Luke 2:15-21
“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.”
One of the most universally known games in the world is “tag.” One or more people are “it,” giving chase to others until they are tagged, and in turn become “it” to carry on the game.
While the shepherds were in the field, angels tagged them with the message of Jesus’ birth. This news excited the shepherds so much that they had to see for themselves, then they began tagging others with this message. This process of tagging people has continued since that day. As a matter of fact, it is intended for you to speak up and tag someone you know with this same message – the Gospel. There are three reasons why the shepherds spread the news and why you and I must as well.
- You are a witness to His life. (“And when they saw it…” vs. 17a) The shepherds were eyewitnesses to the angel’s message and the baby’s existence. As followers of Christ, we are witnesses to the life-changing power of Christ in us and the Spirit’s work through us.
- God gave the responsibility to you. (“…they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.” vs. 17b) The angels did not go to the Temple. The angels did not go to the king. The angels came to the shepherds. When you became a follower of Christ, you also became an ambassador for Christ.
- He is worth talking about. (“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” vs 20) The birth of Jesus was not ordinary. His birth confirmed a promise of salvation. Jesus is the hope for all humanity and the life that He brings to my home is worth talking about.
We must tag someone with this message!
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- Who tagged you with the life-changing message of the Gospel? As a way to tag others, hare your story in the comments below!
- Who is someone in your life that you can tag with the blessing of this message?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Pastor Stephen Williams
