The account of the shepherds' response to the birth of Jesus is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This narrative highlights the humble beginnings of the Messiah and the divine revelation to ordinary people, emphasizing themes of joy, obedience, and evangelism.

Biblical Account

The account of the shepherds is found in Luke 2:8-20. The passage begins with shepherds tending their flocks by night in the fields near Bethlehem. These shepherds, likely considered lowly and marginalized in society, were chosen by God to receive the first announcement of the Savior's birth. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, causing them great fear. The angel reassured them, saying:

"Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:10-12)

Following this announcement, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14).

Immediate Response

The shepherds' immediate response was one of action and obedience. After the angels departed, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:15). They hurried off and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, who was lying in the manger, just as the angel had described.

Proclamation and Praise

Upon witnessing the newborn Messiah, the shepherds shared the message they had received about the child. Luke 2:17-18 states, "After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." The shepherds became the first evangelists of the Gospel, spreading the good news of Jesus' birth to those around them.

Their response did not end with proclamation; it also included worship and praise. Luke 2:20 records, "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them." Their encounter with the divine led to a transformation that resulted in worship and a deepened faith.

Theological Significance

The response of the shepherds is rich with theological implications. It underscores God's choice to reveal His plan of salvation to the humble and lowly, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God often chooses the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes. The shepherds' experience reflects the inclusivity of the Gospel message, which is "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10).

Furthermore, the shepherds' actions exemplify a model of faith and obedience. Their willingness to seek out the Christ child and their subsequent proclamation of the message they received serve as an example for believers to follow. The shepherds' account encourages Christians to respond to God's revelation with immediate action, to share the Gospel with others, and to live lives marked by worship and praise.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, shepherds were often viewed as social outcasts, occupying a low rung on the societal ladder. Their work required them to live outside the city, often in isolation, and their testimony was not always considered credible in legal settings. Despite this, God chose them as the first witnesses to the birth of His Son, highlighting the reversal of worldly status and the elevation of the humble in God's kingdom.

The shepherds' response to the angelic announcement and their subsequent actions serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of encountering the divine. Their account continues to inspire believers to embrace the message of Christ with joy, to share it boldly, and to live lives of worship and praise.