July 22, 2025 • 12 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! It is time for God to announce the arrival of his only begotten Son. Who shall He choose to proclaim his arrival to first? Kings? Priests? No… He sends a choir of angels to lowly shepherds.
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As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.
To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke to ten,
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons we learn
from the shepherd's encounter with the angels. May we embrace humility,
(00:21):
rejoice in your redemption, and engage in heartfelt worship this
Christmas season. Help us to spread the good tidings of
great joy to those around us, reflecting your love and grace. Amen,
Thank you for praying with me to day. Stay tuned
(00:42):
now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with
Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Joseph wrapped him in his arms and wiped him with
woven wool.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
He stared into the le's eyes.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
There was nothing different about him. There were no lights
raided him from his eyes or humming of heavenly hosts
behind him. He was a baby, crying and taking in
the newness of life. But as Joseph cradled him in
his arms, he knew without a doubt this child was exceptional,
chosen blessed. All the turmoil, danger, and chaos he had
(01:26):
to endure was worth it for the sake of this
treasure he held in his hands. We already know his name,
he said to Mary. Mary reached for her son and
cradled him in her arms. She stroked his face. His
name will be Jesus, she whispered. The Lord says. Mary
(01:47):
pressed Jesus against her chest and cried joyfully. He was
the fulfillment of God's promise to humanity, the good Shepherd
of Israel, the Savior of the world.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Hello everybody, and welcome to another episode of Stories of
the Messiah. I'm your host, Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the
Jewish Jesus. Thank you for joining me for this joyous
celebration of Christ's birth. Today we visit the hill country
of Bethlehem. Under a starlit sky, we will meet three
shepherds whose las are about to be changed forever. These
(02:23):
lowly shepherds, existing on the fringes of society, are about
to be visited by a divine chorus of heavenly messengers.
Their message is a resounding song of joy, peace and salvation.
Why would God choose to visit shepherds of all people
to be the first to behold him. In Biblical times,
shepherds were often considered to be on the lower rungs
(02:46):
of the social ladder. Their work was humble, demanding, and
required they isolate for months at a time. As a result,
shepherds were considered awkward and untrustworthy, yet God saw fit
to choose them. God often refers to himself as a shepherd.
This isn't because God considers himself awkward and untrustworthy, of course. Rather,
(03:10):
God calls himself a shepherd because we are like sheep.
Think about sheep for a moment. They have large bodies,
small legs, and aren't very intelligent, and those qualities make
them fearful and anxious creatures, vulnerable to predators. Additionally, sheep
are one of the only animals unable to survive in
(03:31):
the wild without human care. They cannot become feral, meaning
they will perish without a shepherd to look after them. We,
like sheep, are skittish and vulnerable. That is why David
called God his shepherd, who restores his soul and protects
him from enemies. Scripture frequently uses the imagery of shepherds
(03:53):
to describe spiritual leadership. Moses was a shepherd before returning
to the people of Israel. King David was a shepherd
before becoming Israel's king. And Jesus refers to himself as
the good Shepherd. The shepherd's inclusion in Christ's first story
underlines the importance of spiritual guidance and reflects God's care
(04:15):
for his people. So let's join these shepherds now on
the rolling yills of Bethlamb. Imagine yourself laying back on
a grassy hill, gazing up at a vast universe above you.
Hear the crackling of the fire behind you, and the
occasional bas of a nearby lamb. This is where the
shepherds find themselves before an abrupt and glorious interruption.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
In a valley not too far from the glimmering hills
of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds lay in the fields,
tending to their flocks. The night was alive, with the
distant songs of crickets and the gentle rustle of tall
grass swaying to a soft breeze. The sheep had settled
for the night, breathing gentle and rhythmic. Together, the shepherds
(05:03):
pointed out constellations, their fingers tracing the ancient patterns in
the sky as they told stories and shared laughter. One
of them, an older shepherd, with eyes that held the
spark of countless sunrises. Pointed to the sky. Look there,
he said, his voice, like weathered wood, a quiller. The eagle,
(05:24):
It flies highbove our heads, never bound by Earth's soul.
I wish I could so like an eagle, the younger
shepherd replied. The others chuckled at his boyish imagination. They
would travel to Egypt and behold the great relicks of Pharaoh.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Well, I would sow to Rome and have a look
at Caesar's great throng room.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
The three shepherds laughed together, their eyes tracing the lines
of constellations, finding in them the stories of gods and heroes.
Laugh and loss, the valley listened, a silent witness to
their friendship. The life of a shepherd was often lonely.
For most of the year, they existed as outcasts on
(06:07):
the edge of the city.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
They traveled the.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Plains of the Judean wilderness, often alone with their sheep.
But at this moment they had each other, the stars
and shared stories Beside a crackling fire. Their bodies, wearied
from the day's labor, began to succumb to sleep's gentle
poll Their gazes fixed on the boundless heavens grew soft
as dreams beckoned. Then, without warning, a gust of wind,
(06:33):
sharp and cold, swept through the valley, stirring the shepherds
from their rest. The wind extinguished their fire with an
abrupt hiss, and they leaped to their feet. Darkness enveloped them.
What is happening, one of them said in a panicked voice.
Then in an instant, a burst of light split the
horizon like a long shimmering blade. It split and danced,
(06:57):
reaching out to them in a blinding and light poured
out like a rushing waterfall, and surrounded the shepherds in
a myriad of beautiful colors. The shepherds heard an orchestra
of instruments and singing come from the light. It was
a symphony, pure and transcendent, as if they were listening
to it within their own souls, As if they were
(07:19):
listening to it within their own souls. Terror and awe
came upon the shepherds as they fell to the ground,
their bodies trembling. Then from the light a voice emerged.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Fear not.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
The voice, clear and resonant, rang out from the light.
Its timber was filled with authority and gentleness, command and comfort.
We have come with good tidings of great joy. In
the town of Bethlehem lies a baby. His child is
the Messiah, the Lord, the savior of the world, and
redemption of mankind. The shepherd's eyes widened as the angel
(07:56):
and an entire choir of heavenly hosts emerged from the
life light. They couldn't speak, for their minds struggled to
even grasp the magnitude of what was unfolding before them.
The lights, hues of bright, orange, pink, and white, swirled
around them like a flock of ethereal doves, casting a
warm glow on their upturned faces.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Go therefore and see for yourselves. You will find the baby,
wrapped in swaddling class lying in a manger. The angel
continued his words, infused with an urgency that set their
hearts aflame. As he spoke, the choir of angels slowly
rose their voices. The light swirled to the rising and
falling of their harmony. Finally, the song crescendoed into a
(08:40):
resonating song of praise. Then, as suddenly as it had come,
the light dissipated, leaving the valley bathed in the soft
glow of the stars once more, the melodies of heaven
were replaced by the gentle whispers of the evening wind
and a few chirping crickets. The shepherds sat stunned and silent,
and their minds reeling from the vision they had just witnessed.
(09:03):
The oldest shepherd turned to his companions, Did we.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
All just see that? Or is this old man finally
loose in his mind? The two others nodded their heads
in confirmation that they had all born witness, Still stunned
by what they had seen, Slowly their eyes turned towards Bethlehem,
where a few torchlights still flickered in the distance. Resting
above the city was a new star, radiant and singular,
(09:30):
unlike any they had seen before. The oldest shepherd turned
to his young friend and laughed, you may get to
see royalty after all. They all laughed with unexplainable joy.
With a shared understanding, they rose, leaving their belongings behind,
their steps quickening as they ran towards Bethlehem. Their hearts
were aflame with a joy they could not contain, and
(09:52):
a purpose they could not deny.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good time of
great joy, which shall be to all people. This message
of joy echoes throughout the New Testament, as joy is
a hallmark of those who have experienced Christ's redemption. The
good Tidings are indeed of great joy because they announced
the arrival of the Savior, fulfilling God's promise to redeem
(10:19):
his people. The Angel's announcement herald at a new error
fill with hope. The joy comes from the realization that
God has not abandon his people. That should bring all
of us joy. Today we do not worship a God
who has remained distant and aloof Despite our sin in depravity,
God chose to rescue us and raise us to glory
(10:42):
with him. The very fact that these lowly shepherds were
able to behold the splendor and majesty of the angels
is a testament to how God operates. He doesn't think
about status, symbols, or wealth. The wise men would have
been the first to behold the new born kingdom if
he did. God chose the rustic outcast, proving he doesn't
(11:05):
care about your wealth, popularity, or status, no matter where
you are or what you have done. The gospel message
is for you to enjoy. Let's not make the mistake
of thinking Christmas is merely for us to enjoy, though
ultimately Christ's birth brings glory to God. The angelic praise
(11:26):
glory to God in the Highest should resonate in our
hearts as we ponder the magnitude of what God has done.
His redemptive plan and magnificence are shown through the birth, life, death,
and resurrection of Yeshiah of Jesus. Now join us for
our next episode of stories of Messiah. As the shepherd's
search high and low for God's Son, When they finally
(11:49):
arrive at the stables, the fear in awe of the
Lord come upon them, and unbeknownst to them, they set
the stage for King Herod to catch wind of Gia Jesus.
If you're interested in my ministry, you can visit Discovering
the Jewish Jesus dot com and you might be interested
in my book Messianic Prophecy Revealed Discovering the Messiah in
(12:12):
the Pages of the Hebrew Bible. For more engaging, transformative
Biblical stories, download the Prey dot com at
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke to ten,
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons we learn
from the shepherd's encounter with the angels. May we embrace humility,
(00:21):
rejoice in your redemption, and engage in heartfelt worship this
Christmas season. Help us to spread the good tidings of
great joy to those around us, reflecting your love and grace. Amen,
Thank you for praying with me to day. Stay tuned
(00:42):
now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with
Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Joseph wrapped him in his arms and wiped him with
woven wool.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
He stared into the le's eyes.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
There was nothing different about him. There were no lights
raided him from his eyes or humming of heavenly hosts
behind him. He was a baby, crying and taking in
the newness of life. But as Joseph cradled him in
his arms, he knew without a doubt this child was exceptional,
chosen blessed. All the turmoil, danger, and chaos he had
(01:26):
to endure was worth it for the sake of this
treasure he held in his hands. We already know his name,
he said to Mary. Mary reached for her son and
cradled him in her arms. She stroked his face. His
name will be Jesus, she whispered. The Lord says. Mary
(01:47):
pressed Jesus against her chest and cried joyfully. He was
the fulfillment of God's promise to humanity, the good Shepherd
of Israel, the Savior of the world.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Hello everybody, and welcome to another episode of Stories of
the Messiah. I'm your host, Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the
Jewish Jesus. Thank you for joining me for this joyous
celebration of Christ's birth. Today we visit the hill country
of Bethlehem. Under a starlit sky, we will meet three
shepherds whose las are about to be changed forever. These
(02:23):
lowly shepherds, existing on the fringes of society, are about
to be visited by a divine chorus of heavenly messengers.
Their message is a resounding song of joy, peace and salvation.
Why would God choose to visit shepherds of all people
to be the first to behold him. In Biblical times,
shepherds were often considered to be on the lower rungs
(02:46):
of the social ladder. Their work was humble, demanding, and
required they isolate for months at a time. As a result,
shepherds were considered awkward and untrustworthy, yet God saw fit
to choose them. God often refers to himself as a shepherd.
This isn't because God considers himself awkward and untrustworthy, of course. Rather,
(03:10):
God calls himself a shepherd because we are like sheep.
Think about sheep for a moment. They have large bodies,
small legs, and aren't very intelligent, and those qualities make
them fearful and anxious creatures, vulnerable to predators. Additionally, sheep
are one of the only animals unable to survive in
(03:31):
the wild without human care. They cannot become feral, meaning
they will perish without a shepherd to look after them. We,
like sheep, are skittish and vulnerable. That is why David
called God his shepherd, who restores his soul and protects
him from enemies. Scripture frequently uses the imagery of shepherds
(03:53):
to describe spiritual leadership. Moses was a shepherd before returning
to the people of Israel. King David was a shepherd
before becoming Israel's king. And Jesus refers to himself as
the good Shepherd. The shepherd's inclusion in Christ's first story
underlines the importance of spiritual guidance and reflects God's care
(04:15):
for his people. So let's join these shepherds now on
the rolling yills of Bethlamb. Imagine yourself laying back on
a grassy hill, gazing up at a vast universe above you.
Hear the crackling of the fire behind you, and the
occasional bas of a nearby lamb. This is where the
shepherds find themselves before an abrupt and glorious interruption.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
In a valley not too far from the glimmering hills
of Bethlehem, a group of shepherds lay in the fields,
tending to their flocks. The night was alive, with the
distant songs of crickets and the gentle rustle of tall
grass swaying to a soft breeze. The sheep had settled
for the night, breathing gentle and rhythmic. Together, the shepherds
(05:03):
pointed out constellations, their fingers tracing the ancient patterns in
the sky as they told stories and shared laughter. One
of them, an older shepherd, with eyes that held the
spark of countless sunrises. Pointed to the sky. Look there,
he said, his voice, like weathered wood, a quiller. The eagle,
(05:24):
It flies highbove our heads, never bound by Earth's soul.
I wish I could so like an eagle, the younger
shepherd replied. The others chuckled at his boyish imagination. They
would travel to Egypt and behold the great relicks of Pharaoh.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Well, I would sow to Rome and have a look
at Caesar's great throng room.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
The three shepherds laughed together, their eyes tracing the lines
of constellations, finding in them the stories of gods and heroes.
Laugh and loss, the valley listened, a silent witness to
their friendship. The life of a shepherd was often lonely.
For most of the year, they existed as outcasts on
(06:07):
the edge of the city.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
They traveled the.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Plains of the Judean wilderness, often alone with their sheep.
But at this moment they had each other, the stars
and shared stories Beside a crackling fire. Their bodies, wearied
from the day's labor, began to succumb to sleep's gentle
poll Their gazes fixed on the boundless heavens grew soft
as dreams beckoned. Then, without warning, a gust of wind,
(06:33):
sharp and cold, swept through the valley, stirring the shepherds
from their rest. The wind extinguished their fire with an
abrupt hiss, and they leaped to their feet. Darkness enveloped them.
What is happening, one of them said in a panicked voice.
Then in an instant, a burst of light split the
horizon like a long shimmering blade. It split and danced,
(06:57):
reaching out to them in a blinding and light poured
out like a rushing waterfall, and surrounded the shepherds in
a myriad of beautiful colors. The shepherds heard an orchestra
of instruments and singing come from the light. It was
a symphony, pure and transcendent, as if they were listening
to it within their own souls, As if they were
(07:19):
listening to it within their own souls. Terror and awe
came upon the shepherds as they fell to the ground,
their bodies trembling. Then from the light a voice emerged.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Fear not.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
The voice, clear and resonant, rang out from the light.
Its timber was filled with authority and gentleness, command and comfort.
We have come with good tidings of great joy. In
the town of Bethlehem lies a baby. His child is
the Messiah, the Lord, the savior of the world, and
redemption of mankind. The shepherd's eyes widened as the angel
(07:56):
and an entire choir of heavenly hosts emerged from the
life light. They couldn't speak, for their minds struggled to
even grasp the magnitude of what was unfolding before them.
The lights, hues of bright, orange, pink, and white, swirled
around them like a flock of ethereal doves, casting a
warm glow on their upturned faces.
Speaker 3 (08:17):
Go therefore and see for yourselves. You will find the baby,
wrapped in swaddling class lying in a manger. The angel
continued his words, infused with an urgency that set their
hearts aflame. As he spoke, the choir of angels slowly
rose their voices. The light swirled to the rising and
falling of their harmony. Finally, the song crescendoed into a
(08:40):
resonating song of praise. Then, as suddenly as it had come,
the light dissipated, leaving the valley bathed in the soft
glow of the stars once more, the melodies of heaven
were replaced by the gentle whispers of the evening wind
and a few chirping crickets. The shepherds sat stunned and silent,
and their minds reeling from the vision they had just witnessed.
(09:03):
The oldest shepherd turned to his companions, Did we.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
All just see that? Or is this old man finally
loose in his mind? The two others nodded their heads
in confirmation that they had all born witness, Still stunned
by what they had seen, Slowly their eyes turned towards Bethlehem,
where a few torchlights still flickered in the distance. Resting
above the city was a new star, radiant and singular,
(09:30):
unlike any they had seen before. The oldest shepherd turned
to his young friend and laughed, you may get to
see royalty after all. They all laughed with unexplainable joy.
With a shared understanding, they rose, leaving their belongings behind,
their steps quickening as they ran towards Bethlehem. Their hearts
were aflame with a joy they could not contain, and
(09:52):
a purpose they could not deny.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good time of
great joy, which shall be to all people. This message
of joy echoes throughout the New Testament, as joy is
a hallmark of those who have experienced Christ's redemption. The
good Tidings are indeed of great joy because they announced
the arrival of the Savior, fulfilling God's promise to redeem
(10:19):
his people. The Angel's announcement herald at a new error
fill with hope. The joy comes from the realization that
God has not abandon his people. That should bring all
of us joy. Today we do not worship a God
who has remained distant and aloof Despite our sin in depravity,
God chose to rescue us and raise us to glory
(10:42):
with him. The very fact that these lowly shepherds were
able to behold the splendor and majesty of the angels
is a testament to how God operates. He doesn't think
about status, symbols, or wealth. The wise men would have
been the first to behold the new born kingdom if
he did. God chose the rustic outcast, proving he doesn't
(11:05):
care about your wealth, popularity, or status, no matter where
you are or what you have done. The gospel message
is for you to enjoy. Let's not make the mistake
of thinking Christmas is merely for us to enjoy, though
ultimately Christ's birth brings glory to God. The angelic praise
(11:26):
glory to God in the Highest should resonate in our
hearts as we ponder the magnitude of what God has done.
His redemptive plan and magnificence are shown through the birth, life, death,
and resurrection of Yeshiah of Jesus. Now join us for
our next episode of stories of Messiah. As the shepherd's
search high and low for God's Son, When they finally
(11:49):
arrive at the stables, the fear in awe of the
Lord come upon them, and unbeknownst to them, they set
the stage for King Herod to catch wind of Gia Jesus.
If you're interested in my ministry, you can visit Discovering
the Jewish Jesus dot com and you might be interested
in my book Messianic Prophecy Revealed Discovering the Messiah in
(12:12):
the Pages of the Hebrew Bible. For more engaging, transformative
Biblical stories, download the Prey dot com at
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