The Shepherds were simple men, probably not educated, that stayed in the fields watching their sheep. They may have been tending the family sheep herd like David when he was called to take food to his brothers. It is here that he would encounter the opportunity to fight Goliath. There were other shepherds that were hired by some wealthy owner to tend his sheep. Either way, they were loyal to their task. They were watching, not sleeping, but watching, their sheep. They took their lot in life seriously. They were abiding in the fields adjoining Bethlehem. Moses and David were both doing the menial task of tending sheep when God called each of them to rule His people.
Luke 2:8 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
How they must have been surprised to see an angel appear to them and give the announcement of the birth of Jesus. The Bible says they were afraid, and I can understand why. These simple men were getting a message for them alone straight from God! Before they could completely comprehend what was happening the sky filled with a multitude of angels. The angels were praising God. Their words “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and goodwill to men.” A proclamation that man can now be reconciled to God. This reconciliation will come as we lay down our weapons of rebellion and submit our souls to God by this child, God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. Then we can have the “peace that passes all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7)
Luke 2:9-14 “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
I find it very interesting that the Shepherds immediately obeyed. If they were hired to keep the sheep, they could suffer loss by leaving them. If they owned the sheep their livelihood would be at risk. They would be susceptible to thieves or wild animals, but to them, the expectation of finding the Christ child was worth the risk.
Luke 2:15-17 “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
Imagine their amazement as they found the baby in a stable with livestock. This child, the Christ child, was born in a surrounding that was familiar to these poor shepherds. In these surroundings, they were welcomed and felt comfortable. If Christ had been born in a place fitting His title they probably would not have been allowed to see Him, but here they felt right at home.
What truths can we gain from this passage to the Shepherds?
- God is not a respecter of persons. Status means nothing to Him. He brought the good news to the meek and lowly shepherd.
- The glory of God is powerful and huge.
- We need to be like the Shepherds and obey immediately.
- We should understand the great joy brought to the earth by God sending His Son and respond in praise.
- We should seek Him with everything in us. Abandoning everything to find Him.
- We should be amazed at what an awesome God we have. Never should his grace and love become common to us.
- We should be telling others just as the shepherds did when they were given the good news. Luke 2:17 “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
- We should believe God in all he says, to the point it will warrant a response from us. Nowhere do we see the shepherds doubting God’s message to them.
- It should also remind us that no matter where we are Christ will meet us where we are and draw us to himself.
