Shepherds

Luke 2:8-14 - In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Shepherds were outcasts, looked down upon by the self-righteous, and seen as a sub-class of society.  Why then would the angel chose them to appear to?  Why would men who, according to historian Jeremias, were not even allowed to testify in court, be entrusted with spreading the news that the Messiah had come?

I like to think the answer lies in the flock. Most of the animals raised in Bethlehem during that time were destined for the temple of Jerusalem.  It was these men who cared for the very animals that the priests would offered for sacrifice.  Yet though ensured the flocks were safe and the sacrifice protected, these men were considered unworthy of receiving for themselves the sacrifice the lambs represented.

I think ultimately, the shepherds heard the message first because the church had made them last.