The Testimony of the Shepherds

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:15-20).

The birth of Christ was announced to some shepherds who were dutifully guarding their sheep late at night. Theirs was a humble, lonely, and dangerous occupation. Though the products of their flocks, wool and meat, were highly valued, the profession and lifestyle of the shepherds were held in low esteem. How ironic and wonderful that the Baby that would interrupt the worlds of kings and wise men should be announced by angels to such commoners as these shepherds. Three encouraging truths for growing disciples are revealed in the testimony of the shepherds.

The most obvious evidences of growing faith are an increasing knowledge of Christ… “This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3), and a growing burden to make Him known… “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). If you want to know Christ better and become a more effective witness, I pray you’ll be as blessed by the testimony of the shepherds as I have been.

The shepherds desired Jesus. The wonderful proclamation of the angles had left something fresh and new in their hearts. They could have returned to their work but something deep inside compelled them to… “Go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened”. They had heard the good news and were compelled to seek confirmation of that... “Which the Lord has made known to us”. There is clear evidence of God’s grace at work in the shepherds’ hearts here. The men who were preoccupied with the lonely, lowly work of guarding sheep were now consumed by a compelling desire to seek Jesus. That’s what God’s grace does to the hungry heart. At the hearing of His Word, God’s grace rearranges our priorities, sets us free from all hindrances, and draws us to Christ… “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). Hungry disciples trust and respond to God’s grace as we diligently devour His Word in hopes of seeing more of Jesus Christ.

The shepherds discovered Jesus. They immediately obeyed the command of the angels and the compulsion of their hearts and they headed directly for Bethlehem. They had a clear vision of what to look for and were not distracted. Their haste to find the Christ child was rewarded as they… “Found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger”. There is encouragement here to respond to the truth God reveals in His word and ignites in our hearts with all diligence. The Holy Spirit inspired the Prophet Jeremiah to exhort us with the truth that God is revealed to those who seek Him wholeheartedly… “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Maturing disciples seek God’s truth wholeheartedly and testify that we have found Jesus Christ.

The shepherds declared Jesus. The message of the angels was confirmed right before their eyes. Their hearts could not contain the excitement and joy that seeing the Christ child ignited within them. Their mouths burst open and their lips proclaimed… “The saying that had been told them concerning this child”. There is inspiration here to share the testimony of our search for and discovery of Jesus with others. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would compel and empower His followers to tell others about their growing relationship and fellowship with Him… “And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:27). Genuine disciples have such an amazing, fulfilling walk with our Savior and Lord that we are compelled to tell the whole world about Jesus Christ.

As we grow up into Christ we are encouraged to know Him and to make Him known by…

The Testimony of the Shepherds.