“The world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all … who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:10-11
Luke 2:15-20
While nearly everyone was unaware, the Son of God made His first entrance into this world. His people knew the prophecies and promises, but how long, O Lord? would have echoed in their hearts their entire lives.
“When God announced the birth of Jesus to the world, He … sent the host of heaven to a common field outside Bethlehem. And the people He chose as His spokesmen were unpolished, sweaty, uncouth shepherds” (Daniel Darling, 2019). True, they weren’t high society folks, but they were very important. And it ought to strike a chord with us that the One who would be our Good Shepherd (see John 10:11) was first presented to none other than shepherds.
These centuries later we still are delighting in this. That the good news went first to them reminds us that the kingdom of God is for everyone—upper class and lower class alike; insiders and outsiders just the same; you and I, as unfit or as faithful as we may be. This Savior would not be a Herod or a Caesar or any worldly governor. He would be,— along with many other attributes—a shepherd.
“When God announced the birth of Jesus to the world, He … sent the host of heaven to a common field outside Bethlehem. And the people He chose as His spokesmen were unpolished, sweaty, uncouth shepherds” (Daniel Darling, 2019). True, they weren’t high society folks, but they were very important. And it ought to strike a chord with us that the One who would be our Good Shepherd (see John 10:11) was first presented to none other than shepherds.
These centuries later we still are delighting in this. That the good news went first to them reminds us that the kingdom of God is for everyone—upper class and lower class alike; insiders and outsiders just the same; you and I, as unfit or as faithful as we may be. This Savior would not be a Herod or a Caesar or any worldly governor. He would be,— along with many other attributes—a shepherd.
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:15-20
Insight
“To humble shepherds is proclaimed/ The Shepherd who the world has framed.” (Martin Luther, 1524)
Bible In A Year
- Jonah
- Proverbs 21
- 3 John