Luke 2:15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luke 2:15 (KJV)
Context
Luke 2:15 is part of the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The scene takes place after the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds in the fields, delivering the good news of Jesus’ birth. The verse begins by stating that the angels had departed and ascended into heaven after delivering their message. The heavenly announcement was a remarkable event, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ birth.
Meaning
Upon the angels’ departure, the shepherds, who were eyewitnesses to the angelic proclamation, engaged in conversation among themselves. They decided to go to Bethlehem to witness the fulfillment of the message they had received from the Lord through the angels. Their response demonstrates a combination of faith, curiosity, and obedience to the divine message. The shepherds did not hesitate or doubt; they spoke to one another with a unified purpose, saying, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem.” Their decision was immediate and collective, showing a faith that moved them to investigate the thing which the Lord had made known to them.
The phrase “which the Lord hath made known unto us” underscores that the revelation originated from God Himself, and the shepherds recognized this divine source. By expressing their intention to go and see “this thing which is come to pass,” they acknowledged the credibility of the angelic revelation. They recognized that the message delivered by the angels was from the Lord Himself, and they sought to confirm its fulfillment.
Biblical connections
Bethlehem held great significance as the birthplace of the long-awaited Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament. The shepherds recognized the importance of the event unfolding in Bethlehem and sought to witness it with their own eyes. Their journey to Bethlehem was a step toward encountering the newborn Savior, a pivotal moment in the Gospel account.
Application
Luke 2:15 reminds us of the shepherds’ response to God’s revelation and the significance of seeking and experiencing God’s work firsthand. It encourages us to respond to God’s Word, to move beyond mere acknowledgment and actively seek to witness His purposes being fulfilled in our lives. The shepherds’ example serves as a model for believers to respond to God’s Word with immediate obedience and a desire to witness His works firsthand.
Reflection
Luke 2:15 highlights the shepherds’ immediate and purposeful response to the angelic message. It emphasizes the importance of seeking and experiencing God’s work firsthand, demonstrating faith, obedience, and a desire to witness the fulfillment of His promises.
