Luke 2:20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:20 (KJV)

Context

Luke 2:20 concludes the account of the shepherds’ encounter with the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. After hearing the angel’s message and finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby in Bethlehem, they returned to their fields.

Meaning

The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Their praise was specific, rooted in the exact fulfillment of God’s word. The phrase “as it was told unto them” emphasizes the reliability of God’s promises and the appropriateness of praising Him when He proves faithful.

Their response models a pattern of receiving divine revelation, verifying it through experience, and responding with worship. Their glorifying and praising was not a private feeling but a public testimony, as they returned to their ordinary work transformed by the encounter.

Biblical connections

The shepherds’ obedience in going to Bethlehem (Luke 2:15-16) preceded their praise, showing that faith and obedience lead to worship. Their example contrasts with the silence of others who witnessed similar events (Luke 2:18-19), highlighting their readiness to believe. Their praise also echoed the angelic chorus in Luke 2:14, connecting heavenly worship with earthly response.

Application

The shepherds believed the angel’s message and acted upon it. They journeyed to Bethlehem and witnessed the fulfillment of what had been foretold. Their faith in God’s promises led them to experience the joy of this incredible event. Likewise, we should trust that God will fulfill His word in our lives.

Their public praise demonstrates the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We have an incredible story of salvation, and by sharing it, we can bring hope and transformation to others.

Reflection

True worship flows from recognizing God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. The shepherds’ praise was informed by what they had heard and seen, suggesting that worship is most meaningful when grounded in the specific acts of God. Their return to their flocks signifies that worship is not confined to a sacred place but permeates everyday life.