Every week you’ll find different types of posts here on the ABS blog. Today’s post is for teachers, to encourage conversation and reflection in your Bible study group. Each “Let’s Talk About” activity can be used at any time during your meeting and lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.

Today, let's talk about..

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Luke 2:8-20

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. ⁹ The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

¹⁰ The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. ¹¹ Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. ¹² This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” ¹³ Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

¹⁵ When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” ¹⁶ They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. ¹⁸ Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. ²⁰ The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Key Verse:

They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. —Luke 2:16-17

Commentary:

The shepherds, also considered society’s “the least of these,” were told an incredible story: A Savior is born in Bethlehem. Following the angel’s direction, they went to find a baby born in a stable. When they found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, they knew the story was true. They welcomed Jesus, believed in him as Savior, and then told everyone they met the good news. They could not keep such an amazing experience to themselves! They saw Jesus, were changed by Jesus, and told others so that they also might believe, be changed, praise God, and celebrate.

Questions to Discuss:

If Jesus was the Savior of the world, why do you think the angels appeared with the news to shepherds instead of high-ranking rabbis or other leaders?

If the shepherds had not seen Jesus in the stable for themselves, do you think they would have believed what they were told? Would you?

The shepherds told everyone about Jesus’ birth. Have you told anyone about Jesus? Will you?