I have seen the Glory - Luke 2:8-21

Intro

If we can remember from last Sunday we looked at The Birth of Christ into the world.

In this time a strong Roman Empire, such a Caesar and Quiruinous the governor called for a registration on their own territory

The Romans raising their hands; and flexing their power against the Jews; (God’s people)

Joseph being from the City Of David; traveled from Galilee with Mary and Jesus to Bethlehem to be registered in time of upheaval and not so distant rebellion

We said it this way; this registration was not a hill to die on

And while they were there it was time for Mary to give birth, “to bring into the world” the Savior Christ our Lord, not in an inn, but in a cave in a manger

Context: Now as we jump back into Luke 2:8-21 so our story takes place the night Christ was born; as God sent forth His angles to approach the lowliest of the land; the shepherds in their fields keeping watch over their flocks by night.

But something was different about this night; the Shepard's had heard, seen and beheld the glory of the Lord.

Please Stand for the reading of God’s Word

Luke 2:8–21 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 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.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Pray

Sermon:

Luke 2:8-9 “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.”

“same region” - In the greek meaning the countryside

Meaning not too far from the birth place of Jesus

And in this region...

“…there were shepherds out in the field...”

See back in this time the shepherds were on the hills all the days of their lives; and that means at night as well watching over their flocks

Being not just one shepherd out in the fields but a few so they would be able to take turns so one could rest while the other stayed up to watch the sheep

And so these Shepherd's were “out in the field...”

The greek definition for “out in the field” - meaning they remained outdoors at all times; there was no “inside because the sheep were outside

So it’s natural for them to be on the hillsides of Bethlehem in Judea at night.

And what were they doing? “Keeping watch…”

To watch, or guard against predators such as wolves; lions and big cats.

Because if you have ever been out in the hills at night; there is a lot taking place

“keeping Watch…over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.”

So to start out, an ordinary night; watching the sheep; keeping them from harm and from wondering

Some Shepherd's sleeping & rotating and taking care of the flock...

And all of sudden an “angel of the Lord appeared.”

It’s as if you are going about your mission and calling on the hills, that is an everyday, or this case every night thing. And then all of sudden an angel of the Lord… (angel being a messenger from the Lord)

“Appeared” - To stand at or be near; to come upon

“…and the glory of the Lord… shone around them…”

Here this word for glory in the greek means - brightness, splendor and or amazing might

R.C. Sproul “Almost every-time the Bible records a Theophany an outward visible manifestation of the invisible God, it is accompanied by the presence of the Shekinah - the Shekinah was the blazing, bright glory of God.

And shekinah, this glory of God shone(around them)

The Burning Bush

And this glory of God...”Shone around them...”

So as this glory of the Lord shined around them...

“and they were filled with great fear.” Or KJV “they were sore afraid”

Now it’s safe to say these shepherds mind you; who would stay up all night to keep watch over their flocks

To fend of predators; and to help the sheep stay by the shepherd; are now “filled with great fear”

So no matter how mighty one might think they are; when it comes to the presence of God and His glory we are brought to nothing.

This word for fear is Phobos - The emotion elicited by sense of alarm or danger. (knowing “appeared - to come upon or startle)

They felt they and their flocks were in danger

Because a shepherd is not a shepherd without his flock.

Luke 2:10 “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

So this moment Isn’t left without explanation; (as this moment, they are not clear on what is happening, but God makes His Word clear to us; just as He will for the Shepherds) as we will see here in the Message from the angel.

So what did the angel speak? - As we have seen in the past, in the Gospel of Luke, the Angel of The Lord Gabriel has spoken to Zechariah in the temple; and Appeared to Mary speaking “do not be afraid” or here “Fear not”

This idea of fear not; is meaning to not be frightened; nor terrified

R.C. Sproul Says with humans meeting or encountering the divine or heavenly, nothing is more common for fallen creatures than to be terrified in the presence of God

So if you are the Shepherds, this angel needs to tell them why they should not be afraid; because right now they are

“…for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”

As we know this time in history the people of God are awaiting the coming Messiah and here we see the word “I bring you good news…”

The word “good news” we know as the Gospel; but imagine this being new news; meaning something you haven’t yet let grace your ears

and this “good news…is what? “of great joy”

Great - here in the greek stands for - important

Joy - being reason for gladness in greek

So New, news that is important; and will bring gladness...

“…that will be for all people.”

“for all people” - meaning every kind of people; not literally meaning everyone

So this good news, of great joy that will be for all people.

If you are a Shepherd:

At this time why would you not want to hear more? (And who doesn’t ever not want to hear the Good News in a conversation o r message?, especially when one is terrified?)

Although probably trying to come off an adrenaline high; as we know to be frightened; heightens the emotions and heart rate.

And now the angel expounds on the good news, of great joy to the shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem this night.

Luke 2:11-14 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

R.C. “See The Shepherd's likely understood that the Word Christ was the greek translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah or “anointed one”

So the Shepherds hearing the “Good News”, on the hills; that at one time, they might of heard this Christ meaning Messiah to come.

“…And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””

If we pull back the pages on what we have learned we know from our text the only ones aware of the Good News to come; Christ our Lord, is (Zechariah; Elizabeth; Mary; Jospeh and now the Shepherd's)

Looks like God didn’t want to leave the Shepherd's out of the story of Jesus Brith.

If we remember from last week, as it was mentioned in the OT Micha 5:6 - that Christ the Lord would be born in Bethlehem in the city of David (So we can notice God’s consistency in His Word)

And the angel says “you will find” - not that you might find. No.

“You will find” - in the greek meaning to discover or experience

This will take place in it’s timing; as God’s Word has declared it over and over To take place in Bethlehem.

But something else amazing happened; as if it wasn’t enough to be terrified of the angels appearing; and being shone all around by the glory of the Lord, so now we see in verse 13 many more angles joined in the fields of Bethlehem that night.

Luke 2:13 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,”

All of sudden they were “really” not alone; on the hills of Bethlehem

“there was” - meaning to come into the state of being

So we think it was just a few angles?

No, this word “of the host” - in the greek definition meaning an army of angles; a multitude unlike anything we have ever seen.

And what was this army of angels doing?

“…Praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among with whom he is pleased!”

So the angle and the hosts of angles are praising God and they too are saying…”

Glory - Meaning Honor, to God - in greek

“in the highest” meaning not on earth “the world above. - Heaven!

If we can remember Zechariah, and Mary Praising God and now it’s the Angles who are praising God; and who never stop doing so.

But now notice they speak about earth as well:

“glory to God in the highest…and on earth peace among with whom he is pleased.”

The angles praise God on High…

And now peace is mentioned, that is for those whom are God’s children who are on earth!

Earth mind you which is sinful and un-peaceful due to the sin of Adam and Eve.

Luke 2:15 “So...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.””

Now the angles have departed in the sky; and they have already spoken and the Shepherd's have heard what He said.

Next the Shepherds respond to one another..

Because after such an event and moment who wouldn’t want to start talking amongst themselves about what just happened.?

“…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.”

Not only have they, expeirnced it and talked about it, but now they are about to travel

“Let us go” - in the greek meaning to move on

And the way they speak of this moment; it’s as if “This thing has really happened.” - knowing after such an encounter, brightness and might; there would be no need for doubt.

And Now! It was time to go see that which is true...

“Which the Lord has made known to us.”

It’s clear to see that the Shepherds did not know until the angel of the Lord showed up; and then it was revealed to them from the Angel what?

That the Good News, the Messiah, Christ the Lord has been born in Bethlehem, and is in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes

Let this serve as a teaching moment:

Apart from Christ revealing Himself to you; you can not see nor seek to understand this Good News on your own…

Ephesians 1:17-18 “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”

Let it be said Salvation is a work of the Lord; not a work of fleshly, sinful man.

And so the Shepherd's make it very clear; this was “made known to them…”

And as we will soon see it was in God’s sovereign providential plan that this night they would travel and take this little treck, not because they had it scheduled, but because God’s glory showed up in their life.

Luke 2:16 “And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”

After their encounter in the field with the angels and the glory of the Lord - The Shikinah…

And after the discussion among themselves, it wasn’t just time to go it was time to go with haste, for this Good News has been made known to them.

“haste” - in the greek meaning hurry, eagerly

It’s like the time me and my brothers first got direct TV. We were eager, and haste-fully walking down the long driveway because we could not wait to watch our shows.

And whom do the Shepherd's come upon as they are haste-fully walking?

“and found Mary and Jospeh, and the baby lying in a manger.”

It was true! With their own eyes they are now beholding the face of baby Jesus lying in a manger, just like the angel said.

Luke 2:17-18 “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”

Here our word “when they saw” in the greek means to understand (to know for sure) no more room for doubt.

And from this moment; now that they have seen; “they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.”

And what was it that they learned about this child?

From the Hills of Bethlehem,?This was no ordinary child who is called Good News; this was Jesus a Savior who is Christ the Lord for all the sinful and un-peaceful world.

“…And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them…”

So all of those who were around the manger scene; who heard the story of the Shepherds

Were not skeptics; of what took place...

But they all “wondered” - meaning in greek to be amazed at what they had heard and seen.

Luke 2:19-21 “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

Why would Mary be Treasuring these things, and pondering them In her heart?

Well as if Zechariah, Elizabeth and Mary andJospeh weren’t enough to know about Christ; so now God was shouting from the hills of Bethlehem where the sheep and shepherds live; that this is Christ the Lord; the Son of God born into the world.

It’s as if God left absolutely no room for doubt; in Marys heart as she sat there hearing and now pondering these testimonies of God’s faithfulness in fields with the Shepherds

Treasured - to keep Closely, preserve, & Ponder - to thank about seriously and reflect .

Luke 2:20-21 “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and see… as it had been told them...”

“As it had been told them...” so what they were told they would see is exactly what they saw; Jesus in a manger: savior of the world.

And they returned to the hills of Bethlehem praising God having beheld the glory of the Lord.

Points: As we have walked through this text so I have 4 points from this text for us this morning:

1. The Shepherd's were met in their fields: God often meets us in our ordinary means of life:

2 Cor 4:6 “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”

We as Christians all have a story; and in our story so we know God appeared and changed our hearts and lives for His Glory.

Wether it was at Church after a sermon, summer camp, walking an isle, or in your apartment with an opened bible

So just as the Shepherds in the fields at dark were met by; the glory and brightness of the Lord

So this serves as an example that “while we were still sinners (in darkness, Christ (light) died for us”

Let us never forget we as Christians in the darkness of our sin; in the hills that were dark in our life; a light has dawned on the pastures of our hearts so we can see. And His name is Jesus!

2. The Shepherds heard of good news in the fields:

The Good News is yes preached in a pulpit, but it’s not bound to a pulpit!

The Shepherd's were not only met by an angel; but Good News was to be shared & heralded “Glory to God”

They heard the Good News of the Gospel; when they least expected To hear it.

This is often our stories when we would least expect it; God changes our hearts through the hearing of the Good News of His Son to save us from sin Through the Bible And the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Shepherd’s left their flocks and went to seek out this Good News who is Christ:

After hearing and experiencing the glory of the Lord, so they couldn’t wait any longer...

They must go and see this Jesus (to understand Him as Truth)

Many have heard of Christ but in this case how many will leave what is most precious to them; and their livelihood to follow Him?

Luke 14:33 “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” - this was all the shepherds had

The Shepherd’s left their flocks and went to seek out this Good News who is Christ & so are we willing to leave everything we own and follow Christ?

4. The Shepherd's returned to the hills; changed; by seeing the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

So they returned to the hills changed; because when they had beheld the Glory of God in the face of Jesus they would never be the same!

When we behold Christ who is the glory of the Father, then we are changed Forever.

2 Cor 4:6 “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

What do you mean us seeing The face of Jesus Christ?

Not physically as Christ has ascended; but spiritually; have you behled Christ as Lord “has your heart and mind been enlightened to the truth of the….

GOSPEL!

This morning If you are born again: you have had an Encounter with the glory of the Lord!

If you are born again you have heard the Gospel- The Good News of Jesus!

If you have sought to follow Christ with all your life; at the expense of all you have; you are born again!

And Church if you are born again you can’t help but respond in praise and adoration to the King of Kings.

R.C. Sproul says “That’s the destiny of a Christian, to give glory and honor, dominion, power and praise. We join the angles in saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wiEdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. Rev 5:12

If you are not born again here the Word of the Lord this morning:

Good News of great joy has come; taste and see that the Lord is good, repent and believe in this Good News that Jesus saves from sin and one day this world.

I was talking with Oliver as He had woken up with me at 6 a.m. as I was studying:

I asked Oliver do you love Jesus, he proceeded to say - “God” - I said yes buddy.

Then He stood up on my lap; pointed up and said “Heaven”

And he proceeded to say “See Him”

I said we don’t see Him yet; but one day we will…

One day Christians will see The Glory of God who is found in Jesus Christ the Son; who came down from heaven to restore us back to fellowship with Him.