Once they got over their terror, the shepherds must have been awestruck when the heavenly host appeared to them. Their response was to go and see what they had been told. They believed and so they obeyed. We too must believe the message and obey the Word of God. Obedience to God’s message shows love for him. Jesus says in John 14: 23, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
Luke 2:15-20
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 baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
What did the shepherds do after they heard the message? (15-16)
What did they do after they had seen Jesus? (17, 20)
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
What showed that the shepherds believed what the angel had told them?
What should always follow belief?
Why?
After they saw Jesus, what showed that the shepherds believed the truth about Jesus?
What can you learn from the shepherds?
PRAYER:
Thank God for his message that comes through Jesus. Pray that you would truly love Jesus and demonstrate that love by obeying what he commands. Pray that you would be full of his love and share his word and love with others.
FOCUS VERSE: John 14:23
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.