2:8 Shepherd; NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible wrote;” most people of status throughout the empire viewed shepherds as lowly and sometimes as rough, unclean, or even dangerously living out in the fields.
NIV Study Notes wrote,” The flocks were reserved for temple sacrifice were they kept the sheep in the fields near Bethlehem throughout the year keeping watch. Against thieves and predatory animals. The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were: to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
The Greek word is poimēn meaning a herdsman, especially a shepherd who protected the sheep.
Passover and the story of the exodus have great significance for Christians also, as Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, including the symbolism of the Passover (Matthew 5:17). Jesus is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 5:12). He was killed at Passover time, and the Last Supper was a Passover meal (Luke 22:7–8).
Luke 2:11 The angel appeared to the shepherd first, and declared, “Today a Savior who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.”
Remember the shepherd were protecting the sheep from the thieves and predatory since they were used for sacrificing sin offering for the people. Later on Jesus would be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John; 1:29 and Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. John; 10:11 John MacArthur wrote,” This is a reference to Jesus’ substitutionary death for sinners on the cross. Cf. v. 15; 6:51; 11:50, 51; 17:19; 18:14.” Furthermore, he wrote,’ “This is one of only two places in the gospels where Christ is referred to as “Savior “—the other being John 4:42, where the men of Sychar confessed Him as “Savior of the world.”
Reformed Bible Study wrote; The shepherd were “prevented them from keeping the ceremonial law. The sin offering was enacted from God as a payment for sins unintentionally or intentionally founded in Leviticus 5 since all have sin the shepherd should being included. For example, the Jewish leader would not enter headquarters of Pilate in fear defiling themselves while taking the Passover. The purpose of taking of Passover is that God set them free from the bondage slavery to the Egyptians. Where God told the Israelites to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark their doorposts and lintels with its blood (Exodus 12:21–22). Then, when the Lord passed through the nation, He would “pass over ” the households that showed the blood post prevent household for being put to death by angel who pass throughout the land
(V 12:23] In a very real way, the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death, as it kept the destroyer from entering their homes.
Passover and the story of the exodus have great significance for Christians also, as Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, including the symbolism of the Passover (Matthew 5:17). Jesus is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 5:12). He was killed at Passover time, and the Last Supper was a Passover meal (Luke 22:7–8).
In short, the Angel visited the shepherd to ensure them that they are part of salvation plan.
Later on the Apostle Peter stated in Acts 10; 28 the following You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. Where the Bible stated in Leviticus 19:34 You must regard the foreigner who lives with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God.” Jesus uttered these words,” But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. Or go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, or you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Luke 2:11 Messiah the Lord; Messiah comes from the Hebrew word mashiach and Greek word is Christos or, in English, Christ, meaning the anointed one or chose one. The Free Dictionary defines it; the anticipated saviour of the Jews or a leader or savior of a particular group or cause. The Old Testament, people were anointed for the positions of prophet, priest, and king. God told Elijah to anoint Elisha to succeed him as Israel’s prophet 1 Kings 19:16). Aaron was anointed as the first high priest of Israel (Leviticus 8:12.
But, the Old Testament predicted a coming Deliverer, chosen by God to redeem Israel Isaiah 42:1; 61:1–3. This Deliverer the Jews called the Messiah. Where Jesus Himself would declare in Luke 4:17–21; John 4:25–26 that he was Messiah. The Apostle Peter declared Jesus as the Messiah in Matthew 16:16. Jesus proved beyond shadow of doubt when He arose from the dead Acts 10:39–43.
He accomplished this salvation through His death and resurrection (John 12:32; John 3:16).
Lord means “master”—but it is also the word used to translate the covenant name of God meaning LORD or YHWH. Here (and in most of its NT occurrences), it is used in the latter sense, as a title of deity. NKJV Bible wrote The word Lord was the title of a ruler. The meaning of the word is defined by Peter in Acts 2:30–36. Jesus is destined to sit and distribute salvation’s benefits from God’s side, ruling with the Father. Holman commentary wrote,” This title referred to the holy, unspeakable personal name of God himself. This baby in the manger was God He, with all power and all authorities under heaven would be redeemed mankind from it cursed. Believer Bible Commentary,” This Baby was a Savior who is Christ the Lord! Here, we have a theology in miniature. First, He is a Savior, which is expressed in His name, Jesus. Then, He is Christ, the Anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel. Finally, He is the Lord; God manifests in the flesh.
Believer Bible Commentary summary it up, “That very day, in nearby Bethlehem, a Baby had been born. This Baby was a Savior, which is Christ the Lord! Here, we have a theology in miniature. First, He is a Savior, which is expressed in His name, Jesus. Then, He is Christ, the Anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel. Finally, He is the Lord; God manifest in the flesh.”
2:14 Gloria in Excelsis Deo is Latin for “Glory to God in the highest” St Augustine’s, “Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.”
What is the chief and highest end of man? A. Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God [1] and fully to enjoy him forever. [2]
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201:8
https:// www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Matthew%2028:19
https://www.biblehub.com/john/10-16.htm
https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Passover.html
http://scottwoodward.org/christmas_innsoftheNT.html https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G2646/kataluma.htm
https://www.gotquestions.org/what-does-Messiah-mean.html https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Messiah
http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/tozer/5f00.0888/5f00.0888.03.htm
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