The simple account of the Shepherds, found in Luke 2, reveals several characteristics that are typical to a personal encounter with Jesus;
1- Revelation of the message (vss.8-14);
2- Rendezvous with the Messiah (vss. 15-16);
3- Reporting to the masses (vss. 17-18);
4- Rejoicing in the ministry (vs. 20).
FOUR PHASES FROM MISSION FIELD TO MISSIONARY
Revelation of the message
Luke 2:8-14
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Rendezvous with the Messiah
Luke 2:15-16
15 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.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Reporting to the masses
Luke 2:17-18
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Rejoicing in the ministry
Luke 2:20
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
FOUR PHASES FROM MISSION FIELD TO MISSIONARY
Revelation of the message
Luke 2:8-14
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Rendezvous with the Messiah
Luke 2:15-16
15 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.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Reporting to the masses
Luke 2:17-18
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Rejoicing in the ministry
Luke 2:20
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
