Shepherds in the Field

Topic: Shepherds in the Field

Text: Luke 2:8-20

Introduction

1.    Shepherds in the field – insignificant group of people. They were the first to hear the good news. They were smelly and dirty and considered lowly people. Shepherds’ Field Chapel, Beit Sahour, which is 2km from Bethlehem. The house that never sleeps. Shepherds’ Field is the exact site where the shepherds were told the good news. The shepherd sits at the gate or entrance of the cave as gatekeeper to guard and protect the sheep inside the cave. Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep.” (John 10:7). Jesus was not born on 25 Dec but on March 25 which is Passover Day.

2.    Insignificant but with significant purpose

·         Upside down kingdom (Matt. 5:1-12). We cannot view God’s kingdom from a world’s perspective but from God’s perspective.

·         Unimportant town (Micah 5:2). Jesus chose a small and insignificant place to be born in. Boaz Field Souvenir Shop. Why Boaz Field? Bethlehem was the place where King David was born.

·         Unnoticed shepherd boy (1 Sam. 16). David was an unimportant member of the family. Prophet Samuel picked David out of Jesse’s sons and anointed him to be king. God has chosen him to be king.

·         Unclean shepherds. Why announced the birth of Christ to lowly shepherds who were not accepted by the community and considered unclean? They were not allowed inside the temple to worship God. Jesus welcomed the shepherds and lepers. He made them special. They did not deserve it but God gave it to them. God has significant purposes in insignificant things.

3.    Jesus Christ – our Roeh (Shepherd) (John 10:11-18). Sheep are animals which have very poor vision and need shepherds to guide them.

Conclusion:

1 Samuel 16:7b “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The Good Shepherd sees you, He wants to lead you, to protect you and to give you the greatest gift of life. This Christmas, do you see Him?

Questions

1.    Read Matthew 2 and Luke 2:8-20, the news of Jesus’ birth were made known to which group(s) of people? How did they respond to the news? Why do you think they responded the way they did?

2.    What is your view on the upside down kingdom of God? Does that mean God does not favour people in high positions and with important status? Share freely!

3.    Do you know the Good Shepherd this Christmas?