The Birth of JesusSample

The Significance of Shepherds

Considering His humble birthplace among animals, it is fitting that Jesus’ first visitors were shepherds. In fact, Jesus would later call Himself the Good Shepherd Who would lay down His life for His sheep. Clearly, shepherds played an important role throughout Jesus’ life, beginning with the night of His birth.

So what was special about shepherds that they would be the first people chosen to visit Jesus, and who even had the honor of the Heavenly Host appearing before them?

Many people today believe that shepherds were social outcasts in Israel, but in reality, many of the most highly respected men of the Bible were shepherds. Jacob’s sons were shepherds. Moses was a shepherd. David killed Goliath with skills he learned as a shepherd. These were men of God who spent all day and night in the fields with sheep, no matter the weather or danger from wild animals.

A shepherd’s role was one of the most important roles of Israelite society, even if it wasn’t the most glamorous one. Shepherds protected the animals that were food and wealth for the people as well as sacrifices to atone for their sins. Protecting their flocks required shepherds to learn to be gentle with their animals, as well as to fight predators who might wish to harm the flock. So when angels appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, they were appearing to people who had learned both humility and strength, the very qualities of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10.

Angels Appear

God doesn’t choose just anyone to send His angels to. Everyone who saw an angel in the Bible, from Abraham to Jacob to Gideon to Mary, played an integral part in His plan of salvation. And God didn’t send just one or two angels to the shepherds, but a great host of them!

These angels brought with them the glory of the Lord, which shone so brightly in the night that the shepherds were terrified. The angel who first appeared told them not to be afraid. This was not an occasion for fear, but for great joy and praising God! The angels declared to the shepherds that the Savior was born that night, and they—these shepherds who happened to be nearby—were invited to see Him!

This humble beginning of the Savior was announced to humble shepherds with a great Heavenly Host, not because the shepherds had earned this honor, but because God knew their hearts were ready to accept Him.

Reflection

What might the appearance of the Heavenly Host have been like? Would you have been afraid like the shepherds were?