Shepherds were ordinary, overlooked people chosen to carry the extraordinary news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8–12). For 4,000 years they watched over lambs used for sacrifice, and they were the first to witness the Lamb of God, the final sacrifice for sin. The message was clear: the power of the gospel is not in the messenger – it is in the message. God often uses the weak, the unknown, and the unexpected to reveal His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). Just as fear tried to stop the shepherds, fear can try to stop us. But God says again and again, “Do not be afraid… I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). The shepherds responded in faith. They went to see, they personally encountered Jesus, and they told everyone what they had experienced. We, too, are called to move from hearing about Jesus, to encountering Him, to sharing the good news that has changed us. We don’t need perfection or credentials. We just need to open our mouths about what God has done.Reflect & Respond
- Where is fear trying to silence the good news God has placed in you? What promise of God can you speak back to that fear?
- How are you actively pursuing personal encounters with Jesus, not just information about Him?
- Who in your life needs to hear the good news you’ve experienced this week?