Too often, we rush and we fail to slow down and consider the common sense of a Bible passage -in context. Like a learner in a reading class, let's break down a passage to see if we can comprehend it better. | Luke (NASB): 15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” |
- What must it have been like to hear all of the angel voices and then suddenly be left alone in the field in absolute silence?
- What convinced the shepherds to go to Bethlehem?
- Why do they need to see the baby for themselves?
- If the angels told them, why do the shepherds now say the Lord is the One who told them the Good News?
- Are they in a rush?
- Did they even imagine there would be parents? How would these parents have greeted and entertained the shepherds? Would Joseph and Mary be apprehensive about receiving guests? Protective? What makes them open the door to these dirty men?
Let's Think:
Honestly, sometimes we just need to stop and envision the scene. This is one of those times for me. A whole host of angelic voices have just been ringing out across the meadow at these unsuspecting shepherds, and all of a sudden, the songs have ceased. It's back to nature sounds. Bugs. Grass waving in the breeze. The bleating of sheep. Silence. And above? Only stars. No brightly-clad angelic lights. Just a dark, dark sky with a bajillion pinpricks of illumination along with a moon. Full? Waxing? Waning? I suppose we could look it up.
And there you stand - a shepherd among peers, together with flocks of sheep, with blank expressions. Do you go about your business? Do you react to the Message you've just received? The News was so compelling that the men hurried to find the manger and all that surrounded it.
We don't know what that must have been like. We're told that the "stable" we usually picture was actually a small cave. By necessity, I think it must not have been open like the Nativity sets we often see in December. I picture the scene with a door. The area might have been cramped, considering the inn was full. Many animals, pack animals as well as animals to ride, would have been stabled there and in the general vicinity. Did the shepherds bring their sheep with them?
There are two parents there who must have been protective of the Newborn. They've been told that this is the Son of God and that He will provide salvation for the world. It seems they would be protective anyway, but with the added responsibility of keeping Jesus safe for the sake of the world. Or, have they been told more - perhaps that Jesus will be protected and that they should not be afraid of visitors at this time?
How do the shepherds approach the scene? Do they jump right in? Shake hands with Joseph? Tip their hats to the new mother? Do they stare at the Baby? Bow to Him? Do they utter prayers under their breath? Are they joyful? Is there laughter and celebration? It's impossible to know, but it's amazing to imagine. What would you do?