Vantage Point #3: The Shepherds

Pastors Brian Sump and Marc Bullion

Sermon Notes:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 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.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 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 2:8-20 NIV

Who were the Shepherds?

• They were the lowly and meek of their time

What was the vantage point of the Shepherds? Insignificance

• Feeling insignificant is a matter of perspective

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV

God proves his love for the insignificant by:

• Honoring those who are humble

• Working through those who are willing

• Inspiring those who find Him to tell others

God gives value and meaning to the insignificant by:

• Causing the good news to bring us joy

• Leveling the playing field

• Giving us a family that understands our imperfections