The Shepherd in Matthew's Gospel
Oleg KostyukDec 8, 2011, 5:10 PM
This week I was analyzing the nativity (the birth of Jesus) stories in Matthew and in Luke. When comparing them, it is impossible not to notice significant differences in the accounts. There are some unique elements in each Gospel and each of them carries a very strong message. Here are just a few examples; in Matthew the angel appears to Joseph, in Luke to Mary. The wise men from the east come to visit Jesus in Matthew, but in Luke it is the shepherds.
I was always sure that there are no shepherds in the Gospel of Matthew. But today I realized that I was wrong! When re-reading the nativity story in the Gospel of Matthew, I noticed at least one shepherd:
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will SHEPHERD My people Israel.’ (Matthew 2:1-6)
As you see, there is a shepherd mentioned in the nativity story according to Matthew; His name is Jesus.
The "first Christmas" was about the birth of Jesus!!!