God’s Heart for the OUtcast
The Christmas story is filled with familiar characters and scenes that we've heard countless times. But sometimes our familiarity with the narrative causes us to miss the profound truths hidden within. The story of the shepherds receiving the first announcement of Jesus' birth reveals something powerful about God's heart for those society considers outcasts.
Who Were the Shepherds in Jesus' Time?
In first-century Palestine, shepherds occupied the lowest rung of society's ladder. They were considered uneducated, unclean, and unworthy. The religious leaders of the day - the Pharisees - deemed shepherds so impure that they weren't even allowed to enter the temple for worship. These men lived rough lives, sleeping outdoors with their flocks to protect them from predators. They were constantly dirty, smelly, and in contact with animals. Society viewed them as outcasts - people to be avoided rather than embraced.
Why Did God Choose Shepherds First?
God's Heart for the Rejected
When the angel appeared to announce Jesus' birth, God deliberately chose these rejected shepherds to be the first recipients of the good news. This wasn't an accident or oversight - it was intentional. God wanted to demonstrate that His love extends to everyone, especially those whom society has written off.
The angel's message was clear: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10). Notice the phrase "all people" - this salvation wasn't just for the religious elite or the socially acceptable. It was for everyone.
A Warning Against Modern Pharisaism
We must be careful not to fall into the same trap as the Pharisees. Today, we often treat certain groups as "unclean" or unworthy of God's love. Whether it's based on political views, lifestyle choices, or past mistakes, we can become guilty of the same exclusionary attitudes that kept shepherds from the temple. The truth is, you will never look into the eyes of someone that God hates. Every person - regardless of their background, choices, or circumstances - needs someone to show them the love of God.
What Was the Sign Given to the Shepherds?
The Significance of the Manger
The angel gave the shepherds a specific sign to identify the Savior: "You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). This wasn't just a random detail - it was purposeful. Jesus being born in a manger served as the identifying sign for these lowly shepherds. God chose humble circumstances so that the humble could recognize Him.
The Meaning of Swaddling Cloths
The swaddling cloths mentioned in Scripture weren't soft baby blankets. They were strips of cloth used for bandaging wounds - likely used bandages that had been repurposed. Even as a baby, Jesus was wrapped in symbols of suffering and death, foreshadowing His ultimate purpose: to be wounded for our transgressions.
How Did the Shepherds Respond?
They Acted in Faith
The shepherds didn't just hear the message and go back to their routine. The Bible says they came "with haste" to Bethlehem. They ran as fast as they could to see if what the angels had told them was true. When they found Jesus exactly as described, their faith was confirmed. They had encountered the Christ, the Lord, the Savior of the world.
They Became Witnesses
The shepherds didn't keep this incredible news to themselves. Scripture tells us "they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child" (Luke 2:17). Everywhere they went, they told everyone they met about finding Christ the Lord. These outcasts became the first evangelists, the first witnesses of the gospel. They praised and glorified God for what they had seen and heard.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
God Reaches the Rejected
God often reaches out to those whom the world has rejected. One of Jesus' last acts on earth was saving a criminal being executed beside Him. Throughout His ministry, Jesus ate with tax collectors, healed lepers, and showed compassion to prostitutes. If you feel like an outcast, if you think you're too far gone or too messed up for God to love you, remember the shepherds. You couldn't be any worse than they were in society's eyes, yet God chose them first.
Peace Through Christ
The angels proclaimed "peace on earth, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14). This peace isn't just the absence of conflict - it's the peace that comes from being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one who can bring true peace between you and God. He's the only one who makes goodwill toward others possible. Through Him, we can experience the peace that passes all understanding.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to see people through God's eyes rather than society's labels. Just as God chose the rejected shepherds to be His first witnesses, He wants to use you to reach those whom others might overlook or dismiss.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:
• Are there people in your life whom you've written off as "too far gone" for God's love?
• How can you show the same acceptance to others that God has shown to you?
• When was the last time you shared the good news of Jesus with someone, especially someone society might consider an outcast?
• Are you living with the same urgency and joy as the shepherds who ran to find Jesus?
Remember, the same Jesus who was announced to lowly shepherds wants to bring peace to your heart and use you as His witness to others. Don't let fear or prejudice keep you from experiencing His love or sharing it with those who need it most.