Scripture Reading: Luke 2:15–20
Reflection
Shepherds are familiar characters found throughout Scripture. Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, was a shepherd (Gen. 4:2), as was Jacob (Gen. 29–31). Moses shepherded his father-in-law’s flocks for forty years (Ex. 3:1). David, arguably the greatest king of Israel, was a simple shepherd boy before assuming his royal responsibilities (1 Sam. 17:34). Even God Himself is described as a shepherd (Ps. 23:1; Ezek. 34:11–15), and Jesus fulfills this imagery by declaring Himself to be the Good Shepherd (Jn. 10:11–18). It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, then, to see shepherds play a role in the birth of our Messiah.
Yet what may surprise us is the status of shepherds. While many of the Bible’s greatest were shepherds, shepherds were considered to be of low social status. They were commoners and outsiders—ordinary and uneducated, frequently dismissed, disdained, and despised. Because of this, we might expect the important announcement of our Messiah’s birth would be shared with those with great status and influence, such as the religious or political leaders of the day, who could herald the message with authority and respect.
Yet the beauty of the gospel is that it turns our worldly economy upside down. In His grace and kindness, God chose to share the message of His Son’s birth with those of little influence and lowly status—He chose ordinary people. And how did they respond? Once the angels disappeared, the shepherds did not debate or delay. They “went with haste” and urgently searched to find the fulfillment of the angel’s message. Their faith drove them to immediate action.
When they found the Christ-child, they immediately shared the good news of His birth with others. Without titles, training, fancy processes, or special status, they became the very first evangelists. And their message stirred wonder among all who heard. It was not their eloquence, but the power of the good news itself that moved the hearts and minds of all. They simply delivered the message, and God used their obedience to stir hearts.
Then, after they had shared, they returned to the familiar scene of their fields. This may seem like an anti-climactic end to this passage, but it is important to understand that the shepherds were forever changed. They were transformed by their divine encounter with the angels and by seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise. How do we know this? Because they were “glorifying and praising God.” A life transformed by the gospel and submitted to God’s mission always results in worship. And worship is the point! God is worthy of our worship, and we have been called to worship God with every facet of our lives (Rom. 12:2) as we share the good news of the gospel (Matt. 28:18–20). As John Piper says, “Worship is the goal of missions: Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”
God still entrusts His gospel to ordinary people. Like the shepherds, we are invited to receive the message with humility, proclaim it with joy, and return to our routines transformed by the Savior we have encountered. May we be faithful witnesses who share Christ simply, boldly, and worshipfully.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever viewed your identity or status as limiting your role in God’s kingdom? How does God’s view of you differ?
- Does your current mindset reflect the urgency and faith demonstrated by the shepherds?
- Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? Will you commit to sharing it with them this week?
- How do you worship God outside of Sunday gatherings?
Application
- Understand your identity: Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm your worth and calling as a child of God.
- Pray for urgency: Request that God stir a desire in you and your family to share the gospel boldly and joyfully.
- Worship in your routine: Look for simple, daily opportunities to offer worship—through gratitude, obedience, and acts of love.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- 1 Peter 2:9–11
- 1 Corinthians 1:26–29
- Acts 1:8
Family Activity
Use stuffed animals or simple costumes to reenact the shepherds’ discovery of Jesus. Have fun exploring how it must have felt to hear the angels’ announcement and run to find the newborn Messiah.