275. Matthew 1, Luke 2

A Shepherd of Shepherds.   

Luke 2:9-11 "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.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

I always imagined this being many angels brining this news.  It was one angel, the angel of the Lord. 

A shepherd would guard a flock of sheep and protect them from being devoured by other animals.  Sheep are wayward animals, and I imagine them as being frightened easily, as a young lamb.  In this instance, the shepherds become greatly afraid, almost as if they are now the sheep needing comfort.

It is said that the shepherds were the lowliest in society.  Why would God send an angel to bring this message to the shepherds?  

I think it was because the chief Shepherd was born that night.  (1 Peter 5:4 "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.")  

I think God in His word is preparing us for the life of Jesus.  How even though He was a shepherd, He would become like His sheep, to become the spotless one of them, and be offered as the perfect sacrifice on their behalf, as the perfect Lamb of God.

Soon.....Jesus is coming back...as the chief Shepherd.

(Philippians 2:6-11:  "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.")

I think He also came to these shepherds because of Luke 2:10 "...which shall be to all people." From the very day of His birth, Jesus was pronounced as "Savior" Luke 1:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  All men who believe in the name of Jesus can be saved, from the greatest in power to the lowliest in society.