“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.”
Luke 2:8-9
The long-promised Messiah was entering the world. If I’d been in charge of publicity, I would have leaked it to a prominent journalist and scheduled a press conference. I’d make sure it was trending on social media. Instead, the arrival of Jesus Christ was announced first to those you’d least expect to employ as the messengers of this good news: a band of unpolished, sweaty shepherds.
Their work was difficult. They protected their obstinate sheep from predators or thieves. They slept in shifts to keep watch through the night. They were unsophisticated but hearty and brave. Luke’s inclusion of them in his writing reminds us that the kingdom of God is often made up of those who would never be near royalty. Immanuel, God with us, means God truly is among all classes of people, not simply the connected or well-resourced.
This ruler who was born would be different than other rulers, not like the gloating, dominating Caesar or the murderous, paranoid Herod. Our Good Shepherd, Jesus, would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Their work was difficult. They protected their obstinate sheep from predators or thieves. They slept in shifts to keep watch through the night. They were unsophisticated but hearty and brave. Luke’s inclusion of them in his writing reminds us that the kingdom of God is often made up of those who would never be near royalty. Immanuel, God with us, means God truly is among all classes of people, not simply the connected or well-resourced.
This ruler who was born would be different than other rulers, not like the gloating, dominating Caesar or the murderous, paranoid Herod. Our Good Shepherd, Jesus, would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:8-14
Insight
“Though God had, at his command, many honorable and distinguished witnesses, he … chose the shepherds, persons … of no account among men.” (John Calvin, 1509-1564)
Bible In A Year
- Amos 4-6
- Proverbs 18
- 1 John 3-4
