Why the Shepherds Were Told
Why were the shepherds chosen to receive Christ’s birth announcement?
Reference: The Archo Volume
They were in the right place and had inner calm in their spirits. Bethlehem was not a large city covering a major section of land. All had the opportunity to hear and see the announcement but note the three different reactions. The shepherds had the best view and were amazed at what they saw and heard. They recognized that no threat was posed and felt peace. Many in the town were not familiar with prophesy were frightened at what they perceived as danger, since they were not in tune with god. The priest, who knew and was looking for a fulfilling of prophesy reacted with joy.
They would tell the news. Shepherds were at the low end of the social ladder, so the shepherds were not prideful. They had nothing to lose if people made fun of them due to the message they brought. Being several in number, they would all recount what they had seen and would seek to find out what it all meant by asking others. God often chooses simple people for his work knowing that they will be focused on God’s assigned task without distraction, seeking to win approval.
They were focused and aware. Their job was to be alert to any dangers to the sheep. They were not distracted by the activities of the city and would see and hear the signs that God provided to them.
They were not a threat to the child or his parents. They were not associated with the government or the Romans and would not disclose the family’s location when the Romans invaded the city to kill the firstborn males of the city. They identified more with the lowly birth because they themselves were poor simple people.
God is not interested in social status or riches, but rather how close a person is to Him and their nature to love others. Jesus commented on how difficult it is for a rich man to enter Heaven because the rich might feel more self-independent relying on their earthly goods and accomplishments to make them acceptable to God. Earthly goods will be left behind when one leaves earth, but spiritual gain will continue throughout eternity.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus identified with the shepherds in their caring for the sheep just as He is portrayed as the good shepherd to the house of Israel. Social status is unimportant to god. He is interested in the good traits of the soul and how great a relationship each person has with Him. God also wants people to care about others, sharing kindness as one would care for them self. Reread the first two commandments in the new testament.
Joh 10:11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
God gave this truth to you. Are you, as a shepherd, guarding it as though your life depends on it. It really does!