Session 5: Christmas According to the Gospel of the Shepherds
Guiding Verse:
"When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed at the things which were told them by the shepherds."
— Luke 2:17-18 (NASB)
Main Idea:
The story of the shepherds reveals God’s heart for humility and inclusivity. Despite their lowly status, they were the first to hear of Christ’s birth and to see the Savior. Their experience reminds us that the Good News of Christmas is for all people, regardless of status, background, or circumstances.
Opening Question
- Why do you think God chose shepherds to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth?
- God’s choice to reveal the birth of Jesus to shepherds is profoundly significant. Shepherds, at the time, were considered among the lowest in social and religious standing. They were often viewed as unclean due to their constant contact with animals, and they were frequently marginalized. Yet, God chose them to be the first witnesses of the Savior's birth, sending a powerful message about the nature of His kingdom.
In choosing shepherds, God highlights the themes of humility, accessibility, and grace. Jesus, the King of Kings, was not born in a palace but in a humble stable, and the first to hear about His birth were not the rich, powerful, or religious elites, but the poor, overlooked, and simple. This speaks to the heart of the gospel—that salvation is not for the privileged few but for all, regardless of their social status, worth in the eyes of the world, or past.
By revealing the Messiah to shepherds, God shows that His love transcends all barriers. It’s not based on external appearances, societal value, or human achievements. God’s invitation to know Christ is open to everyone, especially the lowly and the outcast. This act of choosing the shepherds is a profound reflection of God’s grace, offering hope to all people—no matter their background or circumstances—and emphasizing that His plan of redemption is inclusive, reaching even the most unlikely.
Furthermore, the shepherds’ role as caregivers and protectors of the flock parallels Christ’s role as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep. In God’s eyes, the humble, those who serve faithfully in obscurity, have a special place in His kingdom. The shepherds' obedience in spreading the good news after seeing Jesus exemplifies how all of us, regardless of our position in society, are called to share the message of Christ’s birth and salvation with the world.
Ultimately, the shepherds’ story reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways, choosing those whom the world may overlook to carry out His most important purposes.
- What does their story teach us about God’s priorities?
- The story of the shepherds teaches us that God’s priorities are radically different from the world’s. While the world often elevates the powerful, wealthy, and influential, God chooses to reveal His greatest news to the humble and overlooked. He values humility, sincerity, and a willingness to respond to His call. By choosing the shepherds, God shows that His love and salvation are for everyone, not just the elite or those who seem “worthy” by worldly standards. His priority is to reach the lost, the humble, and the ones society tends to forget, reminding us that no one is beyond His care or purpose.
- Christmas Is for Everyone
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-12 (NASB)
"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people: for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"
- Key Point: Shepherds were considered lowly and insignificant in society, yet they were chosen to receive the most important message in history.
- Application: God’s Good News is not reserved for the wealthy, educated, or religious elite. It is for everyone, from the shepherds in the fields to the rulers in palaces.
- Discussion Question: How does the shepherds' story encourage you when you feel insignificant or overlooked?
- The shepherds' story is a powerful reminder that God sees and values every person, no matter how the world might view them. Despite their low social status and simple lives, the shepherds were the first to hear the most significant announcement in history. This shows that God's love and purpose are not determined by our status, achievements, or the opinions of others.
When you feel insignificant or overlooked, the shepherds' story encourages us to trust that God sees you and has a plan for your life, just as He did for them. It reminds us that God often chooses the humble and unlikely to accomplish His greatest work. If He entrusted the Good News of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, He can also use you to share His message and fulfill His purposes, even when you feel unworthy or unseen.
- The Shepherds and the Lamb of God
Scripture Reading: John 1:29 (NASB)
"The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming to him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'"
- Key Point: Shepherds were responsible for caring for lambs, often destined for sacrifice. That night, they were invited to witness the birth of Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world.
- Application: The birth of Jesus connects to His ultimate purpose: to be the sacrificial Lamb who brings salvation. Reflecting on this reminds us that Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger but about the Savior (Salvation) of the world.
- Matt 1:21 (NASB) She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for [a]He will save His people from their sins.”
- “Name” in Greek is “on`-om-ah” and means “authority or character”
- “Name” in Aramaic is “shem” and means “reputation or character”
- His name is Jesus (Matt 1:21) or Yeshua
Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is a Hebrew name that means "to deliver" or "to rescue". It comes from the Semitic root y-š-ʕ (ישע).
Yeshua is the Hebrew name of Jesus. In the New Testament, the name Yeshua is translated to the Greek name "Iēsous," which is where the name Jesus comes from.
Yeshua is a late form of the Hebrew name Yehoshua (Joshua). It was a common name during the first century. The name Yeshua appears in the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and in biblical books written in the post-Exilic period, such as Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles.
The name Yeshua reflects Jesus' mission to save humanity from sin and deliver them into eternal life. It represents Jesus' Hebrew identity and connects believers with what he came to do on earth and in heaven.
- Fun Facts about the Name Yeshua
- Yod – Shin – Vav – Ayin
- Yod – Means “Hand”
- Pictograph is a hand reaching to heaven
- Gematria is 20 – which corresponds to “vision”
- Shin – Means Divine power
- Pictograph is one of two, Teeth or Fire
- Gematria – is “300” – 100 is perfect and this is “three” 100’s, each line is 100 – line one is thought, line two is speech, and line three is action
- Vav – Means “connection” (like a bridge) Specific to “Transforms the past into future and the future into past”
- Pictograph is a “hook”
- Gematria – is 6. 6 represents “connection” known to be Heaven to earth and earth to Heaven
- Ayin – Means “eye” or “sight”
- Pictograph is “two eyes” known to mean God see’s both sides of all situations
- Ayin is also a “silent” letter – know to represent humility
- Gematria – is 70 which represents total emotional control
- Putting all of this together
- You have “The Hand (yod) from Heaven that is perfect (Shin) in thought, speech and action, that provides your connection (vav) from heaven to earth and earth to heaven, and has complete non motional control over all situations (ayin) with total humility – YESHUA – Jesus
- Total gematria of “Yeshua (yod, shin, vav, ayin) in Hebrew is “888” which is known to represent; “perfection, eternity, victory over evil”
- Phil 2:10 - so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
- Phil 2:9 - For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
- “Jesus” appears 172 times in the book of Matthew and 1310 times in the New Testament (NIV)
- Discussion Question: How does thinking of Jesus as the Lamb of God impact your celebration of Christmas?
- Thinking of Jesus as the Lamb of God deepens the meaning of Christmas, transforming it from just a celebration of His birth to a reminder of His purpose. Jesus came not only as a child but as the Savior who would lay down His life for our sins. This understanding brings a sense of reverence and gratitude, helping me celebrate not just His arrival, but the sacrifice He would one day make for the world. It turns Christmas into a celebration of both His love and His ultimate mission.
- The Shepherds’ Purity of Heart
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:8 (NASB)
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
- Key Point: The shepherds, despite their humble status, were quick to believe and act on the angel’s message. Their sincere and open hearts allowed them to see and share the Good News of Christ’s birth.
- Application: Like the shepherds, we are called to approach God with humility and sincerity, ready to respond to His call and share His message.
- Discussion Question: In what ways can you cultivate a heart like the shepherds, one that is pure and ready to follow God?
- To cultivate a heart like the shepherds, we can focus on humility, openness, and readiness to respond to God's call. The shepherds were willing to listen, believe, and act on the angel's message without hesitation. We can do the same by prioritizing time with God, being attentive to His voice, and remaining open to His guidance, even when it disrupts our plans. Practicing obedience, simplicity, and sincerity in our daily lives helps us maintain a heart that is pure and ready to follow wherever God leads.
- Sharing the Good News Like the Shepherds
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:17-18 (NASB)
"When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed at the things which were told them by the shepherds."
- Key Point: The shepherds didn’t keep their experience to themselves. They became the first evangelists, sharing the Good News of Jesus’ birth with joy and authenticity.
- Application: We don’t need theological training or special qualifications to share the message of Jesus. Like the shepherds, we simply need to tell others what we’ve seen and experienced of God’s goodness.
- Discussion Question: What can you do this Christmas season to share the Good News with those around you?
- This Christmas season, I can share the Good News by being intentional in my conversations, showing kindness to others, and looking for opportunities to invite people to church or share about Jesus' love. Whether through acts of service, giving, or simply listening to someone who needs encouragement, I can reflect the hope of Christ. Sharing the Good News doesn't always require big gestures—it can be in the small, everyday ways we show God's love to those around us.
Closing Reflection
The shepherds’ story reminds us that God values humility, faith, and a willingness to respond to His call. Their inclusion in the Christmas story shows that the Good News is for everyone, and their example challenges us to share the joy of Christ with the world.
Challenge for the Week:
Take time this week to reflect on the shepherds’ story. How can you follow their example by spreading the message of hope and joy found in Jesus’ birth?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the Good News of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, showing us that Your love is for all people. Help us to approach You with humility and sincerity, and give us the courage to share the message of Christ’s birth with those around us. May we carry the joy and wonder of the shepherds into our lives, spreading Your light to a world in need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
