Luke 2:17-20
17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
As we read these verses, we need to consider the context in the preceding verses. As the angels left them, the shepherds knew that they must go to Bethlehem and see the thing that had happened, as told by the Lord. So, they went and found Mary and Joseph and the baby in the manger. Verse 17 lets us know that when the shepherds saw, they made it known, sharing the good news of the child, Jesus. Good news is meant to be shared and finds its completion when it is shared. This message is applicable to us today. If we have accepted Jesus, we should have this same desire to tell others of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In verse 18, those who heard, wondered. How many believed what the shepherds were telling them?
Verse 19 reveals a glimpse of Mary. In the midst of it all, she treasured and pondered everything that Jesus would do. Years later, as she and Joseph found 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, he told them, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” I, too, want to ponder Jesus and keep my focus on Him and what He can do for His glory through me and our church. As we encounter daily distractions, especially during this busy time of year, we must remember to keep the Gospel above everything else.
Lastly, in verse 20, the shepherds returned to their lives, but with a changed heart, glorifying and praising God. Let’s all remember to make our daily lives about praising and sharing God.
- How have you responded to Jesus?
- What will you do as a result of knowing Jesus?