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Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
This verse from Luke 2, is for any Christian a normal part of the Christmas narrative. Without giving it a second thought, the historical account of Luke takes us from the birth of Jesus in a place where animals bedded down to the fields outside of Bethlehem.
But at some point, you have to ask, “Why shepherds?” Were they the only people up that God wouldn’t have to wake up to tell about his Son’s birth? Did the angels need the open expanse of the skies above the field to fit the whole angelic chorus? Did the shepherds have a sense of adventure that would lead them to head into Bethlehem to see the baby whose birth was announced?
As they did every night, the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks at night. Then…
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Perhaps shepherds were considered the least educated of society, but to grasp what the angels just said needed a theological genius, or at least an awareness of prophecy that would make all this make sense. There wasn’t a hesitation. The shepherds went to see the baby born.
But still the question nags, “Why the shepherds?”
Perhaps its on my “when I get to heaven list, I’m going to ask…” but maybe the proclamation to the shepherds was to indicate not just for whom Jesus came, but also the heart that Jesus would carry.
Isaiah prophesied 700 years earlier in Isaiah 40:10-11.
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
The shepherd had the strength to slay the lion, but care to scoop up the young lamb. The shepherd had cunning to defeat the hungry predator, but patience to seek after the lost sheep. The shepherd had stamina to stay the watch through the night, but the love to guide the flock.
It’s the human embodiment of the role Jesus would take that had the privilege of seeing the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy first. It was the ones keeping watch over their flocks at night that saw the One who would watch over their souls. It was the ones ensuring no sheep or lamb was lost to their enemies that would gaze at the one who would defeat the great enemy of the soul, Satan himself. It was the ones that always had to be on edge for wandering sheep or dangerous animals, that got to experience the one who would bring true and lasting peace to their hearts.
It was the shepherds who got to see their Good Shepherd first. It was the shepherds who understood what the Good Shepherd would have to do. It was the shepherds who were the subtle, often silent reminder to the world that we all need a Good Shepherd to watch over us.
And God gave us One who carries us close to his heart.
Apply: Why do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds versus any other group of people?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be our Good Shepherd and care for us with your love and grace. AMEN.