Every culture has a group they look down on. When I was in Romania we were told to stay away from the gypsies. In Germany we were told that the area we lived in was looked down upon for their poor use of the language.
It was no different in Israel back in the day, shepherds were told to stay out of town, probably because they smelled of sheep. But they were also thought to be thieves and not trustworthy. According to "A Visual Guide to Bible Events" most Jews would not do business with a shepherd directly...hmmm.
Yes, Jesus is the great shepherd. And, the sacrificial lamb. And, most importantly, the Messiah. Yes, he came for everyone.
But, I can only imagine how surprised and taken aback the town people were when the shepherds dared to enter the outskirts of town as they looked for the baby in a manger.
There Mary was resting, and the first visitors to come from any kind of distance in the area were the last people on earth she expected to see. Yet, they came and paid their respects to the newborn king.
It was not the first time something like this happened, but it became more evident when Jesus was born that God calls people from all corners of life to come and worship. He is open to receive all those who would want to bask in his forgiveness, his miracles, his love, his peace, or whatever he may offer them specifically.
Only man places limits in his heart and thinking. Ouch!
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