Most of us are familiar with the biblical account of the shepherds at Jesus’ birth, especially with annual readings of the Christmas account and live Nativity scenes. At times, though, we can become so acquainted with the events of the story that we forget the significance of the details.
For example, why did the Lord choose shepherds to be the first to hear of the birth of the Messiah? What does their response to the message teach us?
When we pay attention to the details, we can learn important lessons from these seemingly insignificant shepherds.
1. The Lord Identifies Himself with the Lowly and Outcasts
When an angel announced the birth of the Messiah, he did not announce it to the Pharisees or those of royal position.
Instead, the angel told shepherds who were diligently working and watching over their flock at night (Luke 2:8-12). We readily acknowledge this truth, but we might not always understand its implications.
Shepherds were poor and outcasts in society. They were looked down upon by others and would have been counted among the “sinners” whom the Pharisees and religious leaders so easily scorned (Matthew 9:11).
As author Randy Alcorn mentions in his article about the status of shepherds during Jesus’ day, “[S]hepherds stood on the bottom rung of the Palestinian social ladder. They shared the same unenviable status as tax collectors and dung sweepers.” However, to these outcasts, God chose to reveal the awesome news of the Savior’s birth.
We see how the Lord chose to identify Himself with the lowly people by being among them at His first coming. He was born in the small town of Bethlehem to an ordinary Israelite virgin (Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23).
Not only that but an insignificant group of shepherds came to gaze upon the Savior of the world and rejoiced in His coming (Luke 2:20).
These seemingly insignificant events held strong meaning. God has always upheld the case of the poor and oppressed (Psalm 103:6; Proverbs 22:22-23). He also did this on the night of His Son’s entrance into the world.
Knowing that the Lord identified with the lowly and outcasts at His birth and throughout His earthly ministry should compel us to care about the poor and oppressed.
Since Jesus chose to be a friend of sinners, we need to find ways to connect with those in need and introduce them to the Savior (Matthew 11:19).
2. We Need to Listen and Obey as the Shepherds Did
After the shepherds heard about the good news of the Savior’s birth and witnessed the angelic host offering praise to the Lord, they decided to see for themselves what the Lord had done. (Luke 2:11-15).
They traveled to Bethlehem and found that everything was as the angel had said. Jesus was there in a manger, wrapped in cloths (Luke 2:12, 16).
We should note how the shepherds listened and obeyed what the Lord told them. The presence of the angels was already a clear sign that validated the message about the Messiah, but God wanted the shepherds to see the infant Jesus and gaze on their Savior. They did not hesitate or argue, but willingly obeyed the message.
Believers can learn from the examples of these shepherds. We should have the same eagerness to listen to God and obey Him.
Although we will not experience a heavenly host offering praises to the Lord as the shepherds did, we do have the complete and inerrant Word of God. We need to carve out regular time to listen to God by reading Scripture and seeking to do what He says.
3. Ordinary People Can Tell Others about Jesus
Another lesson we can learn from the shepherds at Jesus’ birth is that ordinary people can tell others about the Savior.
Once the shepherds made it to Bethlehem and saw the Savior, “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” (Luke 2:17-18). In their joy and praise, they could not refrain from telling others about their experience.
These ordinary shepherds, who were outcasts among their people, were the first to hear of Jesus’ birth and to spread that news.
They did not wait until they had extensive theological training to tell others. Instead, they went out and told people about their experience of hearing the message of the angel and seeing the Savior. We can do the same.
Often, we view evangelism as a complex endeavor. Many believers think that they will be more effective in sharing the gospel once they have read a book or taken a course on evangelism.
Books and courses are helpful resources, but all believers have the ability to tell others about how Jesus saved them. We do not have to wait until we feel qualified enough, because we can all testify about Christ’s saving work in our lives.
If the shepherds, who were outcasts in society, could spread the good news about Jesus’ birth, then we can certainly tell others about how Jesus saved us. Evangelism is not only for pastors, ministry leaders, and missionaries but for all believers.
4. Hearing and Spreading the Good News Should Lead Us to Worship
The angel announced the good news to the shepherds, which led them to visit the infant Messiah in Bethlehem. After seeing Him for themselves, the shepherds went and told others about what they had experienced.
They also returned to their flocks praising and glorifying God (Luke 2:20). They could not help but worship the Lord.
Their response mirrors that of the heavenly host who worshipped the Lord after the announcement of the birth of the Messiah.
Knowing that the Savior had been born, they offered praise: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Both angels and shepherds glorified God that night for the awesome news of Jesus’ first coming.
Believers have even more reason to worship their wonderful Savior. We have not only heard about Jesus’ incarnation and birth, but we have trusted in His death and resurrection for salvation.
The message of the angel that night, that Christ is the Savior, is a reality to believers. Knowing that He has saved us should lead us to rejoice and praise Him.
What Does This Mean?
When the shepherds heard the angel’s message about the birth of the Messiah, they rushed to see Him. After gazing upon the infant Christ, they spread the good news about Him to others, rejoicing and praising the Lord.
Their example shows us that the Lord identifies Himself with the lowly and outcasts in society, choosing to be counted among them.
The shepherds also remind us of the need to listen to the Lord and obey Him, that ordinary people can spread the good news of Jesus, and that worship should be our response to Jesus’ saving work.
Hearing the account of the shepherds in the Gospel of Luke, most of us automatically think of the joy and wonder of Jesus’ first coming. May our lives and legacies also cause others to turn their focus to the Savior.
For further reading:
What Do We Know about the Shepherds at Jesus’ Birth?
What Does it Mean to Have a Shepherd’s Heart at Christmas?
How to Have a Shepherd's Heart This Christmas
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Zvonimir Atleti
