Bible verses referenced
Luke 2:8-16
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
1 Samuel 17:33-36
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him:
for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Teaching notes
Luke 2:16 – The Abandonment of Offerings: A Revelation of Grace
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Revisiting the Christmas Story
2. Mary and Joseph: Instruments of God's Favor
3. The Shepherds: A Symbol of Sacrificial Devotion
4. Temple Sheep: The Significance of Their Role
5. The Shift from Law to Grace
6. Application for Today
Introduction: Revisiting the Christmas Story
The Christmas story is often recounted with a focus on Mary, Joseph, the angels, and the birth of Jesus Christ. This sermon seeks to unveil deeper insights into the familiar narrative by highlighting the shepherds’ unique role and their profound spiritual significance. By examining their actions and the context of temple sheep, we gain a picture of the transition from the old covenant of the law to the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.
Mary and Joseph: Instruments of God's Favor
The sermon begins by revisiting Mary’s role as the highly favored one, emphasizing the Greek word “kharitoō,” meaning “endued with grace.” This word, used only twice in Scripture (Luke 1:28 and Ephesians 1:6), highlights how Mary and all believers are recipients of God’s grace.
Joseph, often overlooked, is shown to be equally chosen by God for his faith and righteousness. Together, Mary and Joseph exemplify the unity required for God’s plan of salvation to unfold.
The Shepherds: A Symbol of Sacrificial Devotion
The shepherds, abiding in the fields near Bethlehem, played a critical role in the narrative. These were no ordinary shepherds; they tended to special temple sheep
raised for sacrifice. The message of the angels not only brought good tidings but also challenged the shepherds to abandon their sheep—symbolic of the old covenant’s sacrifices—and worship Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Their act of haste in leaving the sheep underscores their recognition of the greater sacrifice: Jesus Christ. This shift from tending sacrificial lambs to worshiping the
ultimate Lamb of God symbolizes the end of the law and the dawn of grace.
Temple Sheep: The Significance of Their Role
Temple sheep were raised to be spotless and without blemish, intended for offerings in the temple. These lambs were meticulously cared for and symbolized the atonement of sins under the Mosaic Law.
The shepherds’ responsibility to protect these sheep at all costs illustrates the weight of the old covenant’s requirements. However, their decision to leave these sheep and bow before Jesus reflects the transition from temporary sacrifices to the eternal sacrifice of Christ.
The Shift from Law to Grace
The message of the angels heralded a new era: the end of the Mosaic Law’s demands and the beginning of the New Covenant of Grace. The shepherds’ abandonment of their sheep to kneel before Jesus symbolizes humanity’s need to forsake self-effort, toil, and sacrifice, embracing the grace and salvation offered through Christ.
John the Baptist’s declaration in John 1:29, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world, finds fulfillment in this moment. Jesus is revealed as the ultimate offering, providing permanent atonement for sin.
Application for Today
This sermon offers a powerful message for believers today:
– Abandon Self-Effort: Just as the shepherds left their sheep, we must abandon our reliance on works, efforts, and sacrifices to attain righteousness.
– Embrace Grace: Salvation comes not through what we do but through faith in Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate offering.
– Trust in Christ’s Completeness: Through Jesus, we are made holy, complete, and qualified to receive God’s blessings.
The Christmas story reminds us that grace, not works, is the foundation of our relationship with God.
FAQ
Q1: What is the significance of the shepherds abandoning their sheep?
The shepherds’ act of leaving their temple sheep symbolizes the end of the old covenant of sacrifices and the ushering in of the New Covenant of Grace through Jesus Christ.
Q2: Why were the temple sheep important?
Temple sheep were raised to be spotless and without blemish, serving as sacrifices in the temple to atone for sin under the Mosaic Law.
Q3: What does the term “Savior” in Luke 2:11 mean?
The Greek word “soter” refers to one who rescues, delivers, forgives sins, and makes whole—highlighting Jesus’ role as the ultimate deliverer.
Q4: How does this message apply to modern believers?
It teaches us to abandon self-reliance and embrace God’s grace through faith in Jesus, recognizing that salvation and righteousness come solely through Him.
Q5: How does David’s story connect to the shepherds?
David’s courage in protecting his sheep from lions and bears serves as a backdrop to the shepherds’ role, emphasizing their devotion and the sacrificial nature of their responsibility.