The account of the shepherds visiting Jesus is a significant event in the nativity narrative, found in the Gospel of Luke. This event highlights the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and underscores the theme of God's revelation to the lowly and humble.

Biblical Account

The account is recorded in Luke 2:8-20. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the narrative begins with shepherds who were "living out in the fields and keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Luke 2:8). These shepherds were likely tending to sheep intended for temple sacrifices, a task that required vigilance and dedication.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and "the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified" (Luke 2:9). The angel reassured them with the words, "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" (Luke 2:10-11). This announcement is significant as it identifies Jesus as the Savior and the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

The angel provided a sign to the shepherds: "You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). Suddenly, 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).

Response of the Shepherds

The shepherds responded with urgency and faith. They 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). Their immediate decision to go to Bethlehem demonstrates their eagerness to witness the fulfillment of the angelic message.

Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger, just as the angel had described. The shepherds shared the message they had received about the child, and "all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them" (Luke 2:18). This indicates that the shepherds became the first evangelists, spreading the good news of Jesus' birth.

Significance and Symbolism

The visit of the shepherds is rich in symbolism and theological significance. Shepherds, often regarded as lowly and unimportant in society, were chosen by God to be the first witnesses of the Messiah's birth. This choice reflects God's preference for the humble and the meek, as seen throughout Scripture.

The shepherds' experience also emphasizes the theme of divine revelation. God chose to reveal the birth of His Son not to the powerful or the elite, but to ordinary shepherds, highlighting the accessibility of the Gospel message to all people, regardless of status.

Furthermore, the shepherds' role as caretakers of sacrificial lambs foreshadows Jesus' future role as the Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Their presence at the nativity scene serves as a reminder of Jesus' mission and the sacrificial nature of His life and ministry.

Mary's Reflection

Mary's response to the shepherds' visit is also noteworthy. Luke 2:19 states, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." This indicates her deep contemplation and understanding of the events surrounding her son's birth, as well as her role in God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The shepherds' visit to Jesus is a profound moment in the nativity account, illustrating themes of humility, divine revelation, and the universal nature of the Gospel. Through this event, the shepherds become heralds of the good news, and their encounter with the Christ child marks the beginning of the proclamation of salvation to all people.