The Shepherds at the Birth of Christ

The record of the shepherds at the birth of Christ is an integral part of the Christmas story. The message that the angel gave them was essential to people of the time, and is still helpful today. For example, it is doubtful that Joseph and Mary told anyone Jesus was the promised Messiah. That message was left to the shepherds. Also, the angel confirmed the words of the prophets that the Messiah came to bring peace to people with whom God was well pleased. For their part, the shepherds took on the role of evangelists and told the people around Bethlehem what they had learned from the angel and from their own eyes.

Verses: Gen. 19:1ff; Exod. 16:7; Judg. 13:6; 1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chron. 1:1-3; Isa. 11:4; Ezek. 1:4, 28; 3:23-24; 10:4; Matt. 17:5; Luke 1:11; 2:1-20

Teacher: John Schoenheit