2nd week of Advent
Did you know that first-century shepherds were a despised group of citizens? Why would God choose these social rejects to be the first to hear of the birth of his son?
First-century shepherds were considered dishonest and were often labeled thieves. They frequently led their flocks onto others’ property and stole produce. They were also often accused of stealing from the flock itself. Because of this, locals were warned not to buy wool, milk, or lambs from them since those goods might be stolen. Shepherds were also barred from holding civil positions. They were not allowed to serve as judges or witnesses in court. A midrash (Hebrew commentary) on Psalm 23:1 (“the Lord is my shepherd”) states, “There is no more disreputable occupation than that of being a shepherd.”
Perhaps this is why Jesus could distinguish between the good shepherd and the hired servant (John 10:11-13). The hired caregiver will protect his own life and abandon the flock at the threat of an attacking lion or wolf. The good shepherd will stand and fight the predator at the risk of his own life to protect his sheep. And only the owner of the sheep will shelter the ninety-nine and search the hillsides for the lost lamb who has wandered away from the safety of the flock (Luke 15:3-7).
Shepherds were constantly with their sheep in the fields. It was there that “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear” [probably one of the biggest understatements in scripture]. “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:9-11).
Notice this heavenly message is not for the Jewish elite or the Religious leaders. This message is for “all the people,” and it would eventually change the lives of people from all lands.
Notice the shepherd’s response, “Let go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us” (v 15). If such an event were to happen today, the church would likely respond differently. “Let’s form a committee to discuss the possibility of whether angels really exist.” Or, we’d call a staff meeting to determine what this experience might do to our budget and plans we have already established for our church’s future. Fortunately, the shepherds simply formed an action plan in line with their curiosity and consistent with the information they had just been given. They said, “Let’s go see!” “…And they went with haste” (v 16).
Why would God choose these social rejects to be the first to hear about the birth of his son? Because they wouldn’t doubt this message from God. They “immediately” went to see and “made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child” (v 17). The first missionary was not the Apostle Paul, or Stephen, or even the Twelve Apostles – the first missionaries were dirty, smelly, common laborers who made a wonderful discovery.
For more details about the Christmas shepherds, read my book Christmas Worship and the Birth of Our Savior, available on Amazon or at www.burshilling.com.