HE SEES, HE KNOWS, HE CARES: THE GOSPEL of LUKESample

Read: Luke 2:1–52

SOAP: Luke 2:10–12

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Into the Text

Mary. Joseph. The shepherds. Simeon. Anna. None of these people were extraordinary. None of them were rulers or people of great influence, but they were faithful to God in what He had chosen to give them. Mary and Joseph were faithful to parent the Son of God and care for Him. The shepherds were faithful in caring for their flocks and remaining with them at night. Simeon was righteous, devout, and attentive to the Holy Spirit. And Anna faithfully worshiped God every day in the temple.

The angel brought good news to the shepherds. As they guarded their flocks, they were terrified by the angel’s appearance. But when they understood the good news they had been given, they went and worshiped Jesus.

Simeon had been patiently waiting for the restoration of Israel. He believed God when he was told he would not die before he saw the Christ. Directed by the Holy Spirit, Simeon recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah and he worshiped Him.

Anna had lost her husband, but she spent her life worshiping God, praying, and fasting. She, too, recognized Jesus and worshiped Him.

Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of the world. Luke’s Gospel makes this abundantly clear. Additionally, Luke displays the wonderful reality that salvation is for all. It is not limited to the elite, the wealthy, the successful, or the healthy. It is not bound by gender, race, or standing. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and all may come to Him.

While these men and women who first witnessed Jesus were acknowledged for their faithfulness, they did not earn their salvation. God deeply desires our faithfulness, but that is not what saves us. He is the Savior of the world, and our salvation rests on Him alone. He is faithful, and this is good news! We do not need to fear—we can find great joy in the faithfulness of God, the One who seeks and saves the lost, including us!