The Story Spreads: Luke 2:18-20
“18) And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19) But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20) The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:18-20
These verses need to be emphasized. The impact of the shepherds was huge. Many visitors in Bethlehem and nearby Jerusalem heard the story of the angelic visitation.
The two towns were very close together. Most likely the priestly line in Jerusalem who came for the census and the kingly line descended from David intermingled openly during the census. The story was widely broadcast in the whole region. God was not doing this in secret!
Notice verse 20. The shepherds talked openly about what they both seen and heard. This was not a dream or vision by one or two shepherds. It happened openly before many. I relish times when heaven openly mingles with the physical realm. It has happened numerous times throughout human history.
The response of Mary was a bit more tranquil. It appears that she did not openly share her personal encounter with Gabriel beyond a small circle. She and Joseph were still in the critics den by many who accused them of fornication. The true identity of her child would have to await His public ministry.
The text merely says “19) But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” She was a mother. At heart she was a scrapbooker. Can you imagine the collection of stories and pictures had she had access to Facebook or instagram?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“18) And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19) But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20) The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” Luke 2:18-20
These verses need to be emphasized. The impact of the shepherds was huge. Many visitors in Bethlehem and nearby Jerusalem heard the story of the angelic visitation.
The two towns were very close together. Most likely the priestly line in Jerusalem who came for the census and the kingly line descended from David intermingled openly during the census. The story was widely broadcast in the whole region. God was not doing this in secret!
Notice verse 20. The shepherds talked openly about what they both seen and heard. This was not a dream or vision by one or two shepherds. It happened openly before many. I relish times when heaven openly mingles with the physical realm. It has happened numerous times throughout human history.
The response of Mary was a bit more tranquil. It appears that she did not openly share her personal encounter with Gabriel beyond a small circle. She and Joseph were still in the critics den by many who accused them of fornication. The true identity of her child would have to await His public ministry.
The text merely says “19) But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” She was a mother. At heart she was a scrapbooker. Can you imagine the collection of stories and pictures had she had access to Facebook or instagram?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
