What does Luke 2:15 mean?

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. Luke 2:15

Explanation

Luke 2:15 describes the reaction of the shepherds after the angels had announced the birth of Jesus and then left them. The verse portrays the shepherds’ decision to act on the news they had received by visiting Bethlehem to witness the event for themselves. This passage emphasizes their obedience, curiosity, and excitement. It signifies the shepherds’ faith and trust in the message delivered by the angels. The “thing which is come to pass” refers to the birth of Jesus, which they describe as an event disclosed to them by the Lord (“which the Lord hath made known unto us”). This highlights the divine revelation and the special privilege they received as humble witnesses to the unfolding of God’s plan for mankind.

Historical Context

The verse is part of the nativity story found in the Gospel of Luke, which was written approximately around 80-110 AD. The Gospels are believed to contain eyewitness accounts and oral traditions that had been shared amongst the early Christian communities. During the time of this event, Bethlehem was a small town in Judea. The practice of shepherding was common, and shepherds were often seen as humble and lower-class individuals in society. Yet, Luke’s gospel specifically highlights their involvement, celebrating the inclusiveness of Christ’s birth for all social classes.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, different traditions have interpreted this verse in various ways. Traditional Christian teaching often views this passage as an indication of God’s grace, extending the announcement of the Messiah to the marginalized (such as the shepherds) before the elite and powerful. Additionally, the shepherds’ decision to act immediately on the angels’ message is seen as a model of faithful response to divine revelation. Some theologians emphasize how this narrative demonstrates God’s desire to reveal Himself to all people, regardless of social status.

Practical Applications

The verse encourages individuals to respond to God’s revelations in their lives with immediacy and faith, just as the shepherds did. It can be interpreted as a call to action for believers to witness and share significant experiences of God’s work in their lives. The narrative also invites people to celebrate and investigate the signs of divine presence around them, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experience in one’s spiritual journey.

Cross-References

• Luke 2:10-11: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
• Matthew 2:1-2: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.
• John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase “Let us now go” (διέλθωμεν δή) conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy in their desire to confirm what they’ve been told. The word “thing” refers to “rhema” in Greek (ῥῆμα), which can be translated as an event, a word spoken, or something that has been revealed. The Greek verb “ginomai” (γέγονεν), translated here as “which is come to pass,” carries a sense of coming into being or happening, often involving events of significant importance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of the shepherds can be compared to several ancient myths where lowly characters receive revelations from the divine or play critical roles in significant events. For instance, in some Greek myths, gods reveal themselves to mortals, particularly to those who are humble or of low status. The theme of heavenly beings announcing important news to humans is also commonly found in many world religions, demonstrating a universal motif of divine-human communication.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific perspectives generally do not align directly with theological narratives, the reaction of the shepherds can be explored through the lens of human psychology. Their response involves elements of social cognition, obedience to perceived divine authority, and collective behavior. The desire to verify an extraordinary claim can be seen as consistent with human curiosity and the natural inclination to seek evidence for remarkable events.

Commentaries

Various commentators have explored this verse, often highlighting the shepherds’ example of faith and obedience. William Barclay notes the shepherds’ immediate reaction, seeing it as a testament to their faith. Matthew Henry comments on the simplicity and sincerity of the shepherds, contrasting them with the scholars and rulers of the time who were unaware or indifferent to Jesus’ birth. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary underscores the fact that the shepherds were chosen to receive the announcement of Jesus’ birth, which signifies the breaking down of social barriers and the accessibility of Jesus to all.