Luke 2:15 – “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse shows the immediate reaction of the shepherds after witnessing the angelic announcement. Once the angels leave and return to heaven, the shepherds don’t hesitate—they act. They recognize that what they’ve just heard isn’t merely a dream or vision, but a message directly from God. Their response reveals faith and obedience as they quickly decide to go to Bethlehem to see the newborn Savior.
Their words, “Let’s go… and see this thing that has happened,” demonstrate trust in the message they received. They didn’t question or doubt whether the angels were telling the truth; they accepted it as reality. They understood that this wasn’t just any birth—it was a divine event that required their response.
Historical Context
Shepherds in the ancient world were often viewed as lowly and unimportant. They lived on the outskirts of society, performing a necessary but humble job of caring for sheep. Despite their low status, God chose them to be the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus. This reflects the larger theme in the Bible that God often works through the humble, the lowly, and the unexpected to carry out His purposes.
Bethlehem was a small, unassuming town, but it carried significant meaning as the birthplace of King David and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). The fact that the shepherds were called to witness Jesus’ birth in such a humble place underscores the idea that God’s kingdom is different from worldly expectations—it’s rooted in humility and grace, not power or prestige.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of faith and obedience in responding to God’s message. The shepherds didn’t just hear the good news and stay where they were—they acted on it. Their response models the kind of faith that God desires: one that leads to action. The Gospel message isn’t something we hear and forget—it’s something we receive, believe, and act upon.
The fact that the shepherds recognized the message as coming from the Lord emphasizes that God speaks through various means, whether through angels, Scripture, or other believers. When God speaks, the proper response is to listen and obey.
This verse also reveals that God invites ordinary people into His extraordinary plans. The shepherds were not religious leaders or royalty, but they were among the first to see the Savior of the world. This reflects the truth that salvation is for all people, and God’s message of hope reaches everyone, regardless of social status.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses a simple but powerful structure to highlight the shepherds’ immediate response. The phrase “Let’s go” conveys urgency and eagerness. The contrast between the heavenly grandeur of the angelic host and the humble setting of the shepherds underscores Luke’s theme of divine glory entering ordinary life.
Luke also emphasizes that the shepherds attribute the message to the Lord, not just the angels. This detail reinforces the idea that God is the ultimate source of the message, and the shepherds recognize its divine authority. Their willingness to leave their flocks and journey to Bethlehem shows their belief that witnessing this event is more important than anything else.
Biblical Cross-References
- Micah 5:2 – The prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
- James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
- Matthew 2:1-2 – The wise men also traveled to find and worship Jesus, showing how different groups responded to His birth.
- Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse teaches Christians that faith requires action. Just like the shepherds didn’t remain in the fields after hearing the good news, Christians are called to respond when they encounter the truth of the Gospel. Faith isn’t passive—it leads us to seek Christ, follow His commands, and share His love with others.
It’s also a reminder that God can call us to Himself in the midst of our ordinary, everyday lives. The shepherds were simply doing their job when God revealed His plan to them. Likewise, God can speak to us through the ordinary moments of life, and when He does, we should be ready to respond.
This verse also encourages Christians to trust God’s message, even when it seems unexpected or beyond comprehension. The shepherds didn’t have all the answers, but they believed what they had been told and acted on it. In the same way, we don’t need to understand everything to have faith—we just need to trust God and take the next step.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He chose to reveal the birth of His Son to humble shepherds. His love reaches out to the lowly, the forgotten, and the ordinary, showing that no one is excluded from His grace. By inviting the shepherds to witness the birth of Jesus, God demonstrates His desire for all people to be part of His plan of salvation.
God’s message to the shepherds was one of joy and hope, reflecting His loving character. He didn’t just send the angels to announce the birth of Jesus—He invited the shepherds to come and see for themselves. This invitation to experience God’s love personally is extended to everyone who is willing to seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is a direct response to the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem to see the Savior foreshadows the journey of faith that all believers take to come to Christ. Jesus is the one who invites us to “come and see” (John 1:39), just as the shepherds were invited to witness His birth.
The shepherds’ experience of seeing Jesus firsthand points to the idea that encountering Christ changes everything. Just as they left their fields to find Him, believers are called to leave behind their old lives and follow Him. The humility of Jesus’ birth also connects to His overall mission—to serve and save, not to be served (Mark 10:45).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the shepherds’ response to the angel’s message demonstrate faith in action?
- What does this verse teach you about how God can speak to you in your everyday life?
- In what ways are you being called to “go” and seek Christ today?
- How can you be more like the shepherds, responding to God’s message with obedience and trust?
- What does this verse reveal about God’s invitation for ordinary people to be part of His extraordinary plan?