Luke 2:17 – “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,”
Extended Explanation
This verse shows the shepherds’ immediate reaction after seeing Jesus—they didn’t keep the good news to themselves. Instead, they began spreading the word about what they had witnessed. The shepherds shared the message of the angel and confirmed it with their own experience of seeing the baby lying in the manger. This response shows that their encounter with Jesus wasn’t just a private moment; it was a life-changing event that they felt compelled to share with others.
The shepherds didn’t speak about their opinions or speculations—they reported what had been “told them about this child.” Their message wasn’t based on personal feelings but on the truth God had revealed through the angels. This verse emphasizes the importance of sharing the Gospel as a message rooted in God’s truth, not human invention.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, shepherds weren’t considered trustworthy witnesses in legal matters. They were often seen as outsiders or lower-class citizens. Despite this societal perception, God chose them to be the first messengers of the good news of Jesus’ birth. This reflects a consistent theme in Scripture: God often works through those whom the world overlooks to accomplish His purposes.
The idea of spreading a message quickly was common in ancient Jewish society, especially when it came to significant religious events. Just as news of important festivals or public events would travel rapidly, the shepherds’ announcement of the Messiah’s birth began to spread among the people. What’s significant here is that this message wasn’t shared by priests or political leaders but by ordinary shepherds who had encountered God.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to share the Gospel. The shepherds’ response to seeing Jesus is a model for how Christians are called to witness. When we encounter the truth of who Jesus is, it should naturally lead to a desire to tell others. The Gospel isn’t meant to be kept private; it’s a message of hope and salvation for all people.
The shepherds’ role also demonstrates that God uses ordinary people to spread His extraordinary message. You don’t need to be a religious leader or scholar to share the good news. The shepherds simply shared what they had seen and heard, and that was enough. This teaches us that sharing the Gospel doesn’t require special training or eloquence—it requires faith and obedience.
Furthermore, this verse points to the reliability of the Gospel message. The shepherds didn’t create their own version of the story; they shared what had been told to them by the angel and what they had seen with their own eyes. In the same way, Christians today are called to share the truth of Scripture and their personal experience of God’s work in their lives.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s narrative structure emphasizes the progression from revelation to action. The shepherds first receive the message from the angel, then confirm it by seeing Jesus, and finally share it with others. This sequence reflects the process of faith: hearing the Word, experiencing its truth, and sharing it with others.
The use of the phrase “spread the word” suggests urgency and enthusiasm. The shepherds weren’t hesitant or cautious—they were eager to let others know what they had witnessed. Luke’s choice to highlight the shepherds’ role in spreading the news underscores one of the main themes of his Gospel: the good news of salvation is for everyone, and it is meant to be shared widely.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
- Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Psalm 96:3 – “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
- Romans 10:14 – “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians of the importance of sharing their faith. Just as the shepherds shared what they had seen and heard, believers today are called to share the good news of Jesus with others. This doesn’t mean everyone has to be a preacher or missionary, but it does mean being willing to talk about how God has worked in your life and what His Word teaches.
The shepherds’ example also shows that sharing the Gospel doesn’t require perfection or status. God can use anyone who is willing to speak about His goodness. Whether you’re a new believer or have been following Christ for many years, your testimony is powerful when combined with the truth of Scripture.
This verse also encourages Christians to be bold in their witness. The shepherds didn’t let their social status or lack of influence stop them from sharing the good news. In the same way, we are called to share the Gospel even when we feel unqualified or unsure of how others will respond.
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 ordinary shepherds and invited them to be the first to share the good news. This shows that God’s love is not reserved for the elite or the powerful—it’s for everyone. He desires that all people hear the message of salvation and come to know Him.
By allowing the shepherds to participate in His plan, God demonstrates that He values everyone, regardless of their background or status. His love is inclusive and reaches to the lowliest places, showing that no one is beyond His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The shepherds’ act of spreading the word directly connects to Jesus’ role as the Savior who brings good news to all people. Their message centered on the child they had seen, who was the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. In this way, they became the first evangelists, pointing others to Jesus as the source of hope and redemption.
Jesus Himself would later commission His followers to continue this work, instructing them to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The shepherds’ actions foreshadow the mission of the church, which is to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the world.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the shepherds were so eager to share what they had seen and heard?
- How does this verse challenge you to be more intentional about sharing your faith?
- In what ways can you share the good news of Jesus in your daily life?
- What does the shepherds’ example teach you about trusting God to use you, even if you feel unqualified?
- How does knowing that the Gospel message is rooted in truth and personal experience give you confidence to share it with others?