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, keeping watch over their flocks by night" (Luke 2:8). These shepherds were likely tending to sheep intended for temple sacrifices, a common practice near Bethlehem.

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, 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" (Luke 2:10-11). The angel provided a sign: "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). After the angels departed, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see the event that had been made known to them.

Upon arriving, 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 (Luke 2:17-18). Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19). The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told (Luke 2:20).

Theological Significance

The visit of the shepherds is rich in theological meaning. Shepherds, often regarded as lowly and marginalized in society, were chosen by God to be the first witnesses to the birth of the Messiah. This choice reflects the biblical theme of God exalting the humble and reaching out to the marginalized. The shepherds' response to the angelic message exemplifies faith and obedience, as they immediately sought out the Savior.

The angelic announcement to the shepherds emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel: "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). The birth of Jesus is presented as a pivotal event in salvation history, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the first-century Jewish context, shepherds were often viewed with suspicion and were considered ceremonially unclean due to their work. Despite this, shepherding was a respected profession in Israel's history, with notable figures such as Abraham, Moses, and David having been shepherds. The imagery of God as a shepherd is also prevalent in the Old Testament, notably in Psalm 23.

The setting of the shepherds' fields near Bethlehem is significant, as Bethlehem is the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). The shepherds' presence in the nativity account connects Jesus to the Davidic lineage, as David himself was a shepherd from Bethlehem.

Symbolism and Imagery

The shepherds' visit is laden with symbolism. The manger, a feeding trough, signifies humility and foreshadows Jesus as the Bread of Life. The angelic proclamation of peace echoes the messianic hope for peace and reconciliation between God and humanity.

The shepherds' role as the first evangelists, spreading the news of Jesus' birth, prefigures the Great Commission, where followers of Christ are called to share the gospel with all nations. Their encounter with the divine and subsequent worship of God models the appropriate response to the revelation of Jesus Christ.

In summary, the shepherds' visit to Jesus is a profound narrative that encapsulates themes of humility, divine revelation, and the inclusive nature of the gospel message.