Main Thought
From the perspective of most people in the first century, shepherds weren’t people that you wanted to associate with. Yet God saw it fit to invite these men to the birth of His Son. So He sent an angel to them. We then begin to see the shepherds’ perspective in response to the angels’ announcement. They had faith, and their faith was accompanied by practical action. They made pursuing Jesus their priority. They knew that they wanted to see, know, and experience Jesus for themselves. Then, they shared their experience with others. God values us highly, just as He did these shepherds. If we’re willing to respond as they did, then we will also share the joy that they had.
Main Passages
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
- Luke 2:8-12
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
- Luke 2:13-15
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
- Luke 2:16-20
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Do you think genuine faith must be accompanied by appropriate action? Why or why not?
What can you learn from the shepherds’ response to Jesus?