CONNECTING POINT: The Significance of the Shepherds

Themes and professions are interwoven throughout the Bible, certainly “shepherd” is one of the prominent terms from Genesis to Revelation. Abraham, Moses, David, and a litany of others were shepherds simply since this was the common way of life or providing food. Shepherds are referenced as spiritual leaders in both the Old and New Testaments. More importantly, the imagery and language regarding Jesus as the “Great Shepherd” is fitting. Luke is the only New Testament writer who brings up the shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth.

We must keep in mind that Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke all give accounts from their personal perspectives but share in agreement about the essentials regarding Jesus’ claims and teachings. Luke writes, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger,’” (Luke 2:8-12).

Who were these shepherds? Some have suggested specifically the shepherds cited in Luke were poor and outcasts, in the past, I’ve leaned in that direction but not so much today. As we read through the Bible it’s imperative that we refrain from reading into the text teachings or concepts that are not clearly presented. Since Luke was a first-century writer there is value in understanding the Jewish cultural context; remember he was not a Jew. Joseph, Mary, and the local shepherds were certainly Jewish. The Mishnaw is a set of Jewish recorded documents during the time of the Pharisees which required the keeping of flocks expressly to the wilderness for most in the profession, however, for ceremonial sacrifices certain flocks were kept purer and held closer to Bethlehem. The shepherds of Luke 2 fit this description. Additionally, the Mishnaw stated that the Messiah would be revealed from the Migdal Eder, which translates to “tower of the flock.” Outside of each town, it was common to find a tower that was used for the purpose of overlooking those ceremonial flocks. This ties well to Luke’s account of “shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”

As we are approaching the traditional calendar of celebrating Christmas, let’s hold dear to the fact that as Christians we celebrate Jesus as the Messiah every day. In John 10 Jesus speaks directly to the Pharisees about being the “Good Shepherd” by illustrating that sheep listen to their shepherd and know his voice. A good shepherd protects the flock while the thief’s only purpose is to steal, kill, or destroy; the hand runs away when trouble arises. The shepherds who sought out Jesus at his birth were not enamored with the sign from an angel but the marvelous majesty of the promised Messiah. In verse 15 we see the response of the shepherds of prompt obedience followed by proclaiming the good news that the Messiah Israel longed for was present. Significance is not found in who we are but in our Savior Jesus Christ, the shepherds didn’t make a name for themselves but glorified the name that matters most, Jesus.