What Does it Take to See Jesus?
Christmas Series 2011
Part 3 – We Need the Heart of the Shepherds
By Pastor James May
We have seen from the Christmas Story that not everyone who lived in the land of Israel had the profound opportunity of seeing Jesus when he came into this world. Though his coming had been foretold for thousands of years by many of the old prophets, most in Israel did not know the word of God sufficiently to recognize the Lord when he came. The people trusted in their Rabbi’s and High Priests, and in their system of temple worship, but they did not know God in a very personal sense.
It is dangerous to hinge your salvation upon the actions of someone else. The High Priest would answer for his position of power and leadership, and his failure to lead the Jews into the true worship of God would surely be judged. The Levitical Priesthood would answer for its failure to proclaim the righteousness of God and point the people to the coming of the Messiah. But where would that leave the rest of the people who depended upon these priests?
Every man must answer for himself. Regardless of the leadership that is in place over you, and regardless of how great; or how terrible; that leadership may be, each of us will be judged upon his own merits and not on the action of others. We will all stand before God one-by-one. I won’t be there with you anymore than Moses would be there with those Jews who have long ago passed from this life. Salvation is a very personal matter between you and your God. The final outcome will be determined only by your own obedience to the Word and acceptance of Jesus Christ; or your personal rejection and indifference to the moving of the Spirit as he calls you.
In previous messages we saw that Joseph was chosen by God and because of his faithfulness, love for Mary and for righteousness, and his willingness to obey the Lord, Joseph was given the awesome responsibility of raising God’s own Son, and given the privilege of being present at the birth of the Lord in that stable so long ago. Joseph had made some personal choices the enabled him to be in the right place; at the right time, to be used by God in a mighty way.
In the last message we saw that there were Wise Men from East who had what it took to see Jesus. They had a heart that searched for truth; was willing to step out in living faith and follow the leading of God, wherever God would take them. They had a heart to give; a heart to worship; and a heart to obey the voice of the Lord. They too, were given the privilege of seeing and knowing who Jesus was as a very small child, and they gave what they had to the One who would be the Giver of Life to all mankind.
This morning I want to look at someone else in the Christmas Story who were among the few that were blessed enough to see Jesus and to worship him on the night of his birth.
I want us to examine the hearts of the shepherds; those who were working in the fields with their flocks in the darkness of night, and see what they had in them that enabled them to have a view of Jesus that few others could ever know.
The story of their inclusion into that wonderful night of Jesus’ birth can be found in Luke Chapter 2, verses 8-20.
Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Just who were these shepherds? Were they special among all of the shepherds in Israel? Why did God choose these shepherds above all of the others in the land and give them the privilege of worshipping his only Son on that first Christmas? Was the choice of God to have his angels appear to this specific group of shepherds just a random choice of did it carry a greater significance?
At that time, shepherds were seen as low class or held little value in the eyes of other people. Most people thought of them as people who could not get a job doing anything worthwhile. Most were hirelings who were quick to steal from their master’s flocks and blame robbers, wolves or bears for that which was missing. It was a common practice to never buy wool, goats milk or meat from a shepherd for it was assumed to have been stolen. All sheep related products must be purchased from the owner of the flock; not the shepherd.
Of course, not all shepherds were criminals. There were some honest, hard-working men who became shepherds simply because it was all that they knew to do. But even the honest shepherds bore the burden of being cast as unworthy among his fellow workers.
There are several Bible commentators who had an opinion concerning these shepherds to whom the angel appeared on the hills of Bethlehem. Whether it is truth or not remains to be proven, but it does have a good logic behind it, so I thought I would just relate the teachings of these Bible scholars.
It has been passed down from generations of historians that those shepherds who were outside of Bethlehem that night would have been caring for the sheep that would have probably been used as sacrifice animals in the temple in near-by Jerusalem.
These shepherds may have been men who were accustomed to preparing lambs which symbolically represented the Messiah in their cleanliness, perfection, and their sacrifice on the altar of the temple.
If this is truth then it would certainly make sense of the fact that God chose these shepherds above all others for the announcement of the birth of the Messiah through the heavenly angels. These shepherds would immediately recognize that this baby, born in Bethlehem, would be the last and ultimate sacrificial lamb.
There are a few more interesting details. The place where the angels appeared to the shepherds is traditionally known as the “Tower of the Flock,” or Migdal Edar, which is very near Bethlehem. This watch tower, from ancient times, was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts. It was the place ewes were brought to give birth to the lambs. In this sheltered building and adjoining cave the priests would bring in the ewes which were about to lamb for protection. These special lambs came from the flock of sheep that were purposely chosen and set aside for temple sacrifices.
Because it was a special flock of sheep, the shepherds who kept them were men who were specifically trained for this royal task. They were educated in what an animal, that was to be sacrificed, had to be and it was their job to make sure that none of the animals were hurt, damaged, or blemished. As newborn lambs were born, each one had to be wrapped in “swaddling cloths” to protect them from injury. Thus, when they saw the swaddling cloths in which Jesus was wrapped later on, they would quickly relate this to Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
It is said that since these shepherds were under the careful eye of the Rabbi, they would be required to strictly maintain a ceremonially clean stable for a birthing place for the temple lambs. The Tower of the Flock was used for birthing ewes, and the surround fields were where these shepherds grazed their flocks. These shepherds customarily kept their flocks outdoors twenty-four hours a day every day of the year, but brought the ewes in to deliver their lambs where they could be carefully cared for. It was to this place that Joseph took Mary. It was in this special stable, where only lambs meant for temple sacrifice were born, that many theologians believe that Christ was born!
I believe that there is always more to learn about the plan of God, and I know that nothing that God does is of chance, but all according to a purpose. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a stretch of my faith to believe that there may be a lot of truth in what these scholars say.
Regardless of whether all of this is true or not, we do know that there were shepherds with their flocks on the hillsides of Bethlehem during the long night. It was customary for normal flocks of sheep to be brought into a sheepfold; a place of shelter from their enemies; by night. This would give the shepherds a time of rest also. A shepherd could not rest very much if he had to keep a watch over the flock in the open fields all night long.
As these shepherds watched their flocks, keeping track of every sheep so that none were lost or hurt, the darkness has settled around them and all is quiet in the fields, but that was about to change in way that they could never have imagined!
Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
I can only imagine how these men must have felt when suddenly the night sky was filled with the Light of the Glory of God! Imagine being out in the field, everything dark and quiet, and suddenly a supernatural flood light floods the fields. You look up and there, floating in the sky, only a few feet above your head is an angel, glowing and then speaking to you!
I don’t know about you, but my first thought might not have been, “Oh Look! It’s an angel. How pretty!” No, my first thought might have been, “Feet don’t fail me now! Run!” It’s an alien and I’m about to be abducted! After all, angels are beings from another world and another dimension. It’s no surprise to see that the shepherds became “Sore Afraid”, and when you are sore afraid, you’re flat scared!
Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
The first thing that these shepherds had in their hearts that we all need before we will truly see Jesus is that we have to empty ourselves of the pride of who we are and what we do, and take on a heart of humility. These shepherds were considered among the lowest of the low class in society. They had little or nothing to brag about. But their humility helped them to be in the right place at the right time.
How often have I seen God’s people when there was no real humility and then we wonder why God won’t, or can’t use us! If I’m not going to get recognition for doing the job, then I don’t do it. If I’m not going to get paid, then it’s not worth my time. If I have no position or authority, how can I get the job done? People are all about pride and recognition.
We all joke about the old song where the elderly lady gets upset and leaves the church saying, “The Preacher wouldn’t even shake my hand!” But let me tell you that it’s no laughing matter when we let our own pride get between us and serving the Lord.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
These shepherds didn’t walk around the temple flocks all day and night with their noses stuck up in the air thinking, “Look at me, I’m important. I’m better than anyone else.” They walked with the head bowed and their eyes upon the ground around them, watching for trouble on every hand. They didn’t walk the mountaintops; they stayed in the valley.
I see too many preachers that are trying to make a name for themselves. They don’t see Jesus; all they see is the huge flock that constantly wants more and more pasture to feed in. A bigger auditorium, more parties, more activities, more entertainment, more of everything…and never satisfied or happy with what God gives. If I can’t get a thousand people to follow me, then I’ll never get the approval of man. Gotta have my name in lights. Gotta be given credit as a success in the eyes of the world. If it’s not full of hype and excitement, the flock will move on in search of greener pastures. If the words that is preached gets too close to revealing the sin in the flock, then the flock turns its back and seeks better tasting food.
I see too many people who claim to love the Lord, but their love only goes as far as its convenient and cheap. When the work of the Lord begins to make demands of their time and finances, they shy away and go back to their old uninvolved lifestyle. When the Lord calls for laborers to step forth into the field, they pretend not to hear, and refuse to get involved. But, if I can have a title, and I can draw a salary, I’ll do anything! Just call me anytime!
If we want to see Jesus, then we have to have a heart of humility before God. Only then will we let Jesus arise in our hearts and give him his rightful place in our lives!
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Suddenly, the light shone. Suddenly the angel appeared. Suddenly there was a host of angels singing. It may always seem that God waits until the last moment, then suddenly the answer comes. But remember this, “Our timing is not God’s timing.” The fullness of time had come and the time was now to put God’s plan into action. Just because it caught men by surprise doesn’t mean that this was not the plan of God for thousands of years past. It always seems sudden when you’re unprepared and not watching.
Suddenly, there’s going to be a Rapture of the church. I don’t know about you, but if it came this very instant, it wouldn’t be so sudden to me. I’m watching and waiting for it all the time. Whenever Jesus comes, it will be no surprise to any who are watching and waiting. For us it will seem that it would never come, but for the rest of humanity, it will happen suddenly!
The important thing to remember about all of this is that the shepherds didn’t run and hide; they stood still and listened to the message that was sent to them from the very Throne of God by these holy messengers!
They had a heart that was open to hear; and a heart that hear in the face of fear.”
Are you afraid of what God might ask of you? Are you afraid to allow the supernatural power of God to use you? Are you afraid to what the angels of the Lord might say to you if he suddenly appeared in this service right now?
The key to seeing God is that you will face your fears in faith and listen to the message that God brings to your heart and then move out in belief!
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Their heart of faith became a heart of courage; and that heart of courage became a heart of action. The shepherds determined to get past their position as a lower class in life. They got past the stares and jeers of the crowd. They determined to see Jesus at all costs!
Do you have faith to rise above your circumstances in life? Do you have courage to stand up and be counted for Christ in the midst of a perverse and sinful world? That’s the kind of heart it will take to truly see Jesus!
Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
The left their flocks on the hillside, not concerned that the sheep would no longer be fit for sacrificing in the temple, for the perfect sacrifice was already provided by God. They didn’t delay in making their move to obey God, but stepped out, running into the stable where Jesus lay. This was the very Son of God, lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes – a baby born as a sacrificial lamb, and it was the duty of the shepherds to see this lamb of God for themselves.
Their hearts were filled with a sense of great urgency, lest they miss the blessing of seeing Jesus! That’s the kind of heart we need to. We need a new sense of urgency; a new sense of how quickly Jesus is coming; a renewal of the fire of excitement at his coming! We need a heart of urgency to do the work of the Lord if we are to see Jesus!
Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
The shepherds had a heart to go and tell everyone they met about their experiences that night. Not everyone would believe their report; in fact, considering their influence in the land, it is doubtful that many would believe. Most would probably think of them as delusional, or drunk, or hallucinating! God certainly wouldn’t appear to these low class shepherds and not appear to the priests and the elite. That’s the way that men think!
We need that heart that is ready to tell others about Jesus! The very heart of God is evangelism. Jesus came that all men could be saved, so we know it is God’s perfect will for us to go out and tell the world about him and what he has done for us.
Only when we have the heart of evangelism can we truly know the heart of God and see Jesus for who he is!
Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
The final point for us today is that the shepherds had a heart filled with praise and giving glory to God for everything.
Paul tells us that we should give thanks for everything in our lives, recognizing that God can use both the good and bad to bring us blessings in the end. Everything will work our for our good if we serve the Lord. That’s God’s promise to his children.
If we want to truly see Jesus, we need that heart of praise and worship; a heart that is always ready to give God the glory for all that he does for us.
Finally, let’s back up one verse to Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
We aren’t going to say much about Mary today because she is the next person we will speak about in this series of messages. Let us just say that one thing Mary had was a heart that was always meditating upon what God was doing. She was willing to just sit quietly, watch all that God was doing, give God praise for it all, and just be the mother of God’s only Son.
We will look at the heart of Mary next time. There is much in her heart that we must have if we are to see Jesus!
What do we need to see Jesus? We need the heart of the Shepherds!
A heart filled with humility
A heart that is obedient even in the face of fear
A heart of courage and action
A heart of urgency to do the will of God
A heart of Evangelism
A heart filled with praise and giving glory to God
