The Lowly Ones Who First Visited the Newborn King

"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 2:15 (NIV)

In first-century Palestine, shepherds were at the very bottom rung of the social ladder. They were viewed as unclean and uneducated - the opposite of “polite society.” Yet it was to such as these that the angels first appeared to declare their good news of great joy: “A Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”

The sign the shepherds were given was that they would “find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). This must have shocked them. The King of Israel?! In a manger?! Like the newborn of a common peasant?! Like their own kids?!

In ordinary circumstances, ordinary shepherds would not have dreamed of imposing themselves by visiting this long-awaited Royal Child.

But His birth was indeed good news for *all* people…a Savior even for shepherds…for the lowly…for the unclean.

Jesus, thank You for coming for all people, including me. When I don’t feel worthy, help me to remember that You delight to appear to the lowest and the least. Amen.

Kenneth Bailey. “The Story of Jesus’ Birth: Luke 2:1-20.” Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008. 25-37.