Topical Bible: Glorifying God: The Shepherds

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Introduction

The account of the shepherds glorifying God is a significant event in the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This event highlights the humble yet profound response of the shepherds to the divine revelation they received, serving as an example of glorifying God through faith and proclamation.

Biblical Account

The account of the shepherds is found in Luke 2:8-20. On the night of Jesus' birth, shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, causing them great fear. The angel announced the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, and provided a sign: the baby would be found wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:10-12).

Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14). This angelic proclamation emphasized the glorification of God through the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Response of the Shepherds

Upon hearing the angelic message, the shepherds immediately decided to go to Bethlehem to see the event that the Lord had made known to them. They hurried and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger, just as the angel had described (Luke 2:15-16).

After witnessing the newborn Messiah, the shepherds shared the message they had received about the child. All who heard their account were amazed at what the shepherds told them (Luke 2:17-18). The shepherds' response was not only one of obedience but also of proclamation, as they spread the good news of the Savior's birth.

Glorifying and Praising God

The shepherds returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told (Luke 2:20). Their actions exemplify a heartfelt response to God's revelation, characterized by worship and gratitude. The shepherds' glorification of God was a natural outpouring of their encounter with the divine and their recognition of the fulfillment of God's promises.

Theological Significance

The shepherds' role in the nativity account underscores several theological themes. First, it highlights God's choice to reveal the birth of the Messiah to humble and lowly individuals, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel. The shepherds, often marginalized in society, were among the first to receive and proclaim the good news, illustrating that God's grace extends to all people, regardless of status.

Second, the shepherds' response serves as a model for believers in glorifying God. Their immediate obedience, proclamation of the message, and worshipful return to their daily lives demonstrate a holistic approach to glorifying God. It involves both acknowledging God's work and sharing it with others, as well as living a life of praise and gratitude.

Conclusion

The account of the shepherds glorifying God at the birth of Jesus is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of divine revelation. Their account encourages believers to respond to God's work with faith, proclamation, and worship, embodying a life that glorifies God in all circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Shepherds and Angels
... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.'"Luke 2:8-20. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/shepherds and angels.htm

The Angels and the Shepherds.
... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the angels and the shepherds.htm

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
... iii.4.] 20 And the shepherds returned [they did not ... for neglecting their humble duties],
glorifying [because of ... had been revealed] and praising God [because of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xi the birth of jesus.htm

Proofs of the Foregoing, Drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
... Wherefore he adds: "The shepherds returned, glorifying God for all which they had
heard and seen, as it was told unto them." [3419] For the Israelitish ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x proofs of the foregoing.htm

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... unto them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in
her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

Unto You a Saviour
... shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 4 unto you a.htm

St. Ignatius (Ad 116)
... and deacons, and were also the chief spiritual pastors (or shepherds) of the ... in his
letter, that they would do nothing to hinder him from glorifying God by his ...
/.../chapter ii st ignatius ad.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... And Joachim went down and called his shepherds, saying: Bring me hither ten ... the supper
was ended, they went down rejoicing, and glorifying the God of Israel ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

Religious Joy.
... that startle us after the Angel's news to the shepherds? ... to His glory is His power
of glorifying; so that to ... already the first-fruits of our race, God and man ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvii religious joy.htm

A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ...
... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter v a statement of the.htm