Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Luke 2:15 - 2:15
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Several particulars are here observable: as, 1. That the shepherds no sooner heard the news of a Saviour, but they ran to Bethlehem to seek him; and though it was at midnight, yet they delayed not to go. Those that left their beds to attend their flocks, now leave their flocks to inquire after their Saviour.
Learn thence, that a gracious soul no sooner hears where Christ is, but instantly makes out after him, and judges no earthly comfort too dear to be left and forsaken for him. These shepherds shew, that they preferred their Saviour before their sheep.
Observe, 2. These shepherds having found Christ themselves, do make him known to others, When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying, which was told them concerning this child. Luk_2:17
Learn, that such as have found Christ to their comfort, and tasted that the Lord is gracious to themselves, cannot but recommend him to the love and admiration of others.
Observe, 3. What effect this relation had upon the generality of people that heart it; it wrought in them amazement and astonishment, but not faith: The people wondered, but believed not. 'Tis not the hearing of Christ with the hearing of the ear, nor the seeing of Christ with the sight of the outward eye; neither the hearing of his doctine, nor the sight of his miracles, will work divine faith in the soul, without the concuring operation of the Holy Spirit; the one may make us marvel, but the other makes us believe. All that heard it wondered at these things.
Lastly, note, the effect which these things had upon Mary, quite different from what they had upon the common people; they wondered, she pondered; the things that affected their heads, influenced her heart: She kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.