To Us a Son Is GivenSample

Good News is Meant to Be Spread

In yesterday’s reading, the angels announced to the shepherds that the child born in Bethlehem was the Savior, “Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). After seeing this child with their own eyes, the shepherds made known what they had heard. Good news, both then and now, is meant to be spread.

Today we know much more than the shepherds did about the salvation God has provided in Christ. The New Testament unpacks the gospel and its implications for us. We know, for instance, that all who trust in Christ receive the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. How, then, can we not make this good news known?

In today’s reading, we learn that spreading the good news about Jesus is something we’re commanded to do. Jesus tells His disciples—and, by extension, His church in all ages—to “make disciples of all nations.” The first step in making disciples is to make the gospel known. Then, according to Jesus, we baptize those who trust in Him and teach them His commands. But this is not something we do in our own strength. The One who has given us this command has “all authority in heaven and on earth,” and He, Jesus, has promised to be with us “to the end of the age.” So we share this good news with joy and with confidence in the power of the Risen Lord.

Simple Summary

Followers of Christ have good news to share with the world. We not only know about Christ’s birth, like the shepherds, but we also know about Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Jesus has commanded us to share this good news as we make disciples of all nations. And we can have confidence as we carry out Christ’s mission because He has all authority and He has promised to be with us.

Pray

Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you might share the gospel boldly with those around you. Pray that God would open their hearts to the truth of who Jesus is.