After telling the shepherds who were “staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock” (Luke 2:8) that “a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord” had been born “for you in the city of David,” (v. 11), the angel of the Lord who was delivering the good news continued, giving some very specific information: “This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough” (v. 12).
We should be careful to note that the angel referred to the sign, not a sign. The Greek wording Luke used is clear. Moreover, it is important to note that the sign was Christ Himself. Years later, when Jesus’ disciples would ask Him, “What is the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?” (Matt. 24:3; see also Mark 13:4; Luke 21:7), Jesus’ long answer would include a reference to “false messiahs and false prophets [who] will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24). Obviously those signs would be, and will be, counterfeit. Jesus would go on to declare that He Himself would be the sign for whom His followers should look: “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn; and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (v. 30, emphasis added).
On numerous occasions during His ministry, various individuals and groups asked Jesus for a sign so they would believe in Him. Jesus consistently pointed to Himself as the sign people should seek. Often He did this by referring to His coming resurrection. The following Scripture passages provide several examples of His responses in probable chronological order.
- John 2:18-21
- Matthew 12:38-41
- John 6:30-36
- Matthew 16:1-4; see also Mark 8:10-12
- Luke 11:14-32
It’s very interesting that those who demanded a sign were not given one, yet for those who were observant and open to all they saw and heard, signs were available (see John 2:11; 4:54; 5:31-40; 6:14; 7:31). Keep in mind that the shepherds in Luke 2 were simply going about their ordinary work, and suddenly they were given the opportunity to personally encounter the sign of Christ Himself. This should help us understand Jesus’ frequent statement that “anyone who has ears should listen!” (Matt. 11:15; see also 13:9,43; Mark 4:9,23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35).
The baby who was the sign upheld to the shepherds was described by the angel as “wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough” (Luke 2:12). These details emphasize Jesus’ humanity and humility, as well as the helplessness He experienced as a baby. But He was—and He had never ceased to be—Savior, Christ, and Lord (see v. 11). No wonder He Himself was—and is—the sign! May we also recognize this reality and respond accordingly.
Copyright © 2015 B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in this article are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.