordinary people but who loves the Lord. They were ordinary people who are faithful in their responsibilities. They were not sleeping but watching for their sheep so that they are prepared to hear the message of the angels.
3. The shepherds were privileged to hear the good news for that will bring a great joy for all people.
a. The news of the angels should not to be feared by the shepherds.
b. It is about the birth of the Savior – Christ the Lord
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
c. The sign of given to the shepherds is a “babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Jesus, the Christ humbled Himself for us. He was born in a very simple manner.
d. The birth of the Messiah brings peace to those who have good will. Christmas is about the salvation of humanity.
(1) This is for the glory of God – glory in the highest.
(2) This is for human’s great joy – great joy for every one.
B. Those who have received the good news have a responsibility to it. What kind of responsibilities?
1. The shepherds did their responsibility to discover and know the truthfulness of the news. "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
a. They confirmed the truthfulness of the angelic news.
b. They went hastily to Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus.
c. They were not offended by the simplicity of the birth of the Messiah because a relationship with God can be experienced even in a situation of poverty.
2. The shepherds have also the responsibility to receive and believe the Gospel. They came home rejoicing for they believe the Gospel.
3. The shepherds did their responsibility of sharing the good news to others.
“They made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them”
a. Many were amazed at their news.
b. This responsibility is important so that others may also know.
Conclusion:
1. It is a privilege to receive the Gospel, but it is also a responsibility.
2. Don’t look so much at the responsibility:
a. There is only a responsibility because of the greatness of the Gospel – it is about the salvation of humanity.
b. There is only a responsibility because of the importance of the Gospel – it is about the salvation of humanity from sure condemnation.
c. There is only a responsibility because of the joy and peace that the Gospel offers – if you have not experienced the joy and peace in it, you will never have the passion to share it to others.
3. Only those who think that it is a privilege to receive the Gospel - will share the good news to others with joy.
