The Need for Faithful witnesses

Explanation: The shepherds were on the job, providing an important service for the community. As common laborers, shepherds were on the low end of the social scale. Other Jews realized they performed necessary work, but they certainly were not socializing with them. It was to this type of people that God chose to become the first witnesses of the arrival of the Messiah.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them and gave them Revelation Knowledge (no way they would have figured this out by themselves). The angel gave the shepherds specific knowledge about the Messiah: the Good News was for all people, that this baby was indeed the Messiah, and that not only was he their Savior, He was also Lord.

Illustrate: In our modern times we suffer from information overload. We can’t possibly retain all the knowledge we receive, so we develop filters and drop out what we don’t consider overly important. When we show up to God’s House our spiritual filters should be set for maximum retention. Instead many arrive in church on their way to lunch and simply cruise through the service on autopilot.

Argument: As a way of excuse we tell ourselves if we had angelic visitation with the visible glory cloud we would be paying attention. It is important to realize the shepherds received a unique, non-repeatable visitation, and the text describes what they experienced. This text is not to be taken as prescriptive, this is not how God typically interacts with people.

It is also worth noting that when Jesus began his public ministry He performed all types of healings and miracles, including resurrecting a few dead people. Many of those who were present for these miracles hardened their hearts and refused to belief. The important thing is not getting the angelic light show, it is receiving correct information about who Jesus is

Application: The Shepherds were faithful witnesses because they had the correct understanding of Jesus. As Believers, we are to have correct knowledge of Jesus. We are to be able to share and explain the Gospel to others.

A Faithful witness is willing to investigate the Truth ()

Explanation: The shepherds traveled quickly to Bethlehem to check out this incredible announcement. They didn’t sit around and discuss whether they should stay or go. They did not form a sub-committee to research the feasibility of a go - no go scenario. They just immediately took off for the barn, leaving the sheep to fend for themselves

Illustrate: Thom Rainer’s story of his wife’s mission to be present for the birth of their first grandchild.

Argument: Christ-followers are always to be learners. We never reach the place where we can state, “I know all I need to about God and the Bible.” The reality is that the more we learn through study and prayer, the more God reveals to us concerning Himself and His ways.

The shepherds were not satisfied with just hearing the Gospel, they wanted to see the focus of the Gospel. It is true that they were given a unique, non-repeatable opportunity, but that doesn’t stop us from having their same mindset of gaining more spiritual knowledge. We aren’t the shepherds, but we can be like the Berean Jews. They heard the Gospel post-resurrection, but when they heard it, “they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” ()

Application: Determine to be a continuing student of the Word. Do not be satisfied with minimal knowledge. As you grow in the Word, your own faith will be strengthened and you will be a more prepared witness for Christ. ()

A Faithful witness will share the Gospel with others ()

Explanation: The shepherds rush to the manger where Mary has just delivered the Baby Jesus. They bust in the place adding to the general confusion with their story of the angel’s message. Shepherds were not known for social graces and they most likely smelled the place up more than it already was. The point is they were excited to share the news of the Messiah. Even though Joseph and Mary knew how special Jesus was, it must have been encouraging and validating to hear the same message from others. And, when the shepherds left the manger area, they continued to tell their story

Illustrate: Just consider all the events and pictures that are posted on social media. The majority of them are unnecessary, and a waste of time.

Argument: When the discussion moves to personal evangelism, the atmosphere can get tense quickly. As Christ-followers we know that we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with those around us. We know that God has placed certain people in our life that aren’t believers. We know that we should talk about this crucial issue, but we seldom actually do.

Sometimes the reason we don’t is because we think it is the pastor’s job. Sharing the Gospel correctly requires training, so we let the professionals have the task. The shepherds were probably some of the most unqualified and uneducated people around, yet God chose them to be His messengers. The reality for believers is this: we are witnesses of Jesus. We can be good ones or not so good. All that is required is a personal relationship with Christ and a basic knowledge of the content of the Gospel.

Application: Change the way you think about evangelism. While it is a duty and a command, it is also a privilege. We can have the same excited attitude of the shepherds and the early apostles. Reflect on the words of Peter and John when they stood before the council; they declared, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

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