Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

This morning we continue to look at the stories of Christmas contained in the Christmas narrative.

So far we’ve looked at (1) The Story of Anticipation (There was great anticipation for the birth of the Messiah) (2) The Story of Zechariah and Elizabeth (The Story of God’s Faithfulness) and today the Story of the Shepherds (Participating in announcing God’s plan of Salvation)

Lessons we can learn from the shepherds …

Why would God announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds?

Why not the priests or government leaders?

Or possibly the well dressed worshippers around the temple?

Quite possibly because He was trying to give us a glimpse into the nature of Jesus’ ministry as the Good Shepherd.

Jesus would come, not to the proud and powerful, but to the outcasts, the humble, those considered “last” on the social lists.

I believe the main reason God chose shepherds was to show us that He intentionally seeks out and uses those that people consistently overlook and even look down upon.

1 cor 1

Shepherding in the Bible

Great Biblical leaders in Israel’s history had a connection with shepherding.

(Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and David) Jesus would be a shepherd in the line of great shepherds.

Shepherding was thought of as an important and worthy profession.

Shepherds worked hard.

The sheep needed constant attention and care.

Shepherds were committed to their sheep.

exodus

While David’s brothers were striving to be Israel’s next King, David just kept tending and doing the job God gave him.

Shepherding changed from a family business in David’s time to a despised occupation.

Shepherds were borderline social outcasts.

Many shepherds were accused of robbery and using land they had no rights to.

It was a lonely occupation, especially at night.

(Had to keep watch for wandering sheep and prowling predators) Shepherds were considered unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in the court of law.

They were thought of as dirty and unclean, not to mention they probably didn’t look good or smell good.

They were also considered religiously unclean.

Due to there profession they couldn’t participate in the Jewish cleansing rituals and thus couldn’t participate in public worship.

They were considered unclean.

I’m sure when they did try to show there face at the temple, they got “The looks” from others.

Lessons we can learn from the shepherds …

Shepherding changed from a family business in David’s time to a despised occupation.

Lesson # 1: Stay Faithful in What God has Given You to Do

Bethlehem's shepherds were known to care for the temple flock.

These men may have been protecting and caring for the sacrificial lambs.

“keeping watch … by night” - a time of peace and quiet for the shepherds and the sheep.

God chose the stillness of the night to send His message to the shepherds.

A time when He would have their full and undivided attention.

Application - It is often in those times of quiet and stillness that the Lord will come to us.

Question: Are you allowing time for the Lord to speak to you? (Personal devotions, early in the morning / evening, times of worship / altar)

What did God speak to today?

What has He been showing you lately?

Like the shepherds, when the time comes, He’ll come and get you!

Lesson # 2: Never Lose Your Awe and Wonder for God’s Presence

“Do not be afraid” - (Greek) To put to flight by terrifying; (to scare away)

What great words of comfort!

Nearly 100 times in the Bible we find the words "Fear not" or "Be not afraid".

This is different than “The fear of the Lord” (“respect, reverence, piety”) which states is the beginning of knowledge.

This is different than “The fear of the Lord” (“respect, reverence, piety”) which states is the beginning of knowledge.

This is different than “The fear of the Lord” (“respect, reverence, piety”) which states is the beginning of knowledge.

We tend to have more respect for buildings, rooms, furniture and programs than we do for God’s presence.

(Don’t have to go to church, rather, we get to BE the church)

The reason many Jewish men wear yarmulkes is to remind themselves to be humbly in awe of God’s presence all around them.

“I bring you good news” (Gr: evangelizo) to preach the good news

Lesson # 3: Quickly Respond to the Lord’s Leading

We don’t know how many shepherds were there that faithful night or how many actually responded.

What I find amazing is that the shepherds did not ask for a sign (as had ), but they received one.

luke 2.

The angel apparently expected the shepherds to immediately go looking for this child, so he told them what to look for.

The baby would be wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

Not only would this sign help the shepherds find the right baby, it would also attest to the truth of the angel’s words to the last detail.

While there might be other newborn babies in Bethlehem wrapped in strips of cloth, there would be only one “lying in a manger.”

When we respond in faith, God proves Himself faithful!

A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling “darkness” on the walls of his cell.

C. S. Lewis

Lesson #3: Quickly respond to the Lord’s leading and He’ll take care of the rest!

Lesson # 4: Be Sure to Spread the Word

luke 2.

“Good tidings” or “good news” became another way of describing the gospel message.

Luke used this phrase throughout the book of Acts ...

And this continued on through Paul’s ministry …

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The Gospel message is better lived than preached

“Your life as a Christian should make non believers question their disbelief in God.”

Lesson # 5: Take Time to Reflect on What God is Revealing to You

Lesson # 5: Don’t Forget to Give Glory to God

The term “praising” was a favorite of Luke and is found 8x’s in the NT (6x’s in Luke-Acts)

Praising God and giving recognition to Him will always result in God’s further blessing!

Conclusion

Can you relate to the shepherds?

Feeling overlooked or that you’re not worthy of God’s love.

Let me remind you that the shepherds lives were changed that night and your life can be changed to as well if you respond in the same way!

The greatest event in history had just occurred!

The Messiah had been born!

For ages the Jews had waited for this, and when it finally happened, the announcement came to humble shepherds.

The good news about Jesus is that he comes to all types of people, including the plain, the ordinary, and the outcasts of society.

He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept him.

Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life.

Don’t think that you need extraordinary qualifications—Jesus accepts you as you are.

Let me remind you of what the Angels announced …

Receive the “Good News” today!