What Can We Learn from the Shepherds at Jesus’ Birth?

The Christmas story is filled with familiar characters, but sometimes we need a fresh perspective to truly understand its profound meaning. When we examine the nativity through the eyes of the shepherds, we discover powerful truths about God’s love, grace, and the significance of Jesus’ birth.

Why Did God Choose Shepherds to Receive the Good News?

God Reaches the Lowliest First

Shepherds occupied the lowest rung of society in first-century Palestine. They were considered unreliable witnesses whose testimony wouldn’t even be accepted in court. Yet God chose them to be the first to hear about Jesus’ birth.

This choice reveals something beautiful about God’s character: He doesn’t reserve His greatest messages for the elite or powerful. Instead, He reaches out to ordinary people like you and me. If God was willing to speak through angels to lowly shepherds, He’s equally willing to share His love and joy with each of us today.

The Message Was for Everyone

The angels declared this wasn’t just good news for the Jewish people or religious insiders. This message was “for all people” – including Gentiles who might have seemed far from God. The birth of Jesus represented salvation for everyone, regardless of their background or social status.

How Did the Shepherds Respond to the Angel’s Message?

They Believed Without Doubt

When the angel announced Jesus’ birth, the shepherds didn’t question whether it was true. They didn’t say, “Let’s go see if this is really happening.” Instead, they said, “Let’s go see this thing that has happened.”

Their immediate belief came from the undeniable presence of God’s glory shining around them. This may have been the first time in centuries that God’s glory had appeared on earth in such a dramatic way.

They Acted with Urgency

The shepherds went “with haste” – they practically ran to Bethlehem. Their practical nature meant they wouldn’t be easily fooled, but the authenticity of the angelic message compelled them to immediate action.

What Do the Names “Savior, Christ the Lord” Really Mean?

The angel gave Jesus three significant titles that reveal the completeness of who He would be:

Savior – The Redeemer

Jesus would be the one to save people from their sins, paying the price to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin.

Christ – The Anointed One

This priestly term identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the one anointed by God for a special purpose.

Lord – The Leader

This kingly term shows that Jesus would provide earthly leadership and guidance for His people.

Together, these titles show that Christ is everything we need – our redeemer, our anointed priest, and our king.

Why Was Jesus Born in a Manger?

A Symbol of Provision and Blessing

The word “manger” means provision and blessing. By being born in a manger, Jesus symbolically showed that He would be the source of God’s provision and blessing for His people.

Animals instinctively know where their provision comes from – they go to the manger for nourishment. Yet as Isaiah 1:3 points out, God’s people often forget where their true provision and blessing originate.

What Happened When the Shepherds Shared Their Story?

Everyone Was Amazed

Despite shepherds being considered unreliable witnesses, everyone who heard their story was amazed. Why? Because the message they carried was so powerful and authentic that it transcended their low social status.

They Proclaimed a Savior, Not a Soldier

The Lord didn’t send a mighty warrior or stern judge – roles that might have been more appealing to people longing for political liberation. Instead, God had sent a Savior, a Redeemer who would rescue people from sin and restore their relationship with God.

Life Application

Like the shepherds, you are worthy to carry the message of Jesus’ birth. You don’t need special credentials or high social status to share the good news that Christ was born to be the Savior of the world. The shepherds’ story reminds us that God uses ordinary people to spread His extraordinary message.

This week, consider how you can be like those faithful shepherds. Look for opportunities to share the hope and joy of Christ’s birth with others. Remember that your testimony, no matter how simple, can amaze people when it carries the authentic message of God’s love.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I believe I’m worthy to share God’s good news with others?
• How can I follow the shepherds’ example of immediate obedience when God calls me to action?
• Where do I look for my provision and blessing – do I recognize that it comes from God?
• Am I willing to share the message of Jesus as Savior, even when people might prefer a different kind of leader?

The shepherds returned to their flocks glorifying and praising God for everything they had seen and heard. May we do the same, carrying the joy of Christ’s birth into our everyday lives and sharing it with everyone we meet.

Sermon video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TXEKoAU4TA

[Blog post created by Sermon Shots from original sermon content preached by Rev. Kent F. Jackson on December 14, 2025.]