The shepherds’ story in Luke 2 reminds us of the unexpected and humble ways Jesus came into the world. These shepherds, considered the most ordinary and lowly members of society, were the first to receive the announcement of Jesus’ birth through the chorus of angels among the heavenly host. Despite their shock, the shepherds decided to go and see the baby for themselves. Upon arriving at the stable where Jesus lay, they found the baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger, just like the angel had said.
When they encountered Jesus, the shepherds were filled with joy and praised God. Then, they ran through the town, spreading the news of Jesus’ birth to anyone who would listen. All who heard the message were amazed. The shepherds’ story serves as a reminder that Jesus came for all people, regardless of their background or social status.
But the story of the shepherds doesn’t end there. Their encounter with Jesus shows us how we can follow him. The shepherds were not content to simply hear about Jesus but wanted to experience Him firsthand. In the same way, we are called to follow the shepherd’s example and not just hear about Jesus but seek Him out and experience Him for ourselves. We can follow the shepherds’ examples in three simple ways:
Make Time to Hear from God
The shepherds sought Jesus out to see Him firsthand. But even before this, they actively heard God’s message to them on a nearby hillside that was still and silent before the heavenly host lit up the night sky. They could not avoid hearing the news God had for them. But in the Bible, hearing God’s words also implies action. So they didn’t merely hear the message and continued sitting around and tending sheep. Instead, they got up immediately and went to find Him. Do you take time in the quiet and stillness to hear from God? Are you actively making time to read the Bible, pray, and attend church? Hearing from God means actively listening for God’s voice and seeking opportunities to learn more about Him.
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to prioritize our relationship with God. But the shepherds remind us that it is essential to make time to hear from God, even if it means rearranging our schedules or finding a quiet space. That could be a specific chair in your living room, or backyard, an hour before your family wakes up, or even a little nook in your closet. Whatever you have to do, make sure there’s a time and space where you can hear God in the still moments of your life.
Praising God for Sending Jesus
The shepherds didn’t just see baby Jesus and go home. Instead, they reacted by praising God for the birth of the Messiah. Upon seeing the child, they were filled with joy and immediately began to praise God for his goodness and grace. If even the angels couldn’t keep from singing praises, the humble shepherds couldn’t stay quiet either. Are you filled with the same joy when you think about the good news?
As believers, we too, should follow the shepherd’s example by taking time to thank God for all he has done for us. Revelation chapter seven says that our time in heaven will primarily be consumed with praising God. If we will be doing this for all of eternity, then we can get good at it now! You can praise God by singing hymns of praise, offering prayers of thanksgiving, or simply taking a moment to meditate on all the ways God has blessed you.
Sharing God’s Message
There was a moment when the shepherds saw Jesus in the manger, and they were so overwhelmed with His worthiness, glory, and a sense of worship that they were bursting inside. They couldn’t help but overflow, and the excitement was contagious to everyone around them. They must have shared with all their friends, neighbors, wives, and children. The shepherds didn’t keep the news of Jesus’ birth to themselves but instead shared it with anyone who would listen. In the same way, we are called to share the love of Jesus with others, not just through words but through our actions and the way we live our lives.
This means being willing to share the good news of Jesus with those around us, whether it be through evangelism or simply living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. It also means being willing to serve others and show them the love of Christ through our actions.
Next Steps
As we reflect on the story of the shepherds in Luke 2, let us be inspired to follow their example and seek out Jesus for ourselves. We must take intentional time out of our busy schedules to spend time with Him and listen for His voice. This should always lead us to praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness. And from the overflow of our hearts, we will be led to share the good news of Jesus with those around us, living out his teachings in our daily lives and spreading His love to the world. How can you take a step to be more like the shepherds today?
