The birth of Jesus was an extraordinary event, one that had been predicted for centuries.
Given its significance, it makes sense that the announcement would be special. But why did the angels choose to share this news with shepherds first?
In the musical Child of the Promise, written by Michael and Stormie Omartian, the story of Jesus’ birth is told through the eyes of various biblical figures.
The shepherds, portrayed as humble and lowly, sing about their modest lives. Suddenly, an angelic host appears, leaving them in stunned silence.
This moment captures the essence of the biblical account, where God chose to announce the birth of His Son to some of the least expected people—shepherds.
Who Were the Shepherds?
In the time of Jesus, shepherds lived tough, almost nomadic lives.
They were responsible for tending flocks of sheep and goats, often working long hours and facing many dangers.
At night, they would gather their sheep into enclosures to protect them from predators and thieves. Despite the hard work, shepherds were seen as lowly, often grouped with tax collectors and other outcasts of society.
Historically, shepherds were respected figures, like the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and King David.
However, by the first century, shepherding was no longer considered an honorable profession.
With the rise of cities and settled communities, the nomadic lifestyle of shepherds was looked down upon, and they became part of society’s lowest classes.
The Angels’ Announcement in the Bible
The Gospel of Luke is the only account in the Bible that mentions the angels appearing to shepherds (Luke 2:8-20). This scene is significant because it highlights God’s choice to bring His message to the humble and lowly first.
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “’Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Why Were the Shepherds Chosen?
Although the Bible doesn’t explicitly say why shepherds were the first to hear of Jesus’ birth, we can find several possible reasons by looking deeper into their symbolism and role in society.
1. Humility
Jesus often spoke about being gentle and humble. He reached out to those who were burdened and offered them rest (Matthew 11:28-30).
The shepherds, living humble and difficult lives, were perfect examples of the lowly people Jesus came to save. His birth in a stable, rather than a palace, reflected this humility.
2. Shepherds as Symbols
Many key figures in the Bible, including Moses, Abraham, and David, were shepherds at some point in their lives.
David even referred to God as his shepherd in Psalm 23:1, and Jesus later called Himself the Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for His sheep (John 10:11).
The connection between shepherds and Jesus highlights His role as the ultimate caretaker and protector of His people.
3. Sheep and Sacrifice
The Bible often compares people to sheep, who tend to stray and need guidance (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus is described as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, who took on the sins of the world.
The shepherds, who cared for sacrificial lambs, were the first to meet the One who would become the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
4. Watchfulness
The shepherds were awake and watchful when the angel appeared.
Their alertness and willingness to believe the angel’s message contrasts with the religious leaders of the time, who were expecting a powerful king but missed the humble arrival of the Messiah.
The shepherds’ readiness to accept the message is a reminder to be spiritually vigilant.
5. Proclamation
After seeing Jesus, the shepherds couldn’t keep the news to themselves.
They went out and shared what the angel had told them, glorifying and praising God.
Similarly, Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God during His time on earth, and His followers are called to do the same today.
What Does This Mean for Us?
The shepherds’ role in the Christmas story may seem small, but it carries a deep meaning.
Their humble status reminds us that God often chooses the lowly and overlooked to carry out His plans.
Every detail in the Bible has significance, and the shepherds’ story encourages us to read Scripture with curiosity and reverence.
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, a small and insignificant town, also speaks to His humble beginnings.
He came to earth to offer salvation, and as His followers, we are called to live in humility, denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily (Luke 9:23-24).
Our hope lies not in this life alone but in the eternal life promised to us through Jesus.
As we reflect on the shepherds’ encounter with the angels, let’s remember the humility, grace, and love of Jesus.
Just as God used humble shepherds to spread the good news of Jesus’ birth, He calls us to be His ambassadors in the world today (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Johnny specializes in content related to Jesus, the Bible, and religious topics. With a profound understanding of spirituality, Johnny’s articles are both insightful and inspiring, guiding readers through the complexities of faith.
