Page 41 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook

John 1:29 “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

I Peter 1: 18-19 “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers,
not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb
without blemish or spot.”

I Cor. 5:7 Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Shepherds were outcasts in Israel. Their work not only made them ceremonially unclean, but it kept
them away from the temple for weeks at a time so they could not be made clean. God does not call the
rich and mighty; He calls the poor and lowly! The shepherds were also not permitted to testify in court,
but God used them to testify of his Son’s birth (I Corinthians 1:26-29).

The shepherds, when approached by the angels, were “sore afraid” which literally means “terrified to
the bones”! It is a very intense fear. They were comforted by the angels and the good news. An angel
appeared (Gabriel) and gave the glad announcement. He probably walked up to them, as all other
angels did in Old Testament. A chorus of angels joined him and gave an anthem of praise. The glory of
God had returned to earth for the first time in 400 years!

“Good tidings of great joy” is better translated, “GOOD NEWS”. This is the same word for “good news”
in Book of Acts where they preached the gospel. The good news was that salvation was available for
everyone!

Shalom (peace) means more than peace from war. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security,
soundness, or completeness. It has more to do with character than with circumstances. Life was
difficult for Joseph and Mary, taxes were high, unemployment high, morals were slipping, and Israel was
under military control. In this setting, God sent His son to give peace.

“Even unto Bethlehem” suggests some distance to travel! They probably arranged for others to care for
their flocks while they hastened to Bethlehem. The shepherds found Jesus, perhaps in the stables at
Migdal Eder. It appears that the Shepherds were able to locate the swaddled baby fairly quickly because
they expected Him to be born there from their knowledge of the Old Testament prophecies.

The Wise Men

We know little about the wise men. The word translated “wise men” or Magi refers to a group of
scholars who studied the stars from probably Persia (Gentiles) or Parthia, northeast of Babylon. There
were certainly more than three of them, as their entourage entering Jerusalem caused quite a stir.
Besides, with gold and valuable gifts in their caravan, they would have traveled with the protection of
many soldiers.

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