Shepherds: Unexpected Messengers of Christ's Birth
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound narrative of the shepherds in the Christmas story, emphasizing their role in the divine drama of Christ's birth. This narrative, often overshadowed by more prominent figures, highlights the shepherds' unique journey from the fields to the manger, driven by a divine message and a sense of urgency. Their story is a testament to the importance of having a destination, determination, and the right information in our spiritual journey.
The shepherds, often seen as humble and unassuming, were chosen to receive the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. This choice underscores the theme that God often uses the least expected to fulfill His purposes. The shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message—leaving their flocks to find the newborn Savior—demonstrates a profound determination and urgency that we are called to emulate in our own spiritual pursuits. Their journey to Bethlehem was not just a physical one but a spiritual pilgrimage that led them to witness the fulfillment of God's promise.
Moreover, the shepherds' role did not end at the manger. They became the first evangelists, spreading the news of Jesus' birth with joy and conviction. This act of sharing their experience highlights the power of personal testimony and the responsibility we have to share the good news of Christ with others. The shepherds' story challenges us to consider our own "Bethlehem"—the place where we encounter Christ—and to reflect on how we can share that transformative experience with the world.
As we reflect on the shepherds' journey, we are reminded of the importance of being open to God's direction, having the determination to pursue His calling, and the courage to share the message of hope and salvation. In doing so, we become part of the ongoing "cast of Christmas," playing our role in the unfolding story of God's love for humanity.
Key Takeaways:
- The Unexpected Messengers: The shepherds, humble and often overlooked, were chosen to receive the divine announcement of Jesus' birth. This reminds us that God often uses the least expected to fulfill His purposes, challenging us to be open to His calling regardless of our status or background. [17:37]
- Urgency in Spiritual Pursuits: The shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message exemplifies the urgency and determination we should have in our spiritual journey. Their willingness to leave everything behind to seek the Savior challenges us to prioritize our pursuit of Christ above all else. [22:52]
- The Power of Personal Testimony: After witnessing the birth of Jesus, the shepherds became the first evangelists, sharing their experience with others. This highlights the importance of personal testimony in spreading the gospel and encourages us to share our encounters with Christ boldly. [28:40]
- Finding Your Bethlehem: The shepherds' journey to Bethlehem symbolizes our own spiritual pilgrimage to encounter Christ. We are encouraged to identify our "Bethlehem"—the place where we meet Jesus—and to seek it with determination and faith. [21:10]
- Playing Our Role in God's Story: The shepherds' story is a reminder that we all have a role to play in God's unfolding narrative. By embracing our part in the "cast of Christmas," we contribute to the greater story of God's love and redemption for the world. [33:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:15] - Christmas Memories
[06:27] - Welcoming Guests
[13:04] - Gabriel's Message
[15:53] - God's Presence
[16:29] - Isaiah's Prophecy
[17:37] - The Shepherds' Role
[18:59] - Importance of Destination
[20:26] - Finding Your Bethlehem
[22:52] - Determination in Faith
[24:29] - Urgency in Seeking God
[25:46] - Discovering Jesus
[28:40] - Sharing the Good News
[29:25] - The Message of Jesus
[33:00] - Our Role in God's Story
[39:16] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:15-18: "When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the shepherds' immediate reaction after the angels left them, according to Luke 2:15-16? How does this reflect their sense of urgency? [18:59]
2. How did the shepherds respond after witnessing the birth of Jesus, and what impact did their testimony have on others? [28:40]
3. In the sermon, what role did the shepherds play in the "cast of Christmas," and how were they described in terms of their social status? [17:37]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of the shepherds' journey to Bethlehem? [21:10]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God have chosen the shepherds, who were humble and often overlooked, to be the first to hear the news of Jesus' birth? What does this choice reveal about God's character? [17:37]
2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency and determination of the shepherds. How can this urgency be applied to one's spiritual journey today? [22:52]
3. How does the shepherds' role as the first evangelists challenge modern believers in their responsibility to share their faith? [28:40]
4. What does the concept of "Finding Your Bethlehem" mean in a spiritual context, and how can it be relevant to personal faith journeys? [21:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt an urgent call to pursue something in your spiritual life. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [22:52]
2. The shepherds left their flocks to seek Jesus. What are some things in your life that you might need to leave behind to prioritize your relationship with Christ? [24:29]
3. Consider your own "Bethlehem"—a place or moment where you have encountered Christ. How can you share this experience with others in a meaningful way? [21:10]
4. The shepherds shared their testimony with joy and conviction. How can you cultivate a similar boldness in sharing your faith with those around you? [28:40]
5. In what ways can you be open to God's direction, even if it comes from unexpected sources or in unexpected ways? [17:37]
6. How can you play your role in God's unfolding story, contributing to the greater narrative of His love and redemption for the world? [33:00]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing your personal testimony. What steps can you take this week to share your story with them? [28:40]
Devotional
Day 1: God Chooses the Unexpected
The shepherds, humble and often overlooked, were chosen to receive the divine announcement of Jesus' birth. This choice underscores the theme that God often uses the least expected to fulfill His purposes. The shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message—leaving their flocks to find the newborn Savior—demonstrates a profound determination and urgency that we are called to emulate in our own spiritual pursuits. Their journey to Bethlehem was not just a physical one but a spiritual pilgrimage that led them to witness the fulfillment of God's promise. This reminds us that God often uses the least expected to fulfill His purposes, challenging us to be open to His calling regardless of our status or background. [17:37]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overlooked or insignificant. How might God be calling you to step into His purpose despite your perceived limitations?
Day 2: Urgency in Seeking Christ
The shepherds' immediate response to the angelic message exemplifies the urgency and determination we should have in our spiritual journey. Their willingness to leave everything behind to seek the Savior challenges us to prioritize our pursuit of Christ above all else. This urgency is not just about speed but about the intensity of our desire to know and follow Jesus. The shepherds' journey was marked by a sense of purpose and direction, reminding us that our spiritual journey requires a clear destination and the resolve to pursue it wholeheartedly. [22:52]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one thing you can set aside today to better pursue your relationship with Christ with urgency and determination?
Day 3: The Power of Personal Testimony
After witnessing the birth of Jesus, the shepherds became the first evangelists, sharing their experience with others. This highlights the importance of personal testimony in spreading the gospel and encourages us to share our encounters with Christ boldly. The shepherds' story challenges us to consider our own "Bethlehem"—the place where we encounter Christ—and to reflect on how we can share that transformative experience with the world. Personal testimony is powerful because it is a firsthand account of God's work in our lives, and it can inspire and encourage others to seek Him as well. [28:40]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear your story of encountering Christ. How can you share your testimony with them this week in a way that is both bold and respectful?
Day 4: Finding Your Bethlehem
The shepherds' journey to Bethlehem symbolizes our own spiritual pilgrimage to encounter Christ. We are encouraged to identify our "Bethlehem"—the place where we meet Jesus—and to seek it with determination and faith. This journey is not just about a physical location but about a spiritual state where we are open to experiencing God's presence and receiving His promises. Finding our Bethlehem requires us to be intentional in our pursuit of God, seeking Him in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. [21:10]
Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
Reflection: What is your "Bethlehem"—the place or practice where you most often encounter Christ? How can you prioritize this in your daily life to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Embracing Our Role in God's Story
The shepherds' story is a reminder that we all have a role to play in God's unfolding narrative. By embracing our part in the "cast of Christmas," we contribute to the greater story of God's love and redemption for the world. Each of us has unique gifts and experiences that God can use to further His kingdom. Embracing our role means being willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for the tasks He has prepared for us. It also means being open to the unexpected ways God might use us to impact others. [33:00]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What unique gifts or experiences has God given you that can be used to serve others and further His kingdom? How can you take a step today to embrace your role in God's story?
Quotes
Lord, we bless God today. There's a sweet spirit in this house today. I don't know about you, but aren't you glad you can just sense the presence of the Lord? This gives you a good feeling, doesn't it? Amen. I often think this time of year about the Christmas program. I tell you, my mama was over it. [00:02:09] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Father, as we come this morning we bring our hallelujahs To the King of Kings And the Lord And the Lord Of Lord Father, even now as we come to declare your truth We pray that we might decrease And that you might increase Save someone today Encourage another And when this time is done We'll give your name the praise and the glory In Jesus' name, Amen [00:11:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But God has a destination for us. But there has to be some determination. Verse 16. So they hurry off and found Mary, Joseph and the baby who was lying in the manger. Determination. It is to have a fixed intention. It is to be in a place that you want to achieve something. [00:22:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Tell the world about the child, about Jesus. Who is the reason for the season? And people will be amazed at what you share with them. And Jesus is the only source of information that we need. Okay, here's a cheat sheet. Here's some cliff notes. [00:30:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
the world needs to know who are you talking about about Jesus the one who was born when was he born more than 2000 years ago but today he can be born again in your heart where Bethlehem the name Bethlehem itself means house of bread amen the word of God will fill you why was he born you looking at it to save somebody who was heading straight to H -E -L -L that ought to be your testimony that's why he came amen [00:30:25] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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