When Shepherds met Jesus…Encounters with Jesus

Today’s post in our series is written by Peter who is a young presenter on Pure247Radio.org.

The shepherds

I was very honoured to be given a chance to write a blog post for Nicola. 

I’ve been asked to write this blog about people who’ve had encounters with Jesus in the gospel and I decided to talk about the shepherds who first saw Jesus when he was born. 

The shepherds of those times were probably considered peasants. They were so lowly in fact that if a dead shepherd was found on a road, passing people might just push him to the edge of the road.

Shepherds probably worked until they died and yet they were the first people to encounter Jesus Christ. They would certainly have had a story to tell their mates that night – you can read the story of the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20. 

Now, when they saw Jesus, they worshipped Him. Unlike the Pharisees later on in the gospel. 

Jesus was a little baby, probably fast asleep. He might have smiled at the shepherds, or just grunted as He slept. Either way the shepherds saw the Messiah when He was born on earth. Woah! That was a privilege!!

To see Jesus Christ? Before He even started His journey inevitably to the cross to die and rise again?

One thing I’ve noticed though, is the Pharisees eventually had Jesus executed, while the shepherds immediately worshipped Him. 

These shepherds were clearly wise people. And, unlike the well educated Pharisees – who over complicated Christianity – the normal shepherds saw the Messiah and paid their respects by worshiping Him.

All too often we over complicate Christianity. Let’s quite simply follow Jesus’ wisdom and have a child like faith! 

Thanks for reading and God bless! 🤠

Peter

Wise words indeed from Peter and his post follows on beautifully from our prayer at the beginning of this week from the story of Naaman.