Sermon Central
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Why These Particular Shepherds?
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 29, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: The night our Savior was born in Bethlehem there were many other shepherds watching over flocks in the Judean hill country. This outline submits some thoughts as to why these particular shepherds were so highly honored.
WHY THESE PARTICULAR SHEPHERDS?
Now there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.” Luke 2:8-9.
There were many shepherds throughout Judea that night who were watching their flocks, then why such great blessings befall these particular shepherds? Let us consider some possible reasons.
I. THEIR PROXIMITY TO THE CHRIST-CHILD.
“Now there were in the same country…”
Good things come to those who are close to Christ. "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." James 4:8.
II. THEIR FAITHFULNESS TO BEING IN THEIR PROPER PLACE.
“abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
Good things come to those are faithful in standing in their place of service. “And every man stood in his place all around the camp, and the whole army ran and cried out and fled.” Judges 7:21.
III. THEY EXHIBITED GREAT REVERENCE (FEAR).
“and they were greatly afraid.”
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Psalm 111:10.
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 14:27.
IV. THEY WERE OBEDIENT TO THEIR DIVINE CALLING.
“the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” Luke 2:15b-16.
V. THEY SHARED WITH OTHERS THE WONDERFUL NEWS.
“Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Luke 2:17-18.
They proclaimed the message spoken by the angels in v. 11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
VI. THEY RETURNED TO THEIR FLOCKS PRAISING GOD.
“Then the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” Luke 2:20.
Faithful to their responsibility as shepherds, they returned to their rather menial tasks...but now praising God for the gift of the Christ Child.!
