It’s no coincidence that the shepherds received the first birth announcement.

Since the Bible weaves a single story from beginning to end, every thread contributes. Each detail contains purpose and meaning. And God’s choice of shepherds is profoundly significant.

It is so like God to bury this nugget in the Christmas story for us to uncover as we dig into deep study. Consider the following:

• Bethlehem, the town of David (Luke 2:4) where Joseph reported for Caesar’s census isn’t far from Jerusalem – less than 6 miles.
• The Jerusalem Temple was and had been the only place Jews offered sacrifices for hundreds of years.
• Jews sacrificed bulls, rams, and goats, but most often lambs. One year old lambs without defect became fellowship offerings, sin offerings, burnt offerings, and part of a woman’s purification ritual. (Leviticus 3:6-7; 4:32; 9:3; 12:5-7)
• Passover lambs were also a year old and without defect.

Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats.
Exodus 12:3,5

Temple sacrifices demanded an abundance of year-old lambs without defect!

With the number of lambs required for sacrifice and the proximity of Bethlehem to the Temple, flocks and flocks of sheep populated the countryside. Each shepherd must have protected multiple lambs from wounds and broken bones over an entire year.

So, the shepherds who witnessed God’s angelic choir very likely raised and carefully protected lambs from blemish.

Some traditions suggest that shepherds wrapped lambs in cloth or kept them in troughs to protect them. While no direct evidence supports the claim, the symbolism aligns beautifully with the image of Jesus, the Lamb of God, wrapped in cloth and laid in a manger. Only ancient Judean shepherds know for sure, but making meaning of their selection fits within God’s character.

Given the critical role of lambs in Temple worship and the shepherds’ responsibility for raising spotless animals, they were uniquely qualified to recognize the ultimate Lamb of God.

While they announce Jesus as Savior, Messiah, and Lord,
The angels describe Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:11-12 (emphasis added)

God selected the shepherds as the first witnesses and first evangelists.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child… The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:17,20

God could have chosen anyone to hear the news first. Would a vineyard keeper recognize the True Vine? Would those who press olives for lamp oil perceive the Light of the World?

In His perfection, God chose shepherds to witness an incredible truth—Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Just as God chose humble shepherds, He chooses ordinary people today to share His message.

How is God calling you to share the good news of Christ’s birth that brings great joy, glory to God, and peace on earth?

Intrigued by the idea that the Bible tells one story that leads to Jesus? Check out this hyperlink graphic that illustrates the interconnected links in the True story, capital T.

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