‘‘A shepherd told me A shepherd told me so…’so…’

Luke 2:8-21Luke 2:8-21

Manik & Maple CoreaManik & Maple CoreaServing in Bangkok, Thailand Serving in Bangkok, Thailand since 2008since 2008

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‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’Luke 2:8-21Luke 2:8-21

4 themes echoing in the passage4 themes echoing in the passage

1)1) open-armed humility open-armed humility

2)2) contagious evangelism contagious evangelism

3)3) obedient trust and obedient trust and

4)4) glorious salvation. glorious salvation.

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’

Intro:Intro: Luke – only Gentile writer of the NT.Luke – only Gentile writer of the NT. Writes of God’s global plan of salvation – Writes of God’s global plan of salvation –

‘a Light for revelation to the Gentiles’ (Lk ‘a Light for revelation to the Gentiles’ (Lk 2:32).2:32).

Highlights Jesus’ ministry to the lepers Highlights Jesus’ ministry to the lepers (17:11-19), women (7:36-50, 10:38-42), (17:11-19), women (7:36-50, 10:38-42), Gentiles (10:25-37), tax collectors and Gentiles (10:25-37), tax collectors and ‘sinners’ (‘sinners’ (5:30, 7:34, 15:1) – the despised, 5:30, 7:34, 15:1) – the despised, lowly and excluded classes. lowly and excluded classes.

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’

Context of passage – angelic Context of passage – angelic announcement of the Saviour’s birth announcement of the Saviour’s birth and performance by angelic choir.and performance by angelic choir.

Shepherds became first evangelists Shepherds became first evangelists of the Messiah/Christ.of the Messiah/Christ.

Mary treasured up all that happened.Mary treasured up all that happened. Both reactions are needed!Both reactions are needed!

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’

Open-armed humilityOpen-armed humility God is predisposed towards the God is predisposed towards the

humble humble

(1 Peter 5:5-6)(1 Peter 5:5-6) Humble yourselves!Humble yourselves! Why did God choose you?Why did God choose you?

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’

Contagious evangelismContagious evangelism ‘‘I bring you I bring you good newsgood news of great joy…’ of great joy…’

In the original Gk, ‘evangelizo’.In the original Gk, ‘evangelizo’. What are we doing to share the good What are we doing to share the good

news?news? Presence evangelism vs Presence evangelism vs

proclamation.proclamation.

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’

Obedient trustObedient trust They left in haste (vs 16).They left in haste (vs 16). They praised God for what they They praised God for what they

heard and saw, ‘which heard and saw, ‘which were just as were just as they had been told’ (vs 20). they had been told’ (vs 20).

Faith preceded experience.Faith preceded experience.

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’

Glorious salvationGlorious salvation Baby Jesus circumcised on 8Baby Jesus circumcised on 8thth day day

((Gen 17:12, Lev 12:3). Gen 17:12, Lev 12:3). Jesus, latin form of Yeshua, lit. Jesus, latin form of Yeshua, lit.

‘Yahweh is salvation’ or ‘Yahweh ‘Yahweh is salvation’ or ‘Yahweh saves’.saves’.

‘…‘…he will save his people from their he will save his people from their sins’ (Matt 1:21).sins’ (Matt 1:21).

‘‘A shepherd told me so…’A shepherd told me so…’Luke 2:8-21Luke 2:8-21

Summary - 4 themes Summary - 4 themes 1)1) open-armed humility open-armed humility 2)2) contagious evangelism contagious evangelism 3)3) obedient trust and obedient trust and 4)4) glorious salvation. glorious salvation.

YOU CAN KNOW & FOLLOW JESUS YOU CAN KNOW & FOLLOW JESUS TODAY!TODAY!

Turn, Trust, Tell, TakeTurn, Trust, Tell, Take