Dec 24 - When They Returned

When They Returned ...

Saturday, December 24, 2022

by Andy Lambel

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:20 

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

The last verse of the Christmas story as written by Luke in his Gospel.  And it’s a familiar story to most of us. 

Today, I think about this text through the eyes and the lives of the shepherds.

Shepherds were not high on “totem pole” of that day.  In fact, they were the lowest of the low.  They were simple, uneducated men who risked their lives every day to care for a bunch of sheep.

And yet despite their lowly standing, the angels appeared to them that night sharing the good news with them.  In Luke 2:9-10, we read, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.’”  And the angel went on to them about the birth of Jesus, where it would happen, and how they would know that the baby was indeed the Messiah.  Then a host of angels appeared in the night sky, praising God.

So, the shepherds go to see this child they had been told about.

This brings me to verse 20.  As I’ve read this verse over and over the past few days, one word sticks out to me.  The word RETURNED.

I don’t think these simple shepherds returned to their sheep the same men they were when they left their sheep.  I don’t think a person can have a personal encounter with the living Christ and return to wherever they came from the same person.

Think about other personal encounters with the living Christ in Scripture.  

What about the three wise men?  After they had a personal encounter with Jesus, Scripture says, “they returned to their country by another route.” – Matthew 2:12.  They didn’t go home the same way they came.  I think they went home different people.

Think about Nicodemus and his conversation with Jesus found in John chapter 3.  Nicodemus was a Pharisee, but he approached Jesus and had a conversation with Him.  The next time we see Nicodemus, he’s helping Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus after the crucifixion.  We’re not told that Nicodemus returned to his home a different man, but I think he did after having a personal encounter with Him.

And then there’s Thomas or doubting Thomas if you will.  We read about this in John chapter 20.  Thomas is told by the other disciples, “We have seen the Lord.”  Thomas doesn’t believe them.  He says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25.

About a week later, Jesus appears to the disciples again.  This time Thomas was with them.  He appeared and said to Thomas, “Put you finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas’ next statement show what can happen when a personal encounter with the living Christ take place.  Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28.

This is what can happen to us when we have a personal encounter with the living Christ.  We will not return the same person.  

A personal encounter with the living Christ is a LIFE-CHANGING, LIFE TRANSFORMING encounter.  May we all have that same encounter with Christ as the shepherds on that first Christmas morning and return home glorifying and praising God.

AMEN