PART 1: The Joy of the Shepherds.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

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

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Lk. 2:8-20)

Why Shepherds?

Have you ever wondered; out of all the people who the angels could have appeared to, why did God choose shepherds?

For us living in the 21st century, it would seem logical. We know that further passages of Scripture (some of which we’ll explore today) teach that Christ is the eternal shepherd of humanity.

Furthermore, we know that Christ instituted the church as a flock, to which pastors (meaning shepherds) are to care for. For Believers, having the vantage point of looking back on history, the inclusion of shepherds just makes sense.

Not so for first century Jewish culture.

To gain an understanding of the controversial circumstance of the angels appearing first to the shepherds, we need to bring our minds back to that time period, in that culture.

We will then understand why these shepherds would be so honoured and in turn, so joyful that they would be included into the account of the Messiah’s birth.

In that time period, the shepherds struggled; the rest of Jewish society often looked down upon them. They were typically uneducated, living in the fields outside the city with limited social interaction.

There were also obvious issues of uncleanliness, from being real sheep herders; often carrying the filth and sent of the flock with them, wherever they went. They were considered unclean by social and religious standards.

Then there were the Pharisees.

Pharisees and other religious leaders often discarded them as an unholy group, due to their required care of the sheep on a 24/7 basis. Keeping the Sabbath and attending temple worship was often difficult for them.

Sheep simply do not stop being sheep on the Sabbath. Finding a balance between keeping the Law and caring for their sheep would have been a constant concern.

Shepherds were unlikely candidates.

There is an array of writers and scholars who have tried to liken shepherds to modern-day factory workers, garbage removers or housekeepers. But the reality is, that once we fully consider the massive religious, legal and social weight that shepherds carried; our modern culture doesn’t truly have an exact match for the their trade.

These were a very unlikely group to be included with the arrival of the Messiah.

The religious leaders thought highly of themselves.

It’s important to note that the Pharisees and other religious élite would have viewed themselves as far more worthy than shepherds. Perhaps, even assuming they would be personally involved in the Messiah’s story, when He did arrive.

Taking this into account, the religious leaders would not have experienced one-tenth of the joy that the shepherds experienced on that incredible night.

Choosing shepherds was a surprise.

Choosing shepherds to be included in the account of the coming Messiah is an amazing underdog story. The inclusion of shepherds shows us that political power, social status, wealth or intelligence; does not hold great weight with God.

He is obviously not impressed with people who think they have all the answers, or people who are high-ranking by the world’s standards.

The choice of shepherds should bring us joy.

The choice of shepherds gives us an amazing view into God’s heart and plan for humanity. God’s inclusion of shepherds tells us a lot about whom He views as worthy.

By choosing to involve shepherds as key members of the nativity account, we see the level of love that God has for those in humble positions. His character is to choose outcasts and underdogs.

For us as broken, imperfect souls trying to make our way through this world, God’s choice of shepherds should be received as very good news of great joy!

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

How does the account of the shepherds impact your view of Christmas and your relationship with the Messiah?