The Birth of the Lamb of God

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Of all the people that God could have invited to share in the joyful celebration of His Son's birth - have you ever wondered why God chose the shepherds in the field? He knew that shepherds would be excited to see the new born Lamb of God!

Professor J. Clontz - Aidan University

The Shepherds Witnessed the Birth of The Lamb of God

God sent the angels to tell the shepherds about the birth of Christ. The shepherds became witnesses about the birth of Christ. So why did God want shepherds to be witnesses about the birth of Christ? Shepherds know a Lamb when they see one.

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among men with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds spoke to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen him, they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

John 1:29 The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

www.CornerstonePublications.org

The Foreshadowing of the Virgin Birth – From Heaven

In the foreshadowing of the virgin birth, Mary is foreshadowed by Rebekah. In today’s parallel – Mary and Rebekah were visited by men who were led by something from heaven. The wise men in Matthew were led by a star that went before them and in Luke the shepherds in the field were led to Mary’s location by an angel that told them about the child. The foreshadowing in Genesis has elements from both – an angel (Luke) before you (Matthew).

Matthew 02:09… And behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them.

Luke 02:09… And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

Genesis 24:07… he will send his angel before you…

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

www.CornerstonePublications.org

Previously:

The accounts of Mary and Rebekah both start with an angel sent by God – Luke 1:26/Genesis 24:7,40

Mary and Rebekah were virgins who were betrothed to a man – Luke 1:27/Genesis 24:16,51

Mary and Rebekah were selected by God - Luke 1:30/Genesis 24:14,44

Mary and Rebekah consented to being selected by God - Luke 1:38/Genesis 24:57-58

Mary and Rebekah went with haste and told their relatives what had happened - Luke 1:36,39/Genesis 24:28

Mary and Rebekah were blessed by their relatives - Luke 1:42/Genesis 24:60

God provided information about the future of Mary and Rebekah’s unborn children and the nature of their pregnancies - Matthew 1:20/Genesis 25:23

Mary and Rebekah’s lives were potentially threatened by their pregnancies – Matthew 1:18-19/Genesis 25:22

Mary and Rebekah stayed in a shelter where animals also stayed – Luke 02:07/Genesis 24:25

Mary and Rebekah were visited by “wise” men bringing gifts who had travelled through Mesopotamia – Matthew 02:01,11/Genesis 24:10

Mary and Rebekah were visited by men who worshipped the Lord at the house where they were staying - Matthew 02:11/Genesis 24:26

Mary and Rebekah were visited by men who were bearing gifts including gold - Matthew 02:11/Genesis 24:10,53