What is the meaning of Luke 2:14? Glory to God in the highest • The angelic chorus begins by lifting every eye upward. God’s glory—His perfect greatness and radiant majesty—is the first and highest reality (Psalm 148:1; Revelation 5:13). • By announcing Jesus’ birth this way, the angels reveal that the Incarnation is foremost about God’s honor. The Father sent the Son so that heaven and earth would see His character displayed (Ephesians 1:6). • Our response follows the angels’: worship that exalts God above every earthly concern (Luke 19:38). and on earth peace • The same event that showcases glory in heaven brings peace on earth. Jesus is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7); His coming answers centuries of longing for true shalom—wholeness, reconciliation, rest. • This peace is more than an absence of conflict. Through Christ’s atoning work, sinners are reconciled to God, moving from enmity to friendship (Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20). • The peace reaches outward: because believers are now “one new man” in Christ, hostility between people can be dismantled (Ephesians 2:14-17). • Personal peace is promised as well—Jesus later says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27), offering calm for troubled hearts. to men on whom His favor rests! • The peace announced is not automatic for all; it rests on those who receive God’s gracious favor. Earlier, Gabriel greeted Mary as one “highly favored” (Luke 1:28), showing that God’s grace chooses and blesses. • Favor (grace) is unearned. Salvation comes “by grace…through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9), never by personal merit. • Those who trust Christ stand in a new position: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). • God’s favor is wide—“For God so loved the world” (John 3:16)—yet specific: it effectively saves all who believe, instructing them “to live sensibly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11-14). summary Luke 2:14 harmonizes heaven and earth around the birth of Jesus. The angels spotlight God’s unmatched glory, proclaim the arrival of true peace through the Savior, and announce that this peace belongs to all who receive His gracious favor. Recognizing these truths leads us to worship, to rest in the peace Christ secured, and to live as favored people who spread His glory and peace wherever we go. |
    |