The Lamb of God
Luke 2:15b-18
Shepherds and sheep are familiar sights for the people of Israel. Even today, Bedouin shepherds can be seen tending their flocks on the hillsides surrounding Bethlehem and Jerusalem, showcasing a traditional way of life preserved for centuries.
Throughout the Scriptures, we read about the relationship between the shepherd and his flock. Many well-known shepherds teach important lessons, including Abel, Abraham, Jacob, and King David. The sheep illustration symbolizes the relationship between God and His people—the shepherd and the flock.
The Almighty God of Heaven sent an angel and the angelic host to deliver the official birth announcement to a group of hard-working shepherds. Imagine their fear when the Lord’s glory filled the night skies (Luke 2:9-10).
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
- Luke 2:15-18
The Lamb of God | Shepherds Share the Good News
The angel brought good news to the shepherds, which brought great joy to everyone. After hearing the message, the shepherds were excited and wanted to find the baby lying in a manger. They came and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby—worship and praise filled their hearts. But the shepherds didn’t just return to the fields. They shared all they had heard and seen with others.
After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what the angel had said and what had happened when they found the baby. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.
- Luke 2:17-18
The Lamb of God | Without Blemish or Spot
In John’s Gospel, Jesus is presented as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). Later, during His ministry, He revealed to His disciples that He was the Good Shepherd, fulfilling the role foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 40:11).
Therefore, we cannot overlook the significance of the shepherds and sheep in this story. It makes sense that they would hear the angel’s announcement of good news and gaze in wonder at this infant. This little one came to live a perfect life—without blemish—and offer the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, and He is the Good Shepherd—born in David’s City, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Head to Heart
The Lamb of God deserves our deepest worship. Cultivating a spirit of reverence for the Lord takes dedication and practice. Sometimes, it can be difficult to express our innermost feelings or convey the love in our hearts to God.
J. Oswald Sanders shared these thoughts, “The Scriptures are rich in material to feed and stimulate worship and adoration—especially the Psalms, God’s inspired prayer book. As you read them, turn them into prayer. Great themes abound—God’s holiness, sovereignty, truth, wisdom, faithfulness, patience, love, mercy—all of which call forth our worship.”
Write out a select Psalm. Read the words out loud. Sing the Psalm back to the Lord.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive … honor and glory and blessing.
- Revelation 5:12
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