*Sections 1.5-1.10
The Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth

A few months back in a sermon preceding Christmas, our pastor taught on the shepherds who heard about Jesus birth.  Pastor talked about how the shepherds were rather low on the economic and social scales.  They had the lowest of jobs and were maybe a bit dirty (they were outside most of the time!) and probably a tad bit stinky (c’mon – they were around the animals all the time – probably holding the little ones!).  They were simple folk.  We all know about the shepherds in the Christmas story and, well, they are included in our manger scenes so, of course, they were there!  But as I re-read the story of Jesus’ birth, this thought came to light.  Jesus was born in a barn or a cave – or someplace rustic … we know because “there was no room in the inn” AND the infant Jesus was placed in a manger.  The angels visited the shepherds to tell them the good news.  But, if Jesus had been born in the inn or someplace of higher economic status, the shepherd story would have ended in the fields!  The shepherds knew they were kind of dirty and stinky.  They might have even been scorned by people of a higher status than them.  Can you imagine if the shepherds had knocked at the door of the hotel, or someone’s house, and said they wanted to see the baby that was born?  Ewww …. They were stinky ragamuffins and maybe even carrying a needy lamb with them and would have been cast away!  The shepherds knew this.  BUT … the angels told the shepherds that they would find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  Ahhh … the manger was a feeding trough… that meant animals … and the shepherds were comfortable with that.  I’m sure the nights got long out in the fields, and with a star to guide them, the shepherds thought, “What the heck – let’s see if this baby in the feeding trough is real!”  So they went and found their Savior. 

Jesus came for ALL of us.  That is so clear to see.  He meets us on our level and where we need Him. 

Also part of the story of Jesus’ birth is the visit by the Magi or 3 kings.  Now whether these guys were truly wise, or astronomers, or royal counselors, doesn’t matter.  What DOES matter is that they were of a higher status.  They were learned men and had a proper home and food and clothes (that didn’t smell of sheep or goats).  These guys were NOT going to go to a barn to see some poor people’s baby who was napping in the hay.  HOWEVER, these smart guys watched the stars for signs and changes and this big star got their attention.  They saw, in the sky, something new and bright and just HAD to go investigate for themselves.

Jesus came for ALL of us.

No matter who you are or where you are in this earthly life, Jesus is here for you.  He will meet you in your time of need and be there right where you need Him to be and on a level you can understand.

What a great God we have!

just Laurel

*(Our church is beginning a bible study for the next 7 weeks {beginning 2/12/24} leading up to Easter.  We are using a book that has taken the 4 Gospels of the New Testament and smooshed the accounts of Jesus’ life that Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote about and put them together chronologically to read as one story.  Genius!  Click here if you are curious about this small, handy, and convenient little book.  My writings over the next weeks will reference what sections of this book I am reading.  If you don’t have the book – no problem!  You are surely familiar with the Jesus stories I write about.  Reading them again always gives fresh meaning and life to God’s word.)