Luke 2:16-18 NIV – So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Good News of Jesus spreads despite opposition

Luke 21:33 ESV – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Matthew 16:18 ESV – And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Good News spreads because it changes everything

“We have more time now to grow as much rice as we can on our first planting season, and a few months ago, we bought a few things from selling our first crops. We’ve bought a few chickens, piglets and an FM radio. Things are not the same anymore.”

Luke 1:47, 48 ESV – My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

Matthew 4:17 ESV – From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:19 ESV – He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

The Good News of Jesus is irresistible

“When god wanted to reach men, he became a man. If God had wanted to reach hyenas, he would have become a hyena. If we want to reach our own people, we’ve got to stay in our community to reach them.”

Mark 1:43-45 NIV – Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news.

Mark 7:36-37a NIV – Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement

Matthew 9:30, 31 NIV – and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.