They Wondered

Remember what the shepherds did after they saw Jesus?

"They made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." Luke 2:17

Ok, lets back up a bit and look at "the saying" this verse is talking about. (You will recognize it instantly...)

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2: 13-14

The Bible tells us that the shepherds saw Jesus and then immediately started telling everyone about Jesus and what the angels said about Him. And then the Bible tells us about people's response to the shepherds' news:

"And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." Luke 2:18

The people's reaction the Bible describes really gets my attention. It says that the people wondered. The word "wonder" is much deeper, and much more powerful than we give it credit for. Wonder is defined as, "a cause of astonishment or admiration; miracle; rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience"

The reaction of wonder is a miracle in itself. Hearing of something so miraculous and powerful from God could be overwhelming for the audience. However, the Bible shows us that people were simply awestruck at God's Gift and power. It was like the news entered their hearts and minds to prepare a place for Jesus to touch.

I honestly cannot tell you how many times I have blown past that verse while reading and not fully comprehended how radical of a change the shepherds' message about Jesus created in people's hearts and minds. This verse seems like a perfect example of the power of God's Word. We may underestimate a verse like this one until we take the time to look at it for what it really means.