TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15
Read: Luke 2:1-20
Listen: Luke 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Shepherds are a common Christmas image because God chooses to deliver the good news of Jesus’s birth to them. Shepherds play a big role in the Bible. Jacob, Moses and David are all shepherds. David even writes a Psalm about God being a good shepherd. David understands shepherding and the value of a good shepherd. He sees God as the one who leads him, watches over him, cares for him and protects him.
Furthermore, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, the town of David. This is the same David who writes about God as a shepherd in the Psalms. It is not a coincidence. Jesus steps into this imagery and declares that he is the good shepherd (John 10:11).
The image is still powerful even if most of us are far removed from shepherding. Jesus tells us that he knows us and will die to protect us. Like David, we can rest assured trusting that Jesus is our shepherd. He will watch over us and take care of us. We are secure under his protection and provision.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Open your Bible to Psalm 23. Take a moment to slow your mind and ask God to speak to you through this Psalm. Read through the chapter slowly and intentionally. Let the words sink into your heart. You may want to read it 2-3 times. After you’ve finished reading, pick one or two ideas that stood out to you. Thank God for showing that to you from the passage. As you head into the holiday weekend, remember who Jesus is and that he loves you.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
ROMANS 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
