What does Luke 2:18 mean?
Even though Jesus was born in humble circumstances, His arrival did not pass without announcement. Rather than taking the news to rich, powerful, or famous people, God informed common shepherds. Shortly after Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem, Jesus was born and put into a feeding trough while Mary recovered (Luke 2:1–7). Angels appeared to local herdsmen, explaining where to find the newborn Christ and singing praises to God (Luke 2:8–14). The shepherds quickly came into the town and found Jesus and His family (Luke 2:15–17).According to this verse, the shepherds' story generates amazement. It also seems more people are hearing the story beyond just Mary and Joseph. The reference to "all who heard" suggests there are other people with Joseph and Mary. It may also mean the herdsmen told other people—perhaps everyone they met—about what had just happened.
Luke 2:8–21 describes shepherds who are visited by numerous angels. These beings proclaim the birth of Christ and explain where He can be found. The men follow the angels' directions and find Jesus, Joseph, and Mary just as predicted. Jesus' family celebrates these events, as God continues to use simple people to proclaim His most important truths. When Jesus is eight days old, in accordance with Jewish tradition, he is circumcised and officially given His prophesied name.
The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.
