First Visitors

After the Blackbirds Sings commented a few posts back that “shepherds are awesome.” I agree.

On the social ladder of the 1st century the shepherds were on the lower rungs. It used to be held that they were on the lowest: a despised, unclean class. This idea, however, comes from later Judaism and not from the Bible. While shepherds were considered peasants and often hired themselves out, their work was valued in Israel in Jesus’ day. For example, they had to supply some 30,000 sheep for Passover week alone.

In Luke 2 we have some mighty names of Roman rulers mentioned in the opening verses. No angels show up with glad tidings for them. Luke moves from the high and mighty to the lowly. The angel appears to “certain poor shepherds” with the stunning announcement of “good news.” Can you imagine being one of the those shepherds and hearing, “For to you is born today a Savior who is the Christ, the LORD”? To us? To us–the lowly, the peasant, the poor?

From the beginning Luke wants us to get in touch with Jesus’ “upside down kingdom.”  The lowly will be exalted; the mighty brought low (see Mary’s words in Luke 1:52). The first will be last and the last will be first.

Shepherds.

First to the manger to see a newborn baby wrapped in strips of cloth. First to tell Mary and Joseph what they had seen and heard. First to spread the word about the Savior, the Christ, the Lord.

Trickle up redemption.

Who are the people of influence in this Story? Caesar Augustus? No. Quirinius? Nada. Rulers who can move the world for taxation? Nope. A peasant Jewish girl, a bewildered carpenter, a baby and a smattering of shepherds all excited about some “good news” for a change. What a Story!

“Glory to God in the highest!”

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