THE SHEPHERDS - LUKE 2:8-20 (Bible lesson for teens)

In this lesson, we will learn from the shepherds – Luke 2:8-20. This lesson relates to pre-teens and teens and by the end of this lesson, they should have learnt about the following:

God does not overlook people
Jesus is the Saviour
The privilege of telling others about Jesus

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 2:8-20

MEMORY VERSE: “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

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THE SHEPHERDS pdf – preteen and teen Bible lesson

BIBLE STUDY NOTES FOR TEENS

In Luke 2:8-20, we see the story of Jesus’ birth from the shepherds’ perspective. This passage provides a rich and detailed picture of what happened that night and how it affected them forever.

KEY POINTS FROM THE PASSAGE

1. GOD CARES ABOUT THE LOWLY AND FORSAKEN – LUKE 2:8

The Bible is full of stories about shepherds. From the story of Moses to David tending his father’s sheep to Jesus being born in a stable and visited by shepherds.

We tend to glamorize the image of the shepherd. They played an essential role in the community. They were responsible for the care of the sheep, yet they were not held in high regard and were often looked down upon.

In Jesus’ day, shepherds were not well-liked by the people. In fact, they were often associated with thieves and criminals. They were considered unclean and not allowed to enter the temple. This is because they were constantly in contact with animals which were unclean.

Shepherds were a needed but not respected part of society.

On the night that Jesus was born, the first people the angels appeared to were the shepherds. This is a significant event because it shows that God cares for all people, even those considered lowly and unimportant. The angel tells the shepherds that a Saviour has been born and that they should go and find Him. The angel brought good news for those shepherds on the margins of society.

The gospel is full of good news for all people, regardless of place in society. God does not overlook people who are ignored by the world.

2. THE BIRTH OF THE SAVIOUR – LUKE 2:11

The shepherds were out in the fields, doing their job, when suddenly, the night was lit up by the glory of God. The angels appeared to them and proclaimed the birth of the Saviour. The shepherds were terrified at first, but the angels reassured them and told them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The birth of Jesus Christ is good news. It is the story of God’s love for us and His plan to save us from our sins. It is the story of hope and redemption.

The angels were sent from heaven with a special announcement: the Saviour was born! It was the fulfilment of the promises made long ago. The wait was over. Jesus is Saviour, Messiah, and Lord. He is the only one who can save us from our sins and give us eternal life.

3. QUICK TO OBEY AND WORSHIP THE SAVIOUR – LUKE 2:15-16

The shepherds quickly responded to the angel’s call, coming to worship the Saviour. This was a special moment for them, as they were the first to witness the birth of Jesus.

Verse 16 says, ” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

The shepherds stopped what they were doing and quickly obeyed the angel’s message.

In our daily lives, it’s easy to make excuses for why we can’t do something. We tell ourselves that we’re too busy, not the right person or don’t have the time. But when it comes to obeying God, we should follow the shepherds’ example and obey quickly.

Imagine if the shepherds had said they were too busy to see Jesus. The shepherds were probably busy with their everyday tasks when the angels appeared to them. But when they were told about the birth of the Saviour, they went immediately.

When it comes to obeying God, there is no question that we should always do it quickly. We will never miss out when we follow God.

4. TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS – LUKE 2:17-20

The shepherds returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It was a miraculous night, and they were glad to have been part of it. They told everyone they met about the baby born in a stable and how the angels had visited them.

The shepherds were not only the first to see the Messiah, but they were also the first to tell others about Him. What a joy it was to be able to tell others the good news that the Saviour was here!

As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. It can be easy to be shy or hesitant when discussing our faith, but it is vital that we do not keep the gospel to ourselves. When we share the love of Christ with others, we have the opportunity to lead them to the Saviour.

If we’ve met Jesus personally as Saviour, then we know how life-changing this experience would have been for the Shepherds. Our hearts and mouths should overflow with news of Him and what He has done in our lives. It’s a privilege to share the good news of Jesus.

YOUTH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE SHEPHERDS

QUICK TO OBEY

The shepherds were quick to obey and hurried to Bethlehem.
In this game, the group leader shouts the name of an item that can be found somewhere in the building.
For example, a tea bag or a green pencil.
Each player must then try to be the first to return to the leader with that item.
To make the game more challenging, give cryptic clues rather than naming the actual item.
e.g. Clue: The more I dry the wetter I become, what am I? Answer: Towel

FIND THE SHEEP

Choose two players. One player will be the Shepherd while the other is the sheep.
Place a blindfold on the shepherd. Next quietly move the sheep to somewhere in the room.
Have the shepherd spin around a few times.
The sheep should make a ‘baa’ noise while the shepherd tries to find them.

COLLECT THE SHEEP

Blow up some balloons. Tell the group to pretend that they are sheep.
Pick one player to be a shepherd.
They must try to collect all the sheep (balloons) and place them safe into an area marked ‘the pen.’
All other players can knock or blow the balloon not in the pen around the room.
The Shepherd to put all the sheep safely into the pen the fastest wins.