Meaning of Luke 2:14

This verse, sung by the angelic host to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus, proclaims a dual declaration of divine glory and earthly peace, directly linked to God's good pleasure. The "glory to God in the highest heaven" signifies an acclamation of God's supreme majesty, power, and honor, a recognition that His presence and actions, particularly the momentous event of salvation's dawn, are worthy of ultimate praise from the celestial realms. Simultaneously, it introduces the concept of "peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests," which is not a universal, indiscriminate peace for all humanity, but a specific peace bestowed upon a designated group, those who are recipients of God's benevolent regard, often understood as those who believe and are in right relationship with Him. This pronouncement is intrinsically tied to the Incarnation, marking the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose coming inaugurates a new era of reconciliation between God and humanity.

Context and Background

The announcement of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 is rich with Old Testament prophecy and Messianic expectation. The angelic proclamation echoes the heavenly worship described in Isaiah 6:3 ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory") and anticipates the peace that the Messiah would bring, as foretold in Isaiah 9:6 ("For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."). The shepherds, humble and marginalized figures, are the first recipients of this extraordinary news, highlighting God's inclination to reveal His salvific plan to the unlikely. Their encounter with the angelic choir underscores the profound significance of Christ's birth, a cosmic event with earthly implications.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Glory: The primary focus is the exaltation of God. His glory is recognized as residing in the highest heavens, implying His supreme sovereignty and transcendence, yet His actions are now manifesting in the earthly realm in a way that demands praise.
• Messianic Peace: The verse introduces the concept of peace as a central aspect of the Messiah's work. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound state of well-being, reconciliation, and wholeness, stemming from a restored relationship with God.
• God's Favor: The crucial qualifier "to those on whom his favor rests" is vital. It indicates that this peace is not automatically extended to everyone but is a gift allocated to those who are the objects of God's good pleasure, His elective grace, or His covenantal promises. This highlights the role of faith and divine election in receiving this peace.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the inaugurated reality of salvation through Christ. The angelic song is a declaration that the long-awaited Messiah has arrived, bringing with Him the means for humanity to experience true peace with God. For believers, this verse calls for a life of worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's supreme glory in the act of redemption. It also invites a personal appropriation of the peace that Christ offers, a peace that transcends earthly circumstances and is rooted in the assurance of God's favor. This peace is not a passive state but an active experience of spiritual reconciliation, inner calm, and hope, available to all who receive Christ by faith.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Luke 2:14 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, bridging the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah and King with the New Testament reality of Christ's birth and redemptive mission. It serves as the initial announcement of the "good news" (Gospel) that will unfold throughout Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The glory of God is vindicated by the Incarnation, and the promised peace is initiated through the sacrifice of the Prince of Peace. This verse sets the stage for the entire redemptive plan, emphasizing that salvation is of the Lord and brings both divine honor and human reconciliation.

Analogies

One analogy for "glory to God in the highest heaven" is the awe-inspiring display of a master artist unveiling their most magnificent creation; the entire world pauses to appreciate the genius and splendor. For "peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests," consider a king bestowing a royal pardon and a lifelong stipend upon loyal subjects who have been outcasts; the peace and security are not for everyone, but specifically for those chosen and favored. Another analogy is a physician announcing a cure for a devastating plague; the glory is to the brilliant scientist who discovered it, and the peace is to those who receive the treatment and are healed.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 9:6: Directly links the birth of the child to the title "Prince of Peace," underscoring the theme of peace brought by the Messiah.
• John 14:27: Jesus promises His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This echoes the unique, divinely-sourced peace mentioned in Luke 2:14.
• Romans 5:1: States, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse clarifies that the peace is a result of justification by faith, aligning with the concept of God's favor resting on believers.
• Ephesians 2:14-18: Explains that Christ "is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility... His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, thereby putting to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." This elaborates on the nature and scope of the peace Christ brings, particularly in reconciling Jew and Gentile, and ultimately, humanity to God.