Why did God announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds?
Why did God announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds? The story begins hundreds of years before His birth. Moses wrote that if a person sinned, they were to bring a spotless lamb as a sin offering to atone for their sins (Leviticus 5:5-6). John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God.
The prophecy regarding the birth of Christ is found in the book of Micah, which states that the announcement of His birth would be made to shepherds.
“And thou, O tower of the flock,
The strong hold of the daughter of Zion,
Unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion;
The kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.”Micah 4:8
This tower is traditionally believed to be situated near Bethlehem. Thus, Micah announces the location of the birthplace.
“But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah,
Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;
Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”Micah 5:2
SHEEP IN THE FIELD DURING WINTER.
Jewish scholar Alfred Edersheim notes that these were unique sheep explicitly raised for sacrifices in Jerusalem, which was nearby. These sheep were monitored throughout the year. Many argue that the events could not have occurred in winter since the sheep were not in the fields then. However, the Bible itself appears to contradict that assertion.
In the book of 1 Samuel, there is a story about David overseeing the sheep of a man named Nabal. Verses 25:15-16 explain that David watched over the shepherds day and night while they were in the field. This story unfolds during sheep shearing in the spring, indicating that David and his men had been watching over the shepherds throughout the winter while they tended the flocks.
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
The announcement of Jesus’s birth was a joyous occasion, as it should be today. The birth of Jesus signifies that our Father is not indifferent to our sin and suffering. It represents the arrival of the God of Heaven into our world to experience our struggles alongside us and to suffer for us. However, the story doesn’t end there. The ultimate purpose of Jesus’ humanity was to demonstrate God’s power to transform a moral being into an immortal, sinless person through resurrection.
THE DARK SIDE OF CHRISTMAS
There are always two sides to every story; in this case, one side is rejecting this narrative. Jesus is depicted as a spotless lamb whose life is sacrificed to atone for humanity’s sins. He offers the most precious gift He can—His blood! Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it. That is beautifully illustrated in the Book of Revelation.
In chapter five, the world’s title deed is presented, and an angel proclaims that no one can possess it, leaving the world without hope. John weeps over this situation. Then, the announcement comes that there is one who can open the title deed: the Lion of the tribe of Judah. That evokes the image of a fierce lion ready to defeat its enemies. However, when John turns to look, he sees not a lion but a lamb—specifically, a bloody and lifeless lamb. How can this lamb have the authority to rule the world? He can rule because of the love He demonstrated by giving His life for us.
What can be said about those who turn to see the lamb and mock it? What is to be said of those who refuse the love expressed through His suffering and death? What should they expect to happen if they trample upon the blood of the lamb?
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Revelation 19:11–16
Before Jesus weld His sword, His garment is already covered with blood: His blood. It is a testimony to those He will execute judgment against that they have spat upon the one who loved them. They are worthy to be removed from His creation and cast out from His very presence. There can be no justification for their actions and complete justice for them to be removed from the Kingdom of the Lord of Lords.
CONCLUSION
Do not ignore Jesus this Christmas for a jolly old man who is a poor substitute for the King of Kings. If you feel depressed and lonely, it is probably because deep within, you know the world should be a happier place. You understand that there is no peace on earth. The only answer for that state is to receive the one who can bring peace within and hope for a peaceful world at His coming.
” For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
And the government shall be upon his shoulder:
And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6
Repent for your disbelief and sin, and accept Jesus as Lord today!