Luke 2:18 – “And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
Extended Explanation
This verse highlights the reaction of the people who heard the shepherds’ account of the angelic announcement and the birth of Jesus. The people were “amazed,” suggesting that the shepherds’ message was both surprising and extraordinary. Their amazement likely came from the unexpected nature of the news—the long-awaited Messiah had arrived, but not in the way many had expected. He wasn’t born in a palace or revealed to kings and priests. Instead, He was born in humble surroundings and announced to shepherds.
The word “amazed” implies more than just casual curiosity. It suggests wonder, awe, and perhaps even confusion. Many may have been astonished that God would reveal such an important event to shepherds, a group that was often overlooked in society. The shepherds’ testimony challenged expectations and demonstrated that God’s ways are often different from human assumptions.
Historical Context
At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people were eagerly awaiting the Messiah, who they believed would deliver them from oppression and restore Israel’s greatness. However, most people expected the Messiah to come as a powerful political leader or king. The idea that He would be born in a manger and announced to shepherds would have been shocking.
Shepherds were considered lowly and often viewed with suspicion. Their work kept them isolated and ceremonially unclean by religious standards. For God to entrust such an important message to them was unexpected and would have been surprising to those who heard their testimony. This was a clear sign that God’s salvation wasn’t just for the religious elite but for all people.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the accessibility of God’s message of salvation. The fact that the shepherds, considered humble and ordinary, were chosen to be the first to share the good news underscores a major biblical truth: God’s grace is for everyone. The Gospel is not reserved for the rich, powerful, or religiously privileged—it’s for anyone who is willing to hear and believe.
The amazement of the people also reflects the way the Gospel often challenges human expectations. God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and His plan for salvation didn’t follow human logic. He didn’t send the Messiah with political power or military strength, but in humility and gentleness. This teaches us to be open to God’s work in unexpected ways.
Additionally, this verse shows the power of personal testimony. The shepherds didn’t have theological training or social influence, but their experience of seeing the angel and Jesus firsthand was enough to cause amazement. Their story reminds us that God can use anyone’s testimony to impact others.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of the word “amazed” creates a sense of wonder that is central to the birth narrative. Throughout his Gospel, Luke emphasizes how people respond to Jesus with awe, whether it’s through His birth, His miracles, or His teaching. The shepherds’ role as messengers fits Luke’s theme of God lifting up the humble and revealing His truth through unexpected means.
The simplicity of the shepherds’ testimony is also important. They didn’t present a polished or eloquent message—they simply shared what they had seen and heard. This straightforward, honest testimony is what caused amazement, showing that the power of the Gospel lies not in human presentation but in the truth of the message itself.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
- Psalm 71:17-18 – “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”
- Mark 5:20 – After being healed by Jesus, the man went and told others what Jesus had done, and they were amazed.
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the power of sharing the Gospel. The shepherds didn’t have status or influence, but their testimony caused amazement because they shared what God had done in their lives. This encourages believers to share their faith, trusting that God can use their words to impact others.
It also reminds Christians to be open to God’s work in unexpected ways. The people who heard the shepherds’ message were amazed because it didn’t fit their preconceived ideas of how God would act. In the same way, we should be willing to recognize and respond to God’s work, even when it doesn’t look the way we expect.
This verse also challenges Christians to be in awe of the Gospel. Sometimes, familiarity with the story of Jesus can cause us to lose the sense of wonder and amazement that comes with knowing what God has done. But when we reflect on the depth of God’s love and grace, we are reminded that the Gospel is always worth marveling over.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in the way He chose to reveal the birth of His Son. He didn’t send the announcement to kings or religious leaders but to shepherds, showing that His love reaches everyone, regardless of status. The fact that the people were amazed at the message reveals how surprising and overwhelming God’s love can be—it goes beyond human understanding.
God’s love is also evident in the content of the shepherds’ message. They were sharing the news that the Savior had been born, the one who would bring peace and reconciliation between God and humanity. This message of salvation is the ultimate expression of God’s love, and it’s meant to be shared so that others can experience His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The amazement that people felt upon hearing the shepherds’ testimony points to the significance of Jesus’ birth. He wasn’t just an ordinary baby—He was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior. The shepherds’ testimony focused on the truth of who Jesus was, and their role as witnesses foreshadows the role that all believers would later have in sharing the good news of His life, death, and resurrection.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus would continue to cause amazement through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His resurrection. The amazement that began with His birth would spread throughout His life and continue to inspire awe in believers today.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the people were so amazed by the shepherds’ message?
- How does this verse encourage you to share your faith, even if you feel unqualified?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s ability to use ordinary people to spread His message?
- How can you keep a sense of awe and amazement about the Gospel in your daily life?
- In what ways can you recognize and respond to God’s work, even when it doesn’t match your expectations?