Luke 2:8–12, 16–18, 25–32

Bible Studies for Life
Director of the Extension Division, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

The Message of Missions
Luke 2:8–12, 16–18, 25–32
In this very familiar and beloved passage — especially at this time of year — we are, once again, reminded of all of the exciting events that God orchestrated to bring about the birth of Jesus. As we ponder Christ’s coming to earth as a baby, the Scriptures call us to contemplate the reason for God sending His Son to us, to bring His salvation to all mankind.

In the next few days as we gather with friends and family to celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget that there are still so many who need to hear the good news, which was first proclaimed on that day.

Jesus Is the Message (8–12)
Can you imagine what this scene must have been like? These shepherds were just sitting in the fields, minding their own business and settling down for a quiet night, when out of nowhere, an angel appeared to them. They had no idea whom this was or what his intention might be and they were scared. But the angel brought them a message that calmed their fears and offered great hope — the Savior whom they had prayed for had been born that night within walking distance.

Furthermore the angel declared that this Savior had been born for all people. Then the sky was filled with an enormous explosion of light and music praising God.

The Message Is Amazing (16–18)
Luke tells us that as soon as the angels left, the shepherds went immediately to Bethlehem to see the child. Two exciting points not to be missed here: After these men saw Jesus, they began recounting everything that they had seen and heard, and all who heard their account were “amazed.”

The shepherds were confronted by God’s representatives and responded by exploring what they were told. When they came face to face with Christ, they knew whom He was and didn’t hesitate to tell others what this meant to them. The shepherds’ testimony had a clear impact on the lives of others.

The Message Is for All People (25–32)
In a passage sometimes overshadowed by the “birth narrative,” God spoke to a man named Simeon and told him that he would not die until he saw the Christ. In response to the Holy Spirit, he came to the temple on the same day that Jesus’ parents brought Him to the rabbis. Simeon took the child up into his arms, praising God and proclaiming Jesus was sent by the Lord to bring salvation to all people — including Gentiles. An incredibly bold statement in this setting.

In the midst of our current study, some might briefly wonder what the Christmas story has to do with missions. The quick and easy answer is “everything.” If Jesus is not the divine and exclusive Savior of the world, then there is no point to Christian missions. Because God wanted all people to be reconciled to Him, He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to make this possible. Knowing that only by His death could men and women receive this salvation, Christ gladly gave Himself up that we might be made right with the Father.

Just as the shepherds received the good news of Christ’s birth, we have received the same message. And it is a glorious message of love and hope that needs to be shared, not a system of beliefs and behaviors but a “person,” Jesus Christ our Lord. And as the shepherds shared their news with others who had not had the same experience, we are supposed to do the same thing. Believers are expected to always be prepared to share God’s promise of salvation — as “old” as it might seem to us — because it will still be “new” to so many. We are not responsible for how this word is received. The message will “amaze” whomever God wants it to amaze, and they will respond in the manner the Holy Spirit leads.

In the same manner Simeon proclaimed God’s salvation to all people, we are supposed to make it clear that this promise welcomes anyone who will come. God wants the world — everyone — to know He loves them and sent Jesus to die for them. This includes every kind of sinner whom you and I can possibly imagine, especially those who seem to be nothing like us.