Why Shepherds? (feat. Diana Likens)

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and Diana continue their Christmas series with a thoughtful and engaging discussion that begins with lighthearted banter about favorite Christmas movies before turning to deeper biblical questions. Picking up from last week’s teaser, they explore why the announcement of Jesus’ birth was made to shepherds and why Bethlehem was chosen as His birthplace. Along the way, they challenge common assumptions and stress the importance of understanding Scripture within its historical and cultural context rather than relying on tradition alone.

The conversation highlights the rich symbolism surrounding the shepherds and Bethlehem. Pastor Justin explains how shepherds were uniquely positioned to recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God, connecting His birth to Old Testament themes of sacrifice, including Abraham and Isaac and the showing that God would ultimately provide Himself as the true Lamb. They also discuss how the sheep raised near Bethlehem were destined for Passover sacrifices, underscoring that even the location of Jesus’ birth pointed forward to His role as the sin-bearing substitute. These details reveal that the incarnation was purposeful in every way, from the announcement to the audience who first heard it.

The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on hope, trust, and God’s sovereignty. Justin and Diana examine the symbolism of the swaddling cloths, the manger, and the meaning of Bethlehem as the “house of bread,” tying Jesus’ birth directly to His mission to give life to the world. They encourage listeners to trust God’s purposes—even when they are unclear—and to rest in the truth that the Judge of all the earth always does what is right. The episode closes with a teaser for next week’s discussion on the Magi and why they traveled from the East to worship the newborn King.