Why does the angel announce the good news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds first?

In Luke 1:32, the angel says to Mary: ‘The Lord God will give him (Jesus) the throne of his father David’.

David was a shepherd in Bethlehem around 1000 B.C. In his insignificant task, his trust in God grew. David described the good shepherd in Psalm 23. Jesus said in John 10:11: ‘I am the good shepherd.’

The shepherds of Bethlehem mainly reared sheep for the sacrificial service in Jerusalem. They therefore had to make sure that the sheep were spotless. Now the experts come and discover the true Lamb of God.

The shepherds are the first witnesses that God’s word can be relied upon. It is worth listening to God, even if some things seem illogical at first glance. By addressing the shepherds, God shows that his salvation is for all people.

Sometimes we think that God should speak through people who are better suited for this. But God loves the testimony of ordinary people.  The many small miracles are often more appealing than lofty theological thoughts.