Meaning of Luke 2:16

This verse depicts the immediate and eager response of the shepherds to the angelic announcement concerning the birth of Jesus. Having received divine confirmation of the Messiah's arrival, they did not delay but "hurried off" to verify the message for themselves. Their swift action highlights the profound impact of the angelic proclamation and their immediate desire to witness the fulfillment of prophecy. The discovery of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus "lying in the manger" provides a stark contrast to the glorious heavenly pronouncements, emphasizing the humble and unassuming circumstances of the Savior's birth, a theme central to the incarnation.

Context and Background

The narrative is set in Bethlehem, a small town significant for being the birthplace of King David. The shepherds, likely men of humble status who worked outdoors, were tending their flocks at night. This was a common practice, but their specific location may have been near the fields where the Passover lambs were raised, adding a symbolic layer to their encounter with the Lamb of God. The appearance of an angel, accompanied by a heavenly host, was an extraordinary event, a direct divine intervention that shattered the ordinary quiet of the night. This celestial visitation served as the catalyst for the shepherds' immediate journey to find the newborn Messiah.

Key Themes and Messages

• Obedience and Faith: The shepherds' immediate departure demonstrates a willing and prompt obedience to the angelic message, reflecting a profound faith in the divine word.
• Humility of the Incarnation: The contrast between the angelic glory and the humble setting of the manger underscores the radical humility of God's entry into humanity. Jesus, the King of Kings, is born not in a palace but in a feeding trough.
• The Revelation of Christ: The shepherds, representing the marginalized and overlooked, are among the first to receive the good news and to witness the incarnate Christ, signifying that salvation is for all people.
• Urgency of the Gospel: The haste with which the shepherds moved suggests the urgency and transformative power of the gospel message, prompting immediate action and devotion.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage calls believers to a similar promptness in responding to divine promptings and to the good news of salvation. It encourages a recognition that God's purposes often unfold in unexpected and humble ways, challenging any preconceived notions of divine grandeur. The shepherds' experience is a model for evangelism and witness, demonstrating the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus with eagerness and conviction. It also reminds us that God reveals himself to those who are attentive and willing to seek him, regardless of their social standing.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The birth of Jesus in humble circumstances, as observed by shepherds, is a pivotal moment in salvation history. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's lineage and place of birth (Micah 5:2). The angelic announcement to shepherds echoes the divine pronouncements to figures like Abraham and Moses, establishing a pattern of God revealing his will and presence. The shepherds' subsequent spreading of the news (Luke 2:17-18) initiates the ongoing mission of the church to proclaim Christ to the world, a mission that began with the humble birth of the Savior.

Analogies

One analogy for the shepherds' journey is that of a treasure hunter who, upon receiving a reliable map and confirmation of a hidden treasure's location, immediately rushes to claim it. The angelic message is the divine map, and the infant Jesus is the priceless treasure. Another analogy is that of a scientist who, after receiving irrefutable evidence of a groundbreaking discovery, immediately seeks to observe the phenomenon firsthand. The shepherds' actions reflect a similar urgency driven by the profound significance of their discovery.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 9:6: This prophecy speaks of a child born, a son given, who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The shepherds find this very child, though in a manger.
• John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Luke 2:16 provides a tangible depiction of this theological truth, showing the divine Word taking on human form and dwelling in humble surroundings.
• Matthew 11:5: Jesus later says, "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." The shepherds, often considered among the poor and overlooked, are among the first recipients of the good news of Jesus' birth.
• Hebrews 2:17: This verse states that Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest. His birth in a manger illustrates this solidarity with humanity's humble condition.