Untitled Sermon (2)

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Shepherd

Shepherd. The task of the shepherd was to care for the flock, to find grass and water, to protect it from wild animals (Am 3:12), to look for and restore those that strayed (Ez 34:8; Mt 18:12), to lead the flock out each day going before it and to return the flock at the close of the day to the fold (Jn 10:2–4). At times the shepherd led the flock far from home and sheltered the animals by night in a cave or sheepfold built of fieldstones; he would lie across the entrance. The shepherd was responsible to the owner for every sheep and was required to make restitution for losses (Gn 31:39; Ex 22:10–13). Shepherds and their flocks enjoyed a close relationship (2 Sm 12:3; Jn 10:3, 4) giving them constant care (Ez 34:4, 5; Mt 9:36; 26:31).

A sheepfold near Herodium, south of Bethlehem.

The figure of the shepherd and his sheep is important in the NT. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep (Mt 18:10–14; Mk 6:34; Jn 10; Heb 13:20). The analogy of the shepherd and the flock finds rich expression in Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34, and John 10. God was the Shepherd of Israel (Gn 49:24; Pss 23:1; 80:1; Is 40:11). When unfaithful shepherds failed Israel, God intervened and appointed his servant David as a faithful shepherd over them (Ez 34:11–16, 23, 24).

English Standard Version Chapter 2

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14  “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Now as we can imagine the Shepherds were rightfully in fear, middle of the night, and all of a sudden the Glory of The Lord shone among them, and says FEAR not, hmmm, to late I am scared, just trying to take care of me flock....

What must they have been thinking, WHY them, why would they be picked to be told this message? The Saviour of the world has been born this day??

and even told that the sign they would see would be a baby lying in a manager....

and then the multitude of Angels singing GLORY to go in the highest.

And then like that their gone, darkness is back. Talking to one another like, did that really just happen?

Now here they are faced with a couple of choices, they can continue on doing their job, tending to the flock, or go and see if indeed there is a baby in the manager.

They come to Bethlehem, and looked for a manager, and surely as the LORD said there is a baby in the manger.. Mary is already overwhelmed that she has brought the saviour of the world by birth, and now these strange shepherds relate the story of the experience in the field.

What can we take away from this story? When we are told to do something from God, we should drop everything and go. Maybe the glory of the Lord and Angels appearing wont necessarily happen, but those who are christians are indwelt with the Holy spirit

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 1:13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.