Embracing the Extraordinary in Everyday Humility

 

Summary

The story of the shepherds in the fields on the night of Jesus' birth is a powerful reminder of how God often chooses the humble and the ordinary to reveal His extraordinary plans. The shepherds were simply doing their job, tending to their sheep, when an angel appeared to them with a message that would change the world. This message was the announcement of the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, in Bethlehem. Despite the initial fear and disbelief, the shepherds chose to act on the message they received. They went to Bethlehem with haste, driven by excitement and curiosity, to witness the miracle that had been proclaimed to them.

The shepherds' response to the angelic message is a lesson in faith and action. They were not commanded to go immediately, yet their hearts were stirred to seek out the newborn King. This eagerness to encounter Jesus is something we are called to emulate. The shepherds' story also highlights the importance of sharing the good news. After witnessing the Christ child, they couldn't keep the story to themselves. They returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God, and shared what they had seen and heard with others.

In our own lives, we are often like the shepherds, going about our daily routines when God calls us to something greater. We are invited to listen attentively, to act with urgency, and to speak boldly about the transformative power of Jesus. The shepherds remind us that we don't need to change our vocations to be evangelists; we can share the message of Christ from wherever we are. This Christmas story is not just a historical event but an invitation to be part of the ongoing narrative of God's love and redemption for the world.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Message to the Humble: The shepherds were ordinary people chosen to receive an extraordinary message. This reminds us that God often uses the humble and the lowly to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to hearing God's voice in our everyday lives, knowing that He can use us in significant ways. [06:23]

- Responding with Urgency: The shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message teaches us the importance of acting promptly when God calls. Their eagerness to see the Savior challenges us to prioritize our spiritual pursuits over worldly distractions. Are we willing to leave everything behind to seek Jesus? [14:20]

- The Power of Witness: After encountering Jesus, the shepherds shared the good news with others. This demonstrates the power of personal testimony in spreading the gospel. We are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and truth in our own circles, sharing our experiences with enthusiasm and authenticity. [20:11]

- Faithful in Our Calling: The shepherds returned to their fields, continuing their work while glorifying God. This shows that we can serve God faithfully in our current roles and responsibilities. We don't need a change of vocation to be effective in God's kingdom; we can be evangelists right where we are. [37:01]

- The Ongoing Story of Redemption: The birth of Jesus is part of the greatest story ever told—a story of redemption and hope. We are invited to be part of this narrative, sharing the message of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection with a world in need. Let this story transform our lives and inspire us to speak up for Jesus. [39:31]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:33] - The Shepherds' Encounter
[06:23] - Angelic Announcement
[07:38] - A Night Transformed
[08:20] - The Unbelievable Message
[09:09] - The Shepherds' Decision
[12:27] - Responding with Haste
[14:20] - Excitement and Action
[17:13] - Understanding Christos
[20:11] - Sharing the Good News
[23:37] - Listening and Responding
[26:52] - Saddle Up for God's Call
[32:16] - Speaking Up for Jesus
[36:04] - The Power of Testimony
[37:01] - Faithful Shepherds
[39:31] - The Ongoing Story of Redemption

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-20

Observation Questions:
1. What were the shepherds doing when the angel appeared to them, and how did they initially react to the angelic message? [06:23]
2. What specific message did the angel deliver to the shepherds, and what sign were they given to identify the Savior? [09:09]
3. How did the shepherds respond after the angels left, and what actions did they take upon reaching Bethlehem? [12:27]
4. After witnessing the newborn Jesus, what did the shepherds do, and how did others react to their testimony? [20:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might God have chosen shepherds, considered humble and ordinary, to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth? [06:23]
2. What does the shepherds' immediate decision to go to Bethlehem reveal about their faith and priorities? [14:20]
3. How does the shepherds' eagerness to share the good news with others reflect the importance of personal testimony in spreading the gospel? [20:11]
4. In what ways does the shepherds' return to their fields, while glorifying God, demonstrate that one can serve God in their current vocation? [37:01]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to act on a message from God. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the shepherds' example of urgency and faith? [14:20]
2. The shepherds shared the good news with enthusiasm. How can you incorporate sharing your faith into your daily routine, even in small ways? [20:11]
3. Consider your current vocation or daily responsibilities. How can you glorify God and share His message within your existing roles, like the shepherds did? [37:01]
4. The shepherds were ordinary people chosen for an extraordinary purpose. How can you remain open to God's calling in your everyday life, and what steps can you take to listen more attentively? [06:23]
5. The shepherds' story is part of the ongoing narrative of God's redemption. How can you actively participate in this story, and what specific actions can you take to share the message of Christ's love and redemption with others? [39:31]
6. Reflect on the distractions in your life that might prevent you from seeking Jesus with urgency. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize your spiritual pursuits? [14:20]
7. How can you cultivate a heart of praise and gratitude like the shepherds, even when returning to your daily routines? What specific practices can help you maintain this mindset? [37:01]

Devotional

Day 1: God Chooses the Humble
The story of the shepherds in the fields on the night of Jesus' birth is a profound illustration of how God often chooses the humble and the ordinary to reveal His extraordinary plans. The shepherds were simply doing their job, tending to their sheep, when an angel appeared to them with a message that would change the world. This message was the announcement of the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, in Bethlehem. Despite the initial fear and disbelief, the shepherds chose to act on the message they received. They went to Bethlehem with haste, driven by excitement and curiosity, to witness the miracle that had been proclaimed to them.
The shepherds' response to the angelic message is a lesson in faith and action. They were not commanded to go immediately, yet their hearts were stirred to seek out the newborn King. This eagerness to encounter Jesus is something we are called to emulate. The shepherds' story also highlights the importance of sharing the good news. After witnessing the Christ child, they couldn't keep the story to themselves. They returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God, and shared what they had seen and heard with others. [06:23]

"For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overlooked or insignificant. How might God be using your current situation to reveal His extraordinary plans through you?


Day 2: Responding with Urgency
The shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message teaches us the importance of acting promptly when God calls. Their eagerness to see the Savior challenges us to prioritize our spiritual pursuits over worldly distractions. The shepherds did not hesitate or delay; they left their flocks and went to Bethlehem with haste. This urgency reflects a deep desire to encounter Jesus and to be part of what God was doing in the world.
In our own lives, we are often like the shepherds, going about our daily routines when God calls us to something greater. We are invited to listen attentively, to act with urgency, and to speak boldly about the transformative power of Jesus. The shepherds remind us that we don't need to change our vocations to be evangelists; we can share the message of Christ from wherever we are. [14:20]

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Romans 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to act with urgency? How can you prioritize this calling today?


Day 3: The Power of Witness
After encountering Jesus, the shepherds shared the good news with others. This demonstrates the power of personal testimony in spreading the gospel. The shepherds did not keep the miraculous event to themselves; they returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God, and shared what they had seen and heard with others. Their testimony was a natural overflow of their encounter with Christ.
We are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and truth in our own circles, sharing our experiences with enthusiasm and authenticity. The shepherds' story encourages us to speak boldly about the transformative power of Jesus and to share the message of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection with a world in need. [20:11]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your testimony of what God has done for you? How can you share your story with them this week?


Day 4: Faithful in Our Calling
The shepherds returned to their fields, continuing their work while glorifying God. This shows that we can serve God faithfully in our current roles and responsibilities. The shepherds did not abandon their vocation; instead, they integrated their newfound faith into their daily lives.
We don't need a change of vocation to be effective in God's kingdom; we can be evangelists right where we are. The shepherds' story reminds us that God can use us in significant ways, even in the ordinary routines of life. We are invited to be part of the ongoing narrative of God's love and redemption for the world. [37:01]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you glorify God in your current job or daily responsibilities? What small changes can you make to serve Him more faithfully where you are?


Day 5: The Ongoing Story of Redemption
The birth of Jesus is part of the greatest story ever told—a story of redemption and hope. The shepherds were invited to be part of this narrative, and so are we. The story of Jesus' birth is not just a historical event but an invitation to be part of the ongoing narrative of God's love and redemption for the world.
We are called to share the message of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection with a world in need. Let this story transform our lives and inspire us to speak up for Jesus. The shepherds' eagerness to encounter Jesus and their willingness to share the good news challenges us to be active participants in God's redemptive work. [39:31]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's story of redemption today? What steps can you take to share the message of Christ's love and hope with those around you?

Quotes



And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. [00:06:23] (20 seconds)


This news of the Messiah being born in Bethlehem bringing peace to all of mankind the fulfillment of the passage we read earlier for unto us a child is born the government will be on his shoulders there'll be no end to his kingdom he'll be called wonderful counsellor almighty God, Emmanuel God with us this angel is announcing the fulfillment of that prophecy. [00:09:09] (51 seconds)


Let's throw up Luke 2 15 to 20 when the angels went away from them into heaven the shepherds said to one another let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us and they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. [00:11:09] (28 seconds)


They were so excited they couldn't wait we have no idea if they just picked up and went left the sheep to wander the hills we don't know we just know that regardless of how scared they may have been because they've just seen an angel in fact they've just seen a lot of angels but they get up they're excited and they go with haste they go immediately they run off to Bethlehem and they find exactly what the angel told them they would find. [00:14:44] (41 seconds)


They returned to their responsibilities on the field, looking after the sheep. But they didn't stop talking about what has just happened. They couldn't stop talking about the manger. They couldn't stop talking about the baby. They couldn't stop talking about the hosts of heaven in the sky above them. [00:19:39] (32 seconds)


These shepherds, as far as we know, never changed vocations. They never became evangelists. They never became shepherds with a ministry. They never became disciples as such, walking around, telling everybody the good news, going into different cities and towns. No, they stayed shepherds. [00:37:01] (29 seconds)


But they stayed shepherds with a message. They were evangelists. But they were evangelists, from where they were. They didn't see it as some big thing to gain status, or to gain a role, or to gain a ministry. No, they stayed shepherds, looking after their sheep, telling everybody they came across the good news about Jesus. [00:37:16] (35 seconds)


We need to join with the faithful shepherds from a long ago starry night, and share the good news that the Messiah, the Christ, is alive. So my challenge to you, from the shepherds of a story you've heard over and over and over again, saddle up. And when God calls, speak up. [00:38:27] (53 seconds)


You have been brought in to the most miraculous and marvelous story that has ever been told. Jesus not only died on a cross for you, he was born in a manger for you. Let that change your story. Let that change your narrative. Let that change your speech to one another. [00:39:31] (34 seconds)


And to a world that desperately needs to hear the story of Jesus, the saviour of the world, the Messiah, the Christos, king, anointed one, born in a manger. In humility. To bring peace to the world. [00:40:14] (25 seconds)


The Lord said to him go and despite Ananias' reservations he did go and the ministry of Saul or Paul was set in motion a ministry that would change the world you see the shepherds teach us there is no need to hesitate when God calls Ananias shows us that though we may hesitate if we'll just trust God amazing things await possibly a world changed a life changed my life changed your life changed changed forever forever it's a sad law. [00:31:18] (56 seconds)


You see the faithful shepherds didn't stop at simply seeing this thing that had happened having seen they were compelled to speak up to tell the story of baby Messiah a story seemingly unbelievable yet everyone that heard it was amazed. [00:33:21] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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