Exploring the Gospel of Luke’s Commitment to the Lowly with the Annunciation to the Shepherds
by James Admans
December 28, 2020
Seriously, no shade to the Magi because they are cool in their own ways. But on Sunday, many churches will recognize Epiphany, or the arrival of Jesus as a revelation of God to the world. Most will read the story of the Magi and celebrate Three Kings Day.
But what about the shepherds? They visit Jesus too. But the shepherds don't have their own day! The Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel that mentions the visitation from the shepherds. Additionally, the story of the Magi is specific to the Gospel of Matthew.
Luke's theological themes are much different than Matthew's. Whereas Matthew is concerned with empire and drawing similarities between Jesus and Moses, Luke is concerned with the Holy Spirit, women, and people who are considered lowly. The shepherds are no exception.
Abraham Bloemaert - Announcement to the shepherds, c.1600.
Who are the Shepherds?
The lowly. The essential workers. The working class who lived in the fields. The people who God lifts up in the Mary's song (Luke 1:52).
They are the recipients of one of the most extravagant angelic revelations. Whereas Mary and Joseph are visited by individual angels, an entire heavenly host visits the shepherds, saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!" (Luke 2:14). Here we can find that the shepherds, the lowly, are among the ones who find favor with God.
No Gifts, Sorry Not Sorry!
The shepherds decide to travel to Bethlehem to visit Jesus and the Holy Family. They don't bring material objects like the Magi. Instead, the shepherds offer their presence, witness, and solidarity as "the lowly" in the Gospel of Luke.
Andrea Mantegna, The Adoration of the Shepherds.
Holy Gossip
The shepherds do not keep this news of Jesus' birth to themselves. Instead, they engage in holy gossip, spreading the news of what they witnessed.
"When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them." (Luke 2:17-18)
The shepherds become messengers and storytellers for other folks who may be considered "lowly" in this context. Of course, those whom God favors is not just limited to just one group of shepherds, but to all who experience the effects of marginalization.