Reflecting on the shepherds in the nativity story increases my wonder of God. From all the possible people to choose to be the first to hear of the birth of Jesus, God chose shepherds.
After the magnificent sight of the angelic host, these unassuming individuals went with haste to locate the babe in the manger. I wonder how the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the bustling city of Bethlehem. Perhaps they followed the sounds of a crying baby? Nevertheless, they arrived first, welcomed Jesus to the world, and proclaimed marvelous news told by the angel about the child. Leaving the manger, the shepherds glorified and praised God. I feel curious about how the lives of these shepherds changed at that moment upon meeting Jesus?
About 30 years later, the child from the manger, grown, declared to the world: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11). Jesus brought His connection with the shepherds full circle. He announced His loving purpose to make a way for eternal life for all humanity through His sacrifice.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He reveals the goodness of God.
Good – Superior, generous, excellent, of the highest quality, wonderful, exceptional.
Upon further exploration, I marvel that our triune God describes Himself as the Shepherd of His people from the beginning. The first occurrence when God expresses Himself as the Shepherd takes place in Genesis. From Genesis through Revelation, God, our Shepherd cares for His people, demonstrating His profound good character.
Psalm 100:3 – Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Take a moment for a deep breath in and out. God is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. He is good. You are seen, heard, understood, comforted, and loved.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers you guidance, protection, and oversight as one of His flock. Receive both His kind correction and tender comfort. Surrender to the crook of His staff, rescuing your soul and drawing you near to Himself. The Good Shepherd holds you close to His heart.
Imagine your Good Shepherd holding you close. Listen for His heartbeat.
Reflect on God our Shepherd throughout Scripture. If you are able, hold in your hand a candy cane. This represents the shape of a staff used by shepherds. Allow this tactile experience to amplify your encounter with God through His Word.
Slowly read these Scriptures with your Good Shepherd. Savor the reality of our Shepherd. These are the occurrences of God, our Shepherd, from Genesis to Revelation…
Genesis 49:24 – But his [Joseph’s] bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel…
Psalm 23:1 – The Lord is my Shepherd…
Psalm 80:1-2 – Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us…
Psalm 100:3 – Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture…
Isaiah 40:10-11 – See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young…
Jeremiah 31:10 – Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’…
Ezekiel 34:12, 16 – As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep…I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice…
John 10:11 – I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…
John 10:14, 16 – I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Hebrews 13:20 – Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 2:25 – For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 5:4 – And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Revelation 7:17 – For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
- What did it feel like to read through these verses pronouncing our Shepherd? Notice with God.
- What seems highlighted to you regarding God, our Shepherd? Hold with God.
- In what ways does this “highlight” reveal the character of God? Ponder with God.
- How might what you noticed connect with your faith journey? Be curious with God.
- For what do you praise the Lord from these verses? Praise God.
- To what does God invite you through these Scriptures? Wonder with God.
The faithful and good Shepherd protects you, possesses you, and is present with you. Abandon efforts to control to the strength and authority of the Shepherd. Live in His peace.
Savor space with the Lord. Listen for God’s good voice. Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Good Shepherd loves you.
As you celebrate Christmas, remember the child in the manger: our Savior, the Messiah and Lord. He revealed Himself to the shepherds in the fields. Throughout history God has shepherded His people. Jesus is the Good Shepherd whom we celebrate at Christmas.
This week – – –
Reflect. Wonder about the care of God for you. Reflect on Revelation 7:17 – “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” As you await this reality, imagine Jesus leading you, loving you, tending to your soul. You are loved!
Request. Jesus declared that His sheep know His voice (John 10:4). Ponder the ways you sense God speaking to you. Thank God for calling you by name. Will you trust Him to guide you? Ask Jesus to lead you. Pray for courage to follow the voice of your Good Shepherd.
Receive. Read through the Scriptures above again. Take in the superior, generous, excellent, and wonderful character of your Good Shepherd. Let Scripture nourish your soul. Play the two songs below and let the words soak over you. Merry Christmas!
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
John 10:14, 16 – I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Psalm 100:5 – For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Bill Johnson. God is Good: He’s Better Than You Think. Shippensburg, PA. 2018.
Raechel Myers, Melanie Rainer, Amanda Bible Williams. This is the Christmas Story. Brentwood, TN. 2023.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
CeCe Winans. Goodness of God. Click here to watch & listen.
Sidewalk Prophets. Oh What a Glorious Night. Click here to watch and listen.