Title: Our Good Shepherd (Luke 02:11)
What is the reason why the good news of the birth of Christ was delivered to the shepherds rather than to the doctors, priests, or the powerful governor of Judea?
First, because Jesus Christ is our shepherd. From Christmas to today, we testify that Jesus Christ came to this earth as a shepherd. Jesus of Nazareth is our Good Shepherd. John 10:11 says, "I am the good shepherd, I lay down my life for the good shepherd's sheep."
When the news of the birth of Jesus was delivered, the shepherds were guarding the sheep in a crevice even though it was nighttime. The shepherd never leaves the sheep no matter what. In this way, Jesus Christ, who has truly come as our true Shepherd, does not leave us and protects us.
In addition, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, took up the cross without any sin or blemish to save us from sin, unrighteous and ugly, cursed and torn by the devil.
The second reason that Jesus' advent was communicated to the shepherds is to convey the message that Jesus will lead us as a shepherd leads the sheep from then on forever. John 10:2-4 says, “He that enters in the door is the shepherd of the sheep, and the gatekeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out . Afterward, if you go ahead, the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.]
Here, Jesus did not say that he would call the whole flock and lead them. He said that he would lead each sheep by name. The Lord remembers each of our names, calls them, and guides us according to our circumstances.
The third and final reason was to indicate that the shepherd was tending the sheep. Psalm 23:1 and 2 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters.”
It is of no use for a shepherd to be with the sheep or to lead them. There must be a purpose to shepherd the sheep. It is [that they may have life, and have it more abundantly]. This is the reason why the message of Christmas was first delivered to the shepherds.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please protect us so that we can entrust our lives to the shepherd, Jesus Christ, and receive the form of grace and live a beautiful life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
General Prayer: The Lord's Prayer for Frontline Soldiers