Q3. A Manger for His Bed

[poetmom]

This may be far-fetched, but I am trying to add something new to these already wonderful responses!

The feeding trough? Jesus came to give his body, to be our daily bread, to feed us, as it were. Even the lowliest people--even those the world would deem as unworthy as farm animals--would take and eat from him.

[Debra M.]

Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?

These may not have been just ordinary shepherds. There is a place called the 'Midgal Edar' and it is a tower of the flock. This is a tower that houses the lambs that are without blemish and raised especially for sacrificial purposes. These shepherds may be those that tended to the future-sacrificial lambs and they were aware of the prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed?

The Bible says there was no room in the inns. However, it may be that Jesus was born in a special place that housed and cared for sacrificial lambs. Micah 4:8 supports this fact.

This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

That Jesus is the true sacrificial lamb.

(note .. This watch tower from ancient times was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts. It was the place ewes were brought to give birth to the lambs. In this sheltered building/cave the priests would bring in the ewes which were about to lamb for protection. These special lambs came from a unique flock which were designated for sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem.) This is from bibletruth.org/BirthplaceofJesus.html

[JoeB]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I believe these were shepherds who supplied lambs for the Temple sacrifices that were performed for the forgiveness of sin. Here the angels invited these shepherds to greet the Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world forever.

Jesus was born in a stable with a manger for a bed, because the surrounding was dark and dirty, signifying that we should not limit God by our expectation. He is at work wherever He is needed in our darkened and dirty world.

I find your comment very insightful! God is indeed at work even in our "darkened and dirty" world!

[leihaynes]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

1. Sounds like shepherds were lowly people with bad reputation. Maybe going to the lowly and having his son born in lowly circumstances brings the message of I created all therefore, I love all even the lowly.

[jr4624]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I believe the message came first to shepherds, the lowest of the low, to make the point that Jesus came for all men.

Jesus is God. He had spent eternity as/with the creator and ruler of the universe. To be born as a poor, helpless human baby is as far as He could have humbled Himself.

The point seems to me to be that God's plan of redemption is for everyone, no one is excluded, whosoever means you or anyone else, too. Jesus is sent as servant and savior of everyone. He is the mechanism of redemption for all creation. No one/nothing is excluded.

[Theresa VJ]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

The book of Isaiah gives us some insight. Isaiah:53:4-5. "Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed".

The shepherds are familiar with sheep. Sheep are used as a picture of God's removal of sin, and cleansing atonement. Shepherds are common folk, but surely have heard and know the words of the prophets concerning their Messiah. They personally care for the lambs that will be slaughtered for their own personal blatant sins as well as for their unintentional shortcomings. Many a lamb under their care has been a sin sacrifice. Their responsibility of caring for the sheep must have been a consistent reminder of sin and it's wages.

Shepherds know sheep are not smart creatures. A sheep could literally nibble himself off of a cliff if the sheep in front of him did it first. Shepherds know the way of a sheep. Shepherds also know that a pure spotless lamb is used to picture the pure spotless Redeemer Deliverer that has been promised. In Isaiah,53:6-7, Scripture goes on to report, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth". The voice of God has been quiet for as long as these shepherds can remember. Yet, they continue to hope in God's promise, they continue to observe the sheep, care for the sheep, and continue to give the sheep over to be slaughtered for sin...their sin...the sin of their children...and the sin of their loved ones. They have heard the words told them from the the Rabbi, and have even perhaps pondered how that the promised Messiah, could possibly be a King and a Lamb. The King part...well, that would be a wonderful thing...but, well, shepherds know sheep. And the Messiah, would be like a sheep.....and Messiah would have laid on Himself the sins of all. Oh, such things to reflect upon during those long days tending sheep. After all, King David was a shepherd...and then a King. So much to ponder.

Then, the heavens, who are perfectly skillful at declaring God's glory...are now the backdrop for the message that has been for so long awaited. An angel..God's messenger, is suddenly standing before them, and the glory...the radiance, the spendor of the Lord is shining so intensely, that the awesome splendor alone, fells the shepherds to their knees in fear. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and these shepherds, are now in the position to be blessed (they are kneeled)... by what they are about to hear. When one fears God first...all else is well.... and they are told, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with a angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened with the Lord ahs made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

The angel gave the sign for the shepherds. They knew sheep. They were used to seeing God's glory revealed in the night sky. But they had just been made the humble recipients of such marvelous good news. The message was clear. The Baby, the Messiah, was now born...brought as a lamb to the slaughter...found in birthplace of lambs....lying in a manger...a feeding trough..in the City of Bethlehem....the House of Bread. Themes of Passover deliverence...thoughts of lamb's blood on the doorposts and the passover meal....combined with the pure glory of the Lord dazzling the sky....was given to the ones who knew sheep best. Slain before the foundation of the world... the Pure Spotless Lamb of God has been brought forth from a virgin, and made known to shepherds...divinely and rightly so.

[Barbara A. Lee]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I think Jesus' birth comes to Shepherds has a two-fold meaning. First it is to signify that Jesus is for everybody and yes, even the poor lowly shepherd. These were people that didn't have a trade so they were left to do the shepherd's duties. Second Jesus is known as The Lamb. The lamb is given as a sacrifice just like Jesus was given as a sacrifice to atone for our sins.

Jesus being born in a manger in a stable is showing that the lowest of lows can be the highest of highs. It doesn't matter what circumstances in life you are born into you can make your life better by your actions and your beliefs.

And yes it is intentional. The point God is making is that no matter what you have done in your life, you can be as dirty as a lamb, and be saved by the precious blood of the Lamb. That lamb is Jesus.

[Foofee's Nana]

Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?

This would seem to be the choice of God to come to as the lowest....Christ was coming to be a servant to mankind and who better to represent the lowly people than shepherds.

Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed?

It shows that He gave up all and emptied Himself to be a God for us.....to have His first bed where the cattle ate or drank.....what humility.

This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I think He wants us to get over ourselves and see if Christ Jesus did this....who are we ????

[pjg]

Why are the shepherds the first to know? This reminds us that God looks on the heart, although man doesn't. The first people you tell things to often indicates a desire to make sure they aren't left out. They were considered by many to be some of the lowest of society. Their reputation was poor yet God is making it clear that Jesus is a message of God's good will to ALL PEOPLE. Even in the community of faith their is the kind of prejudice that can easily leave out some God intends included.

Why is Jesus born in a stable and using a manger for a bed? The humble circumstances speak to us that Jesus has come to be among us one of us. Philippians 2:7 tells us "but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men"

What point is God making? A clear dichotomy is presented between Heaven's treasure and earthly treasure. If people are going to see Jesus for who He is, it will be by faith, and by God's Spirit revealing the truth. It won't be by impressive trimmings. In Matthew 16 Peter answered "Thou art the Christ ..." and we are told that was a revelation given from the Father. From the beginning God's intention was for Christ to be the "Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world."

[Ramon]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

Answer:

1. Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?

I thought because the Shepherds words are highly regarded, during that time..That when they say and reported that somebody has stolen their flock,people will believe,and go after the robber..so in a sense the shepherds cannot lie or fake their report,or they will suffer a greater consequences.

Another point is that..THEY ARE SIMPLY IN THE VICINITY DURING THAT TIME..TO BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME..All the people might be sleeping,or resting on that particular time,but not this lowly class of people..And in that moment,they are the only oone who have seen the multitudes of Angels,the Glory of God,and become the bearer of good news,that the KING was BORN

[Highohfaith]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

Shepherds were not people of high standing in society. Most were considered to be thieves. Since oftentimes they worked without supervision from their bosses, and were gone for long periods of time they pilfered from their bosses! They stole sheep, jack up the price, sold them at the market place and pocketed the money for themselves unbeknown to the boss. Most people knew of the Shepherds reputation..their reputation preceded them!!God choose the least of people to ANNOUNCE the birth of His Son, because these are the very people which He was sending His son to to save!The very poorest in spirit as well as financially poor as well as corrupt and sinful in nature!

*Matthew 18:11: For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

*Mark 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bring salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

God sent his son to be born in a stable with a manger (animal trough) as His bed, because He wanted Jesus not to be considered ROYALTY..He wanted Him to come into the world with a very humble beginning so many who are the lowest of people would accept Him.He wanted Jesus to have a humble beginning and not make Him superior but the same as others at the time. Though He is SUPREME, God sent Him to save those whose beginnings and life were humble, to save the LOST! Jesus was not "PUFFED" up with the pride of a royal King, though He was a King, The King of all Kings! But God Choose not to present Him in this manner.

[rosegarden]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

3. a. The message of Jesus' birth came to shepherds because Jesus came for the sinners and shepherds were dishonest and thieving. They saw God's glory that night and were changed forever. From that experience they became witnesses and traveled from place to place telling the good news of what they saw and what the angel's good news message was that a savior was born for all the people; He is Christ the Lord.

b. Jesus was born in a stable in the manger because he came as a servant. He humbled himself, made himself nothing and took the lowest place for he came not to be served but to serve and preach the good news to the poor, those needy for Him, those who needed a savior.

c. God is making a point that we need to be more like Jesus, humbling ourselves, serving, giving, loving one another

and preaching the good news of salvation.

[Trusting God]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?

The message of Jesus

[thepearlturtle]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I think the message of Jesus' birth cames to shepherds because Jesus came to save the lost, and shepherds were the lowliest of people in His day. Jesus was born in a stable to show His identification with the lowest conditions of humanity, that He did not simply relate to kings and nobility, but to all of humanity. There was no one beyond Jesus' reach; He truly is the Saviour of all mankind, and He came to live among us all! Amen! Alleluia!

[SoiKosum]

The message of Jesus' birth came to the sheperds because sheperds were despised, misunderstood and their job was inglorious. However, sheperds were also guardians of the flock of sheep, watching over them and keeping them safe. I suppose God was trying to draw a parallel of Jesus being treated like the sheperds. Jesus was born in a stable and had a manger for a bed - the manger being a symbolism of serving.

[Platoz]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8)

Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds,

of all people?

Because shepherd's were low on the food chain and Jesus was coming to

earth for all people not just the higher echelon.

Also, when did Jesus start to be known as the “Good Shepherd, Lamb of

God....? Maybe the angels came to the shepherds first to start the

connection as Jesus being the “sacrificial lamb”.

Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed?

From what I have read regarding what it was like the year that Jesus was

born this may not be too far from how most people lived in this era and in

a town such as Bethlehem. They describe the place where the animals were

kept actually being attached to the house but at a lower level. The reason

they did this was because their animals were everything to them (food,

travel, work) and if you lost your donkey or lamb to a thief, disease, or

wandered away you and your family could be in real bad shape.

This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

God is making the point that Jesus is not coming for the elite and well to do

people only. He is coming for all people. God is also making the point that

Jesus is coming as a lowly person who is a servant to others. But, Jesus

makes it known that he is God himself and that he is the prophetized one

who has came from the line of David. He is king.

[Guitar Jim]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?

God does not respect the proud but gives Grace to the humble. There was no more humble an occupation in those times than that of a shepherd. Jesus throughout His ministry referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. Perhaps His affinity for shepherds was formed even back then.

Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

To fully become the Suffering Servant Messiah, Jesus was born in the most humble conditions imaginable. There were so many obscure prophecies in the Old Testament foretelling Jesus' birth and the circumstances surrounding it. God made sure that all Scripture was fulfilled.

[Commissioned]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

[Commissioned]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I think the message of Jesus' birth came to shepherds, of all people, because they were considered to be in the lower echelon of society. The message was to go forth so that everyone would accept it. Jesus was born in a stable with a manager for a bed to maintain a lowly state, to show the world that the King of the Universe could identify with the lowly and those of the higher class. The point God was making ia that Jesus loves from the lowly to the higher-class.

[ragnew]

(Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

I think that right from the beginning God was making it clear the His Son had come for the whole world, even the most humble person. He was placed in a manger because there was no room in the inn, presumably because the census had caused a lot of influx of people into Bethlehem. I think God did this so that people would not have the wrong idea about who Jesus was and what His purpose on earth was. He did not come as a political leader, but as the saviour of the world.

[Lorraine Overstreet]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8)

Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?

Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed?

This has to be intentional. What point is God making?

a) The message comes to the Humble shephards because they were

considered the lowest of people and were not respected. Also since they

traveled with the sheep, they could spread the word of Jesus the Saviors

birth. Jesus would minister to both rich and poor, but he would never

accept the honor his desciples attempted to give Him.

Jesus is humble, sent to save us from our sins, sent as a servant of God

and fulfilled prophecy of the birth of the Messiah. "For even the son of man

did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as ransom for

many. (Mark 10:46).

c) God gave his son, to serve, not be served, to be humble in His life and

to give his life to save us from our sins. I think the manger represented

Jesus serving others in His life.

[tgandy]

Jesus' entry into the world was most humble.  He came to save people.  He came to live among us.  By being born this humble birth he Was one of the people.  He did not know what it was to have the things of the rich.  He came to serve and not to be served.  He washed the feet of his disciples.  He died for us.  Shepherds' jobs were low on the totem pole and they were not respected much.  By announcing the birth to them showed Jesus came for all people not just the ones that could afford it.  God is saying "Come, it is free for all.  I sent my Son to show you the Way."

[jeannethebean]

1st of all: what were the shepherds told would be a sign? "a baby lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes" How is this a sign of the MESIAH, the Saviour?

FAST FORWARD 33 YEARS: Jesus is lying on a stone slab, (similar to many feeding troughs used in Bethlehem in those days when wood was so precious, and scarce,  and stone stayed in place.) Also the babe wrapped in linen IS a sign of Christ The LORD later to be wrapped in swaddling linens after His death on the cross of Calvary. THAT is the SIGN, and THAT is the GOOD NEWS!

(That baby would later die for my sins).

AND RISE AGAIN!

 

Jesus told us to come to Him as do the little children. CHILDREN would  know to depend on Him, aware that doing things on their own would be ineffective. God so blesses the humble! SIMILARLY:

If the good news of Christ's birth was presented initially to  self-righteous,  self-sufficient, and prideful people caught up in their own self-worth, perhaps there would have been doubt and unbelief.

The shepherds DID believe and they obeyed. They went to go see what they had been told.

Then they told others (not ashamed at what another person would think). They were not "people pleasers" by trade. But they were connected to the living God and returned to their lowly positions worshipping and praising God. 

[haar]

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?
 

 

The message of Jesus birth came to shepherds and Jesus was born in a manger to show his humiltiy and mission of proclaiming the Good news to the poor.

[humblejon]

Jesus was born in a manger to symbolize the purpose of His mission on earth--to seek out the lost and poor, to serve and not to be served, and to be a humble servant. The shepards are comparatively Jesus' social equivolant since they possess a lowly standing in society. Furthermore, Jesus calls Himself later as the "good Shepard" and His ministry exemplified what a good Shepard does for the lost and suffering.