Bible Study Lessons from Luke 2:15-19
In this section of the Christmas story the shepherds were tending their sheep, minding their own business when an angel appeared to them to announce the birth of Jesus. Without hesitation the shepherds visit the Christ child and pay homage to the new King.
The Christmas Story – The Shepherds Visit the Christ Child
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. – Luke 2:15-19 NASB
What Child is This?
The Christmas passage from Luke above reminds me of one of my favorite carols. So, I thought I’d share the lyrics with you below ..
What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary.
The Shepherds visit Mary and Baby Jesus – Expectations
Many of the Jewish priests and common people alike were expecting a Savior to deliver them from Roman rule; others hoped the Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments.
Not a Physical Ruler
But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual kingdom – delivered them from sin.
His work is more far-reaching than anyone could imagine. Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God.
In other words, we can’t have the birth without the cross. The purpose of Jesus’ coming was to grow into a man, die on the cross, and then be resurrected so that sin could be forgiven. He did all this for us.
The Eternal Promise
Christ offers us more than temporary political or physical changes. He offers us new hearts that will last for eternity.
I would like to add a side note to this passage. I am infatuated with the simple statement at the end (verse 19) which says;
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
I am not positively sure what this means but my humble interpretation is that all the things that were happening in Mary’s life were just now becoming a reality for her.
The Magnitude of It All
Mary (most likely only 15 or 16 years old) had a child which was to be the King of all mankind though she was almost still a child herself.
The happenings of the previous weeks and months may have seemed like a dream to her and now she is waking up to the realism of it all. Can you imagine what may have been going though her mind?
What a responsibility for a young woman to bear!
Mary’s Role
Mary has to raise the Messiah and become known as the mother of God. I feel that Mary must have “pondered” many of these things in her heart.
Gives me a lump in my throat and makes me want to reach out and comfort her.
Love in Christ
– Bob
To discover how you can receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read here ..
Read Today’s Verses Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version